Advanced Feature Writing II

Catalog description

A year-long advanced screenwriting workshop in which students will have the opportunity to write and re-write a feature length screenplay. As well as completing their own work, students will be required to read and critique (via class discussion and written notes) each other’s work throughout both semesters. The overall structure of the class will mirror the real world experience of working writers. Students will be asked to come up with an idea for a feature length script, pitch the idea, do any needed research, then proceed to a step-outline, treatment, and complete first draft. The second semester will be devoted to re-writing the script to achieve a marketable and producible screenplay. To that end, the class will also deal with the “business” of writing. Industry guests will be invited in to discuss agents, managers, options, Writers Guild membership, entertainment attorneys, contracts, etc. This class is only open to those students who have completed their three required writing classes and who have written at least one feature screenplay. Admission is by permission of the instructor, the department chair, or the executive director of writing studies.