Fundamentals of Screenwriting

Catalog description

This course for the beginning screenwriter introduces the tools, vocabulary, and techniques used to tell a screen story and put an original idea into outline form. Assignments illustrate basic three-act structure, economical use of dialogue, visual storytelling elements, development of complex characters, revelation of background information, and effective use of dramatic tension. Students become familiar with screenwriting terminology as scenes from well-known films are analyzed on video to reveal structural elements in the writing. By the end of the course, each student will have developed an original idea into a detailed step outline for a feature-length screenplay and written the opening scene.