Topics in Media Writing (360-0-21)

Topic

Interactive/Branching Narratives

Instructors

Jessica Lauren Smith

Meeting Info

Annie May Swift Hall 109: Mon 6:00PM - 8:50PM

Overview of class

From the choose-your-own-adventure books of the 80s to the increasing number of interactive films and TV shows now available on Netflix, branching narratives offer a sense of control to the audience and an exciting challenge to writers. In this course, students will explore various approaches to writing multi-pathed work for film, theatre, and other media, as well as the thematic and practical implications of audience choice. Students will also learn technical strategies to create a compelling, coherent branching script. Prerequisite: RTVF 260.

Learning Objectives

Students will work on multiple writing and research assignments that
will culminate in the completion of a short, branching script.

Teaching Method

Lecture, discussion, in-class writing exercises, in-class workshop of student assignments; reading, viewing, listening, game-playing, and writing assignments.

Class Materials (Required)

The Abominable Snowman: Choose Your Own Adventure (ISBN: 978-1933390017) ($6.99 on Amazon)
Netflix subscription ($9.99/month)
Her Story game ($1.99 to $19.99, app store or Steam)
Firewatch game ($19.99 on Steam)
Apple or Android smartphone with ≈20GB available download space
Computer with modern internet browser
Misc. other interactive narrative apps, audio, and scripts (no cost)

Class Materials (Suggested)

Scriptwriting software (such as Final Draft)

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Students must have completed RTVF 260-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed) Students must have completed RTVF 260-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed)