Full Length Project (564-0-20)
Instructors
Tracey Scott Wilson
Meeting Info
Annie May Swift Hall 109: Mon 3:00PM - 5:50PM
Overview of class
RTVF 564 is the first in a sequence of three workshop courses for 2nd year MFA students. 564 is
an advanced writing workshop—an opportunity for us to examine together the craft of writing
and the creative process, as well as the most pressing artistic, professional, and political issues
facing us as writers today. It is also an opportunity for you to workshop and revise a single piece
over multiple quarters and with different professors. After completion of all three courses in the
thesis sequence, each of you will have created, revised, presented, and defended an original
thesis script—at least one significant full-length project for film, theater, or television.
Specifically, you will come in with a first draft of your thesis. Together, we will develop a
reading/watching list related to your script, analyze a related work from a structural, tone, and/or
"intention" perspective. You will give and receive feedback from your classmates. We will
discuss how one processes feedback and makes a plan for revising. You will develop a logline
and artist's statement. In the second half, you will work with a director, and present a draft of
your script with actors in front of an audience. You will reflect on your experiences working
with a director, and hearing your work in front of an audience, and once again, receive/give
feedback to classmates, and make a plan for revision going into quarter 2 (565).
Learning Objectives
To learn how to develop a full-length project, including processing feedback, making a plan for
revising, and working with a director.
Teaching Method
Lectures, reading assignments, discussion, in-class writing assignments, viewing of short films
and selected film/TV clips, analysis of screenplays, and workshopping. Above all else, the
environment will be a supportive one, and students will be encouraged to participate in a
community marked by an atmosphere of collaboration.
Class Materials (Required)
Texts/Films/Plays related to work you are writing. If you develop a list during the summer, I can
put a lot of material on course reserves. If developed later, you will be responsible for renting or
buying. I don't see the investment in the course being more than $75-100.
A working computer, NU email/account, word processing program (ideally Final Draft, but
however you can get your work to look like a screenplay or teleplay).
Class Materials (Suggested)
Good internet. Talk to me if internet, space, or streaming is a problem.
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Registration is reserved for Writing: MFA Students.
Add Consent: Department Consent Required