Topics in Media Writing (360-0-22)

Topic

Writing Unreliable Narrators

Instructors

Ariel Stess

Meeting Info

Annie May Swift Hall 219: Tues 12:00PM - 2:50PM

Overview of class

Narrators who are unreliable are a fixture in contemporary storytelling. How can we use our characters' flawed and often untrustworthy perspectives to create suspenseful dramatic and comedic works? In this class, students will use unreliable narration to write a compelling tv pilot, short screenplay, or one-act play.

The course will be workshop-centered with a focus on developing collaborative skills within a writers' room-style environment. Each student will create characters and design stories that generate suspense or humor through unreliable narration. There will be weekly assignments, which include writing assignments, readings, presentations, and viewing films/television.

Registration Requirements

Completion of RTVF 260 - Foundations of Screenwriting

Learning Objectives

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

1. Develop an original tv pilot, short film, or one-act play
2. Develop complex unreliable narrators
3. Create dynamic action and suspenseful and/or comedic storylines
4. Develop collaborative skills that serve writers within a workshop and writers' room setting

Class Materials (Required)

• Subscription or access to Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu • Readings will be posted on CANVAS • Internet access, NU email/account, and screenwriting software or word processing program • Access to computer/laptop for writing/formatting scripts, completing writing assignments, viewing films, and reading

Class Notes

Students will need to bring a laptop to each class for reading scripts together in class.

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 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