Descriptor Details

  • Descriptor Title
    Introduction to Screenwriting
  • C-ID Number
    115
  • Units
    3
  • Date of Last Revision
    9/17/2024 09:37:15 AM PDT

General Description

Basic introductory course in narrative script writing for film and episodic television.  Emphasis on basic screenplay structure, characters, conflict, theme and technical script formatting in the development of a short screenplay.

Prerequisites

No information provided

Corequisites

No information provided

Advisories

No information provided

Content

Must include but not limited to the following:

  • Writing regardless of medium or format – clarity, economy, grammar, style
  • Screenplay structure, outlines and paradigms, scene cards and treatment
  • Script formats for narrative short and feature films, and episodic television series
  • Story development, character creation, conflict and rising tension, theme and resolution
  • Fundamentals of dialogue writing
  • Overview of the business of screenwriting, copywriting and marketing a script
  • Promoting representation of race/ethnicity, gender, class, sexual orientation, and ability

Lab Activities

No information provided

Objectives

  • Evaluate the fundamental principles of narrative fiction screenwriting.
  • Analyze the basic structure, character development, conflict, and theme in professional films and screenplays.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the technical formatting utilized in professional screenwriting.
  • Assess different methods of protecting and marketing screenplays.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in creating a complete, short fictional narrative screenplay.

Evaluation Methods

  • Writing assignments
  • Oral presentations (pitches, e.g.)
  • Oral critiques by peers and instructor
  • Written critiques by instructor
  • Quizzes and/or exam(s)

Textbooks

Field, Syd. Screenwriting: The Foundations of Screenwriting. Bantam Dell Publishing

Trottier, David. The Screenwriter’s Bible: A complete Guide to Writing, Formatting and Selling Your Script. Silman-James Press

Descriptor Administration

  • Public Review Needed
    No
  • Next Descriptor Review
    No information provided
  • Resubmission Requirements for Courses
    Descriptor changes were administrative only
  • Resubmission Deadline
    No information provided
  • Comments

    No information provided

  • Notes

    No information provided

  • Keywords

    No information provided