20801249Film Writing
Course Information
Description
Film Writing is an intermediate-level creative writing course for the aspiring writer who wants to learn the craft of scriptwriting for feature film and/or television. Because of its emphasis on narrative structure and visual storytelling, Film Writing is also an excellent training ground for fiction writers, technical and business writers, and writers working in social media. Typical outcomes of the course include a better understanding of how to tell a story, improved dialog skills, and a greatly enhanced ability to “show” rather than “tell.” Class sessions involve lecture, film viewing, and writing workshops.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Apply the concepts and techniques of cinematic style
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product - original scenes and screenplays
    Criteria
    Identify meaningful images and symbols in films and screenplays
    Scenes use meaningful images and symbols in films and screenplays
    Scenes use concrete and detailed descriptive language
    Scenes use effective dialog
    Visual images communicate complex ideas, including states of mind, character growth, plot progression, and theme.
    Use the terminology of the screenwriting trade both in written analysis and/or orally in a workshop setting

  2. Apply the concepts and techniques of cinematic storytelling
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product - original scenes and screenplays
    Criteria
    Identify elements of plot and pacing in films and screenplays
    Summarize a film using concepts and vocabulary of plot and pacing
    Outline an original cinematic story using concepts and vocabulary of plot and pacing
    Write effective cinematic character sketches and dialogue
    Propose in treatment form an original screenplay, using summary, plot and pacing concepts, and character sketches
    Original screenplay is at least 30 pages
    Original screenplay shows evidence of effective of plot and pacing
    Story treatments include Title, One-Sheet Line, 50-word Story Summary, and four-page Story Outline that identifies Opening, Hook, Plot Point 1, Mid-Point, Plot Point 2, and Resolution
    Visual images communicate complex ideas, including states of mind, character growth, plot progression, and theme
    Use the terminology of the screenwriting trade both in written analysis and/or orally in a workshop setting

  3. Collaborate on a cinematic project
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product - short original screenplay, Project, Journal
    Criteria
    Formulate an original story treatment
    Create a team writing plan
    Compose and revise an original screenplay
    Detail your writing process
    Give and receive feedback on written work

  4. Demonstrate professional standards
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product - original screenplay, Presentation
    Criteria
    Screenplay treatment is written to industry standards
    Pitch a screenplay idea
    Screenplay format meets industry standards
    Use the terminology of the screenwriting trade both in written analysis and orally in a workshop setting

  5. Workshop original scenes/screenplays
    Assessment Strategies
    Small- and large-group workshops, Written Product, Oral Presentation
    Criteria
    Formulate detailed written critique of films and screenplays
    Articulate critical feedback verbally in workshop setting
    Generate revision plan based on feedback
    Revise original scenes and screenplays
    Give and receive feedback on written work
    Use the terminology of the screenwriting trade both in written analysis and orally in a workshop setting

  6. Produce a short video
    Assessment Strategies
    Video, Oral Presentation
    Criteria
    Screen an original short video for the class
    Operate an video camera
    Script a short film
    Shoot and edit approximately five minutes of video
    Present an original short video to the class