Foundations of Screenwriting (260-0-20)

Instructors

Ariel Stess

Meeting Info

Annie May Swift Hall 219: Mon 9:00AM - 11:50AM

Overview of class

This course will provide students with a working knowledge of the fundamentals of screenwriting. Students will learn how core concepts of character, structure, plot, theme, setting, and tone work together on the page to create narrative. Students will explore these concepts and their practice in film, as well as how they might utilize these concepts to express their personal voice and vision.

Learning Objectives

1. Write polished short screenplays
2. Understand how core concepts of character, structure, plot, theme, setting, and tone work together to create narrative
3. Articulate and develop their personal voice and vision
4. Develop collaborative skills and feedback vocabularies that serve writers within a workshop and writers' room setting

Evaluation Method

Films/videos
Presentations
Readings
Writing assignments

Class Materials (Required)

Writing Short Films: Structure and Content for Screenwriters (2nd Edition)
by Linda J. Cowgill; (ISBN #: 1-58065-063-5); (cost: $19.95)
● Additional readings available online via CANVAS
● Each student will be responsible for printing/copying up to 273 script pages during the quarter
● Internet access, access to laptop or computer, NU email/account, word processing program, and xeroxing of materials required for writing workshop and class discussion