MM 270
Writing for Multimedia - Team Script Writing Project

Team Script Writing Project: Coliteration (25 points)

Coliteration is a shared writing experience. The goal for Part 1 of this assignment is to work as a team to complete a short screenplay based on a defined concept drawn at random. This somewhat replicates the concept of the 48 Hour Film Project, except that you will have more than 48 hours to work on it, and you only have to complete the written linear narrative script.

Each team member will write a section, then pass it along to the next team member. Revisions are not required at this point.

You will be assigned a team at random by the instructor and trade email addresses. Prior to leaving class, be sure to decide which Choice (below) you prefer and the 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 instructor will play the role of instructor and also Executive Producer. Along with technical issues and objective grading, you will be graded on subjective criteria: does it work, is there an interest conflict, will it sell, etc.

Choice 1: Ethical Dilemma

The Setup: Your script will be about three people (three main characters) who must deal with some ethical or moral dilemma. It should be some kind of drama, but it can include action. 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. This doesn't necessarily have to be a complete script, and this dilemma can be one section of a longer, feature-length script. Tension is critical here and the Executive Producer (your instructor) will be the ultimate judge of whether or not the tension works.

Choice 2: Sitcom

The Setup: This is an episode of a situation comedy (aka sitcom). Your script should have an A plot and a B plot and a minimum of 4 main characters and as many supporting characters as you think are needed. A Hook is not necessarily required although you may want to consider a clever hook to start the show. The dialogue and scenes should move along quickly and it should be funny. Of course, humor is subjective -- but not THAT subjective. Did I mention, it should be funny? The Executive Producer (your instructor) will be the ultimate judge of whether it's funny or not.

Grading

Your grade for either choice is primarily based on

  1. your proper use of script-writing techniques (all writers)
  2. your ability to establish characters, theme, plot, setting (first writer)
  3. your ability to set up conflict (first writer and middle writers)
  4. your ability to follow and maintain a theme (middle writers)
  5. your ability to advance a plot forward (middle writers)
  6. your ability to conclude an idea and tie up all the loose ends of all conflicts (final writer)

The finished product from Part 1 should contain the following features:

  1. Use Times New Roman font, 12 point, left margin 1.25", right, top and bottom margin 1". You should include a header with your names and a footer with page numbers.
  2. Be no more than 30 minutes (30 to 40 pages approximately). It can be shorter.
  3. Name, shade or somehow identify which section is yours.
  4. 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...")
  5. The first writer should establish at least one conflict and delay resolving the conflict (let another writer do that).
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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 Part 1 Jane Doe, Maria Gonzales, John Jacob, etc.

 

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