Screenwriting (Grades 9-12) Mondays 7pm EST
Screenwriting (Grades 9-12) Mondays 7pm EST
Length: 9 Weeks
Instructor: Ferrell
Grades: 9-12
Screenwriting (Grades 9-12)
Course Description:
This is a multi-week course designed for students ages 13-18 who are interested in exploring the art of screenwriting. This class will provide a supportive and creative environment for young writers to learn the basics of screenwriting and to develop their own unique voice as a screenwriter.
Each week, students will be introduced to a new screenwriting concept through a combination of lectures, group discussions, writing exercises, and workshop sessions. Some of the topics we will cover include character development, plot structure, dialogue, formatting, and visual storytelling.
In addition to learning about screenwriting techniques, students will have the opportunity to work on their own short screenplays, which they will have the chance to share with the class for feedback and discussion.
Learning Goals:
Students will be able to:
Understand and apply the basic principles of screenwriting, including character development, plot structure, dialogue, and formatting.
Develop and articulate their own unique voice as a screenwriter through various writing exercises and assignments.
Create a comprehensive story map that establishes time, place, and theme, and identifies a major dramatic question.
Form a diverse cast of characters with clear objectives, ensuring each character is dimensional and contributes to the story.
Format a screenplay correctly, including the use of effective script descriptions and scene headings.
Construct a well-plotted screenplay with a clear beginning, middle, and end, utilizing effective scene mapping techniques.
Write compelling and character-driven dialogue that enhances the narrative and reveals character traits.
Develop a strong plot with an engaging opening, a well-maintained Act II, and a satisfying climax, incorporating flashbacks where appropriate.
Integrate subplots into the main narrative, ensuring they support and enhance the overall story.
Revise and refine their screenplays based on constructive feedback, demonstrating an understanding of the revision process and its importance in screenwriting.
Course Schedule:
Week | Topics |
Week 1 | Introduction to Screenwriting The visual aspect of film. Where to find inspiration. The usefulness of outlines. |
Week 2 | Story-mapping Establishing time, place, and theme. Finding a major dramatic question. |
Week 3 | Characters Forming a cast of characters and finding objectives. The protagonist, the antagonist, the other roles. Making characters dimensional. |
Week 4 | Format How to format a screenplay and write effective script descriptions. |
Week 5 | Scene Finding the plot of the story. Mapping out the events of the story; the beginning, the middle, and the end in an outline. What makes a good scene. |
Week 6 | Dialogue Characterization through dialogue. Stage directions. |
Week 7 | Plot How to create an effective opening of a script. How to keep going strong in Act II. Creating an effective climax. How flashbacks can be used. |
Week 8 | Subplot Subplot structure. Identifying subplots in your story. |
Week 9 | Revision Readings, adjustments in performance, constructive feedback. |