Topics in Media Writing (360-0-24)

Topic

Writing the Digital Series

Instructors

Patrick M Wimp

Meeting Info

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

Overview of class

The digital short series takes a unique place in the film and television landscape. It can be used as a stepping stone to many larger successful streaming and TV episodic series, or produced and distributed as a stand-alone storytelling form.

In "Writing the Digital Series" students will work on original, digital short series concepts that are positioned to take advantage of these opportunities. The class will work individually and as a group to shape multiple episodes that would be consider ‘ready for production' at the end of the quarter.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to do the following:

1. Develop an original creative idea specifically tailored for digital series/new media.
2. Convey the top level creative details of their concept in the form of a Series/Show Bible
3. Craft screenplays for multiple episodes of the digital series
4. Create believable characters, organic dialogue, and motivated action
5. Better collaborate with other writers in a writers room-style creative environment
6. Evaluate short form scripts for production and commercial viability

Teaching Method

Lecture, Discussion, Writing Assignments

Evaluation Method

Participation, Writing Assignments

Class Materials (Required)

Screenwriting Software

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Students must have completed RTVF 260-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed) or students in Writing: MFA or Documentary Media: MFA programs