Foundations of Screenwriting

Instructors

• Anthony Ross Werner

Meeting Info

• Wieboldt Hall 504 - Tu 6:15PM - 9:15PM

Overview of class

• This course is an introduction to the writing and revising of screenplays. We will discover how core concepts of character, structure, plot, theme and tone interact within existing and emerging media and explore how to utilize these concepts to express personal vision. The course will focus primarily on the beginning writer's toolkit.
  
  We will begin this course with an examination of cinematic story structure, discussing idea generation and visual storytelling; characterization and relationships; form and genre; and conflict, obstacles, and stakes. Following that, we will study the finer tools of beginnings and endings; scenic design and choice; and dialogue, subtext, and exposition. There will be in-class viewings of select scenes from classic and contemporary films, followed by discussion. In addition to brief writing assignments, students will craft a short logline, a one-page step-outline, and the first act of a feature film.

Teaching Method

• Class participationDiscussionFilms / videosReadingsWriting assignments

Evaluation Method

• Attendance: 20%
  Class participation: 25%
  Project, final: Logline, step outline, and Act 1 of your final script -- 30%
  Writing assignments: Short 1-page writing assignments -- 25%
  

Class Materials (Required)

• Readings will likely be based on the following list:
  -Handouts and Blackboard course site postings.
  - Howard, David. How to Build a Great Screenplay. New York: St. Martin's Griffin: 2006. ISBN 978-0312352622.

Current as of 05/03/13 12:58:11 PM

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