Screenwriting/Visual Storytelling

Writing is a craft. As with most crafts, skills improve with practice. This course will present the mechanical skills necessary to prepare scripts for television and film, using the standard, industry-accepted format for feature films. During the first two marking periods of class we will focus on the basics of screenwriting, characterization, plotting and the elements of what it takes to produce a feature film. After that, each student will write and produce an original short film. Though lectures will deal with essential elements such as plot structure, character, and dialogue, the bulk of class time, and the bulk of what you learn will come from in-class analysis of viewed films, discussion of your work and the work of your fellow students.