Topics in Media Writing (360-0-22)
Topic
Writing Teen-Centered Film/TV
Instructors
Ariel Stess
Meeting Info
Annie May Swift Hall 219: Tues 12:00PM - 2:50PM
Overview of class
Narratives about teens are thrilling, complex, and widely popular. In this class, students will tap into their experience of being a teen, explore and subvert dramatic and comedic tropes, and write exciting teen-centered stories for television and film.
The course will be workshop-centered with a focus on developing collaborative skills within a writers' room-style environment. Each student will develop storylines that center the complicated, dynamic lives of teenagers. There will be weekly assignments, which include writing assignments, readings, presentations, and viewing films/television.
By the end of the quarter, each student will have created a complete short film or tv pilot (22-30 pages). Graduate students may choose to write up to 60 pages.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to do the following:
1. Develop an original tv pilot or short film
2. Develop complex main characters who are teens
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 Netflix and Hulu
• Readings will be posted on CANVAS
• Internet access, NU email/account, and screenwriting software or word processing program
• Access to laptop to bring to each class and for writing/formatting scripts, completing writing assignments, viewing films, presenting on a work, and reading. Students will need to bring their laptop to class for all classes for script workshops
Class Notes
Students should bring a laptop to every class.
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