Screenwriting I

Catalog description

This course introduces students to techniques for finding story ideas and for developing them in a variety of script formats. It aims to provide approaches to writing screenplays drawing from the writer's own life experiences and direct observations; to facilitate a deeper understanding of the screenwriting process and writing for an audience; to teach students the elements and structure of Western drama as applied to short screenplay form, including character, story/plot and cause/effect structure; to assist in developing systematic work habits to carry the student from conception to idea development through revisions to polishing scenes/scripts; and to provide students with the opportunity for critique of their screenwriting. Students learn to write in treatment form as well as shot outline, split script, and master scene formats.