Course coordinator
Associate Professor Venero Armanno
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
This course will introduce students to the basic skills of feature film screenwriting.
WRIT2120 will introduce beginning scriptwriters to the basic skills of writing for the screen using the industrial Hollywood feature film as our model.ﾠThe course will cover prerequisites such asﾠthe industry-accepted standard format of film scripts andﾠhow to work with the shorthand of film narrative. Students will be introducedﾠto theﾠbasics of creating interesting and viable screen-based characters; the theory and use of narrative film structure; sustaining the suspension of disbelief; developing plot and theme; the use of settings and timeframes; understanding narrative pacing through the accumulation of scenes into sequences and sub-story arcs; the importance of genre;ﾠand many crucial issues to do with the business of scriptwriting and production.
The course is practice-oriented in the writing of feature films. WRIT2120 will not cover documentaries or television series/soaps/TV mini series -- nor can work inﾠthese forms be submitted for assessment.
As part of this course students will be asked to analyse a number of films or film sequences as well as to develop their own screenplay "Treatment" as a precursor to writing sections of their film ideas. This will involve regular scriptwriting exercises as part of the seminar and tutorial program. Attendance at these classes is mandatory and recorded. Writings developed in classes will be expected to be expanded upon in students' own time and will form the basis of several components of assessment.
The assessment program for the course follows the typical stages of feature film development, though the University's word count & time limitations will only allow us to complete smaller versions of what would be much larger and more comprehensive tasks:
1. The Screenplay Pitch
2. The Screenplay Treatment
3. The Screenplay Draft
Important Note: in all three of the assessment tasks above an understanding and proper usage of industry-standard screenplay formatting is essential and will be assessed. There is to be no AI-assisted writing whatsoever.
Your seminar leader is Associate Professor Venero Armanno, a nationally and internationally published author of award-winning stories, anthologies and novels. He is also a trained screenwriter and has worked with many of Australia's top film producers.
Our classes will emphasise the presentation and workshopping of students' film ideas and film treatments. Students should therefore be willing to participate in workshopping their personal creative material in a public forum.ﾠIfﾠstudents are notﾠwilling to participate in workshopping their personal creative material in a seminar's forumﾠthey should not take this course.ﾠ
ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
While this is an introductory screenwritingﾠcourse, which ﾠassumes little or no prior knowledge ﾠofﾠ screenwriting other than an interest in feature film, itﾠis a second-level writing course. This means ﾠstudents are expected to have excellent language communication skills, and an understanding of the basics of storytelling and ofﾠcreative writing (character, structure, plot, theme, setting, etc).
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
4 units of BA list courses
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
WRIT6120
Restrictions
Course offering may be cancelled unless a minimum of 20 students enrol.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Venero Armanno
Guest lecturer
Mr Shayne Armstrong
Ms Edwina Shaw
Tutor
Mr Shayne Armstrong
Ms Edwina Shaw
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
The course aims to give students an understanding of the nature and possibilities of writing for feature films and to develop skills in the craft of scriptwriting. This will be achieved through writing, study and practice. The focus of the program this semester will be on the most popular common denominator: the 3-act Hollywood feature film. ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand what a screenplay is and what it is meant to do.
LO2.
Identify and understand the components of a screenplay.
LO3.
Plan, prepare and create a screenplay.
LO4.
Edit, revise & further develop your screenplay.
LO5.
Understand the professional practice of screenwriting in the film world.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Course Participation
|
10% |
24/02/2025 - 26/05/2025 |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Reflection | Short Pitch Document | 10% 400 words |
28/03/2025 4:00 pm
Submit via Blackboard |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Reflection | Film Treatment | 30% 1000 words |
2/05/2025 4:00 pm
Submit via Blackboard |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Reflection | Screenplay Assignment | 50% 2600 words |
30/05/2025 4:00 pm
Submit via Blackboard |
Assessment details
Course Participation
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
24/02/2025 - 26/05/2025
Task description
All students are expected to participate in and engage with the life of the course. During the semester you will be assessed on this active participation by completing ten in-class short-form writing tasks. These writing tasks will be given to you in the seminars and tutorials and will be completed before the end of that seminar or tutorial. If you need to miss a seminar or tutorial for acceptable medical or personal reasons and you want to make up the participation grade, you should email the course staff, explain the circumstances, and make alternative arrangements for you to complete that week's writing task work.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Participate in class.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Please note: this is a class assessment item and students are NOT able to apply for an extension via the Unitask portal. Please contact your course coordinator directly to see if alternative arrangements are available.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Short Pitch Document
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Reflection
- Weight
- 10% 400 words
- Due date
28/03/2025 4:00 pm
Submit via Blackboard
Task description
Prepare a Short Pitch Document
The short pitch document should be approximately 400 words (+ or - 10%) and include information using the following headings:
- PROJECT TITLE
- LOGLINE (1 to 2 sentences only),
- COMPARATIVE SHORT PITCH (1 sentence only)
- One paragraph description of the STORYLINE.
- PERSONAL CREATIVE STATEMENT (this should be about 150 words)
Guidelines for Assignment 1 will be available via BlackBoard and discussed in classes.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via the "Assignment 1: Short Pitch Document" tab in BlackBoard.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Film Treatment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Reflection
- Weight
- 30% 1000 words
- Due date
2/05/2025 4:00 pm
Submit via Blackboard
Task description
Write a 1000-word Film Treatment (+ or - 10%) for your own short film or feature film idea following the conventions and guidelines provided during the course program. An information sheet with guidelines specific to Assignment 2 will be available via BlackBoard and discussed in classes.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via the "Assignment 2: Film Treatment" tab in BlackBoard.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Screenplay Assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Reflection
- Weight
- 50% 2600 words
- Due date
30/05/2025 4:00 pm
Submit via Blackboard
Task description
Your Screenplay: based on your film treatment and other work, write either
(a) Your entire short film (for short films excerpts not allowed, it must be for the short film complete), or
(b) the first 2600 words of your screenplay (+ or - 10%), remembering always that one screenplay page roughly equals one minute of screen time.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Criteria & Marking:
In the first instance your final Screenplay assignment will be graded on its compliance with the correct screenplay format and requirements set out during the course.
Other marking criteria are:
- Originality & Filmic Qualities
- Structure & Plot
- Characterisation
- Writing Craft & Mechanics
(Note: all criteria do not have equal weight. You can check this assessment item’s rubric in BlackBoard)
Submission:
Submit via the "Assignment 3: Screenplay" tab in BlackBoard.
Submission guidelines
Submit via the "Assignment 3: Screenplay" tab in BlackBoard.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
During lectures, students will view portions of selected films in order to illustrate various film writing techniques.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 1 - Your Screenwriting Journey Begins In this seminar we will provide an introduction to the Screenwriting course & begin to look at the various important elements of the contemporary screenplay. |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 2 - Screen Narrative & Understanding Your First Assignment In this seminar we will i) Examine the way stories are told on screen, and ii) Introduce the various elements of your first assignment, the Short Pitch Document - what it is, what you need to do, and how it should be completed. |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 3 - Screen Narrative (cont.) This week we will continue to study Screen Narrative and give students the opportunity to workshop their first thoughts about the Short Pitch Document. |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 4 - Structure, The Midpoint, Loglines & The Short Pitch Assignment. Continuing with our examination of a feature film's structure, this week we concentrate on understanding the Inciting Incident and the screenplay Midpoint. We also discuss the requirements for your first assignment. |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 5 - Screen Characterisation & Dialogue How do screenwriters develop effective screen characterisations and use dialogue to serve the deepest needs of a screenplay? |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Seminar |
Week 6 - The Film Treatment & Understanding Your Second Assignment The best foundations of a screenplay's story and structural development can be inside the Film Treatment. So what is this document, why is it so crucial, and what are its elements? In our final group seminar we will examine the film treatment and explain how you will develop your own as you head toward writing and submitting your second assignment. |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Week 7 - Screen Adaptations From Week 7 our course moves into a tutorial format. In each tutorial you will be given individual and group writing exercises, and provided with time to workshop your screenplay ideas. This week's tutorials will investigate Screen Adaptations - a crucial (and profitable) screenwriting skill. |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Week 8 - The Importance of Genre We will consider the importance of understanding Genre in screenwriting terms, with a focus on Crime and Horror. You will also be given individual and group writing exercises, and provided with time to workshop your screenplay ideas. |
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Tutorial |
Week 9 - Screenwriting Tips & Tricks This week we learn expert tips and tricks to get the most out of your screenwriting work, and continue with writing exercises and workshopping. |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 10 - Self-Directed Learning No classes this week due to the Labor Day Public Holiday (5 May 2025). Work on your final assignment. |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Tutorial |
Week 11 - Low Budget Filmmaking How to approach making a low budget movie, plus workshopping your screenplay drafts. |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Seminar |
Week 12 - Final Group Seminar/Course Wrap-up In our final session for the semester all students will come together for a final seminar wrapping up the course, and in which you will have one more opportunity to workshop your screenplay and discuss it with your tutors. |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 13 - No scheduled classes |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module.
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.