Writing the Adaptation (365-0-20)
Instructors
Ariel Stess
Meeting Info
Annie May Swift Hall 109: 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.
Registration Requirements
Completion of RTVF 260 - Foundations of Screenwriting.
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
Teaching Method
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 total). Graduate students may write up to 60 pages total.
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, Amazon Prime or Apple TV (use Apple TV or AP -
$1.99-$2.99 for the required pilot episode - Conversations with Friends, ep. 1)
● Internet access, NU email/account, and word processing program or screenwriting
software
● Access to laptop to bring to each class and for writing/formatting scripts, completing writing
assignments, viewing films, and reading scripts
Class Notes
Students will need to be able to bring a laptop to each class to read scripts aloud together.
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