ELECTIVE COURSES - 3rd & 4th SEMESTER


SCREENWRITING 3

This course elective is designed for students wishing to pursue a career in feature film screenwriting. Students are guided through the steps to write a feature length screenplay that includes developing and writing log lines, pitches and treatments. From this they learn to analyze story dynamics, the three act structure, plotting, paradigms, character, themes, dialogue and many other screenwriting basics. Students are then required to select one idea to turn into a ten page treatment followed by the first ten pages of their screenplay. Students use this ground work to write a 80 to 90 page script thru the fourth semester as an independent study.

Assignments require students to turn in written work that is reviewed and critiqued by the instructor for revisions and suggestions. A component of this course also includes the business of screenwriting as it pertains to the optioning and selling of their work. Topics include submission formats, query letters, agency solicitation, option agreements and copyright/WGA registration.

4th SEMESTER

Screenwriting 3 continues as an independent study. Students must write a 90- 120 page draft of a completed screenplay by the end of the semester. Students meet with an instructor twice to review written work and make sure they’re developing their work properly. In addition students will be required to register proof of copyright of their work with the Library of Congress.


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