SCREENWRITING

Screenwriting 101

This screenwriting class is a 4-week, step-by-step instruction on how to write a screenplay from idea conception to story structure completion. This class covers story vs. plot, character
development, story beat-sheets/outlines, and the structure and mechanics of a screenplay.

The screenwriting class takes a fresh, entertaining and engaging approach for those who are beginning or on an intermediate level of screenwriting. The class is open to all cultural, ethnic, and religious individuals interested in learning how to write a screenplay

The Course

Registration fee: $235 (donation)

Course fee:  n/a

Duration: 4 weeks

Class time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm (2 hours)

Next available dates:

Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2019

January 2020 

What do we do with the funds?

We use the fees that we charge for this program to cover overhead, educational materials, host technology, create and test different business models, conduct market research, and also to drive workforce development initiatives that support and develop the constituents of our community.

Topics Discussed

  • Formulating story ideas, themes and structure

  •  Character crafting
  • World building
  • Story coaching
Week One: What’s Your Story, eh?

What’s Your Story, eh? takes a fundamental approach to discuss story development, story vs. plot, themes, and how to discover a story’s central dramatic question.

Week Two: Listen! I’m Your Character!

This week we examine the make-up and design of character in a screenplay as well as how to establish the physical/emotional arcs of character. Techniques and strategies will be discussed on character development and genre conventions.

Week Three: Structure is D.E.A.D!

Structure is D.E.A.D! demystifies the storytelling process by developing every aspect of the drama within a genre-related outline of story beats. Blake Snyder’s book, Save The Cat, will be utilized in the guidance of pre-script writing.

Week Four: Brave the Elements!

Finally we tackle the basic elements of screenplay format (i.e. scenes headings, actions, dialogue, transitions, montages) and guide the writer through the utilization of the format per the book, The Hollywood Standard, by Christopher Riley. This section will also discuss the types of screenplay software.

Materials, Resources & Prerequisites

 

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Bring a Notebook
  • Bring a Pen/pencil
  • Bring an Open mind