Topics in Media Writing (360-0-25)

Topic

Writing Spies, Heists & the Summer Blockbuster

Instructors

Oona Wynne O'Leary

Meeting Info

Annie May Swift Hall 219: Tues 6:00PM - 8:50PM

Overview of class

Your mission, should you choose to accept it…

Clear your mind of all budgetary concerns and go for broke. This class will be a high-stakes exploration of bold, fun action movies. By honing in on spy/espionage stories, and its cousin the heist movie, students will learn how to write action descriptions that jump off the page, complex protagonists in a plot-driven storyline, and the importance of an equally engaging antagonist.

We'll discuss the history of this genre, its enduring legacy, modern takes, and all the tropes along the way. In doing so, we'll learn how to subvert audience expectations, use the medium for social/political commentary, and/or mix it with other styles (horror, comedy, etc.). News articles will be brought in and discussed as potential plot devices.

Assignments will include in-class writing exercises; drafting a thorough outline with weekly check-ins; and the first 30 pages of an original pilot or feature as the final. Please no self-destructing scripts.

Class Materials (Required)

PDFs of essays, scripts, articles will be provided. Access to streaming services may be necessary. Tactical Turtleneck in black or a slightly darker black optional.

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)