MM 270
Writing for Multimedia

Team Project: Coliteration (25 points)

Ethical Dilemma

Coliteration is a shared writing experience. The goal for this assignment is to work as a team to complete a short screenplay based on a defined concept and written as a linear narrative script. Each team member will write a section, then pass it along to the next team member. Due to the limited time of this class, you will not be required to revise your section, however, subsequent writers may choose to do this for you. If the team agrees and if time allows, you can revise sections and pass the script around for review and rewrite.

You will be assigned a team at random by the instructor and trade email addresses. Prior to leaving class, be sure to decide which order you will follow when you pass the screenplay along (in other words, who gives it to you and who you give it to when you finish your section).

The Setup: Your script will be about three people (three main characters) who must deal with some ethical or moral dilemma. Although this is an ethical or moral dilemma, it does not have to be a drama. The relationship between the individuals must be defined in the script through the dialogue. All three characters do not need to be in all scenes, however, they must all contribute something substantial to the plot. You may use other supporting characters as necessary.

Your grade is primarily based on

  1. your proper use of script-writing techniques (8 points)
  2. your ability to start or follow and maintain a theme (6 points)
  3. and your ability to advance a plot forward (6 points)

The assignment should contain the following features :

  1. Be no more than 30 minutes (30 to 40 pages approximately). It can be shorter.
  2. Name, shade or somehow identify which section is yours.
  3. The first writer should establish the characters and begin the theme. It should be clear to the readers the nature of the relationship between the characters based on the dialogue and limited action lines. (Note: don't SAY what the relationship is in action lines, unless you say something brief like "Joe, Mary's husband...")
  4. The first writer should establish at least one conflict and delay resolving the conflict (let another writer do that).
  5. All subsequent writers should follow the theme and advance the plot forward. You can set up and knock down minor conflicts in your sections, but delay resolving the major conflict. The best idea is to enhance the major conflict or add other related conflicts.
  6. The final writer should resolve the major conflicts and end the screenplay -- a good cliff-hanger is ok, as long as it is a clear breaking point.
  7. The final writer should send the instructor an email message with the completed assignment attached in Word document format. It should include a subject like:
    MM 270 Team Project Jane Doe, Maria Gonzales, John Jacob, etc.

 

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