Writing the Adaptation (365-0-20)
Instructors
Tracey Scott Wilson
Meeting Info
Annie May Swift Hall 219: Mon 12:00PM - 2:50PM
Overview of class
In this class, we will examine the rich and complicated relationship between source material and adaptation through writing our own TV, film, or play adaptations. We will engage with contemporary adaptations to immerse ourselves in the process of translating a work's story, characters, and themes into a new medium.
The course will be workshop centered. Each writer will workshop a one-act play, short film, or TV pilot. There will be weekly assignments, which will include readings, viewing films and television episodes, and writing assignments. By the end of the quarter, each student will have created a complete one-act play, short film, or TV pilot (22-30 pages). Graduate students may write up to 60 pages.
Learning Objectives
1. Create an original adaptation for the stage or screen
2. Analyze source material for dynamic storylines and characters
3. Determine the medium best-suited to the source material
4. Articulate your motivation for adapting the source material
5. Develop collaborative skills and feedback vocabularies that serve writers within a workshop and writers' room setting
Class Materials (Required)
● Readings will be posted on CANVAS or available via eBook Course Reserves
● Films are available for viewing online via CANVAS
● Access or subscription to Hulu and HBO (HBO Max)
● Internet access, NU email/account, and word processing program or screenwriting software
● Access to computer/laptop for writing/formatting scripts, completing writing assignments, viewing films, and reading scripts
● Each student will be responsible for printing/copying up to 390 pages during the quarter
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for RTVF Majors with the RTVF 260-0 prerequisite or students in Writing: MFA or Documentary Media: MFA programs until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone with the prerequisite.”
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