Writing Features -- An Introduction Instructor: Michele Adams Sept 20 to Nov. 8, 2008, Saturdays, 12 - 4Writing Features - An Introduction
Want to write for the movies? A feature script is an exciting creative achievement - itís also a lot more than a great idea. Screenwriters must develop special skills to connect the images, emotions and words that will bring their unique visions to life on the page.
In this eight week workshop, we will explore the basics of screenwriting as you work ahead on your own feature project. The course will begin with examinations of idea development, research, genres, creation of character, arcs, outlining and treatments, scene structure, evocative writing, and the importance of visual style in your screenplay. Exemplary film excerpts will be screened to support and illustrate, and participants will be encouraged to pitch their story ideas and begin work towards completion of a first draft. Opening sequences (15 pp) of participantsíscreenplays will be workshopped in class with special focus on the creation of an engaging protagonist and the delineation of dramatic conflict. By the end of the course, participants will have achieved a deeper understanding of screenwriting practice and be on their way to completing a feature script.
Course Aims
- To help you develop an understanding of screenwriting basics
- To support your creation of a feature screenplay
- To develop your ability to participate in critical workshopping of your own and other writers' work
- To encourage critical self-awareness and an inquiring, analytical, creative approach to your work
- To kick-start your development as a screenwriter
Course Breakdown
Week 1
Introductions: Writing for a visual, dramatic & reality-based medium / Project Intros / Finding your story...treatment-scenario writing
Week 2
Story Structure Basics: Conflict & Resolution / Screenplay Formatting / Workshop reading and critiquing etiquette review
Week 3
Story structure - the elements: Acts, Sequences, Scenes
Opening Sequence Readings
Week 4
What's your story? / Loglining
Opening Sequence Readings
Week 5
Logline Review - Developing a sense of audience
Opening Sequence Readings
Week 6
Character - Protagonist, Antagonist, Major, Secondary
Opening Sequence Readings
Week 7
Dialogue - Creating varied, lifelike, individual voices
Formatting for Feature Screenplays Revisited - Q & A
Opening Sequence Readings
Week 8
Rewriting - Strategies for Second Drafts
Opening Sequence Readings
Please note this is a PROPOSED SCHEDULE dependent on variables including class experience level, size, interests, etc. Some aspects of organization and content may be modified as we move forward.
Refund Policy
$100 cancellation fee prior to September 13, 2008. $150 September 13. No refund after September 27.