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Screenwriting

"I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse." (The Godfather)

"You had me at hello." (Jerry Maguire)

"Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane." (Shawshank Redemption)

"Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope." (Star Wars)

"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." (Gone With the Wind)

Do you recognize these lines? Probably you do - they are some of the most iconic and well- known lines from cinema history. But have you ever considered who wrote those lines? Or who put down on paper all the lines of your favorite films? Sure, directors and actors are hugely important to the filmmaking process, but you cannot have a movie without first having a script, and that is what this class is all about. In this course, students will explore the theory and structure of screenwriting through film and script analysis, writing exercises and techniques, and class discussion. In the first unit of the course, students will explore conventions of screenwriting like character, conflict, plot, and structure, and will analyze how these elements are used in well-known films. Next, they will focus on developing an idea for their own original screenplay and will use peer review to help them revise and refine their ideas and writing. The final weeks of the course focus on rigorous writing practice and culminate in students writing and sharing the first full draft of their screenplays. Join this class and join the ranks of screenwriters like Francis Ford Coppola, Norah Ephron, Jordan Peele and Aaron Sorkin.

Acknowledgements

Please Note: This course contains an end-of-course proctored exam. Instructions for students to identify an appropriate adult proctor are included in the course lessons.

Required Texts: This course requires students to obtain copies of certain films. Details provided in the Additional Requirements field of this course description.

Required Software: This course will require students to use screenwriting software. Details provided in the Additional Requirements field of this course description.

Mature Themes: Some films contain mature language and content. All required films have a PG-13 or lower rating, and some clips shown within lessons contain PG-13-level content or language.

Course Objectives

Essential Questions:

  • What makes screenwriting a unique from other types of creative storytelling art forms?
  • What are the essential conventions and techniques used by screenwriters to create compelling, effective scripts?
  • How can I conceive, develop, and craft my own original first draft of a screenplay?

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will identify, describe, and analyze how screenwriters use the literary conventions of the genre to communicate meaning and create an effective screenplay.
  • Students will develop the premise, synopsis, and plot for a complete, original screenplay.
  • Students will use correct conventions of screenwriting to write the first draft of an original screenplay.

Students should be able to:

  • Identify and define basic screenwriting terminology.
  • Analyze the fundamental building blocks of drama: 3 act structure, character development and conflict, setting, and plot.
  • Critically evaluate and discuss both written and visual "scripts".
  • Produce a credible screenplay that incorporates all of the dramatic building blocks (90-120 pages).

Additional Requirements

Students will need to obtain copies of two of the following films which are available at many school or local libraries or for purchase online for a small fee. Films will be needed starting in Week 2.

  • Casablanca (1942)
  • On the Waterfront (1954)
  • Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
  • Patton (1970)
  • E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
  • Bull Durham (1988)
  • Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
  • Pirates of the Caribbean (2003)
  • Juno (2007)
  • The Social Network (2010)
  • Hidden Figures (2016)
  • Green Book (2018) Students will need to use screenwriting software in this course. There is no specific software required, and there are a variety of free programs available. Students and schools should make sure they are able to download and use screenwriting software in preparation for this course.