SCREENWRITING I ENGL-A313-002

Course Term: Fall 2018 Course Location: Bobet Hall 208 Class hours: TR 3:30pm-4:45pm

Instructor: Steven Esteb Office Location: Communications/Music 405 Phone: 310-775-7560 Email: [email protected] Office hours: Wednesday 1pm-3:30pm

Required Materials:

There are no required texts for this course. However, the following text is recommended for any serious screenwriter to purchase. It is on reserve in the library: The Screenwriter’s Bible by David Trottier; Silman-James Press (2014); ISBN: 978-1-935247-10-4.

Recommended reading on reserve in library: by Syd Field.

Screenwriting software MUST be used in this class. and WriterDuet are free software that is adequate. is the industry standard.

Obligatory supplemental reading materials will be posted on Blackboard or placed in the library.

Brief Course Overview: This course is the first in a two-part sequence in which students learn to format, structure and write for the visual medium of narrative film, TV or digital media. Upon completion of the course, students will have the foundations necessary to complete full story concepts and feature scripts in Screenwriting II.

Expected Student Learning Course Outcomes:

1. Students will learn current industry script formatting standards.

2. Students will learn current industry script formatting standards.

3. Students will learn to use current .

4. Students will gain a visual language to scripting techniques.

5. Students will begin to learn the concise craft necessary for today’s screenwriter.

Assignments (Subject to change):

WEEK 1: Why storytelling is important. The inflexible structure of script formatting. ASSIGNMENT: Read a professional script. WEEK 2: Let’s look at some short scripts and discuss how scripts become films. SUBMIT Your Short Script to critique in class. WEEK 3: In-class workshop of your Short Scripts. SUBMIT forRevised Short for grading WEEK 4: The story ride: dramatic structure, turning points, character development, story arcs. The external vs. the internal journey. WEEK 5: In-class presentation of a scene with structure and turning points identified. ASSIGNMENT: Scene analysis.. WEEK 6 & 7: In-class presentation of a scene with structure and turning points identified. WEEK 8: Writing dialogue. ASSIGNMENT: Your dialogue scene. / Mid term grades posted. WEEK 9: In-class workshop of your Dialogue scene. SUBMIT Your Revised Dialogue scene. ASSIGNMENT: Read assigned feature script. WEEK 10: Discussion of assigned feature script. WEEK 11: First Acts of feature scripts. The set up. WEEK 12: Your feature project pitch. Written version submitted in class. ASSIGNMENT: Your first act as a short script. WEEK 13 & 14: In class workshop of your script. ASSIGNMENT: Read assigned TV scripts. WEEK 15: In class discussion of TV Scripts. WEEK 16: Your screenwriting future. FINAL EXAM: Your Revised First Act/short script

Participation Expectations:

Students will be expected to watch all films and be ready to discuss the various elements in class. Class discussion will a major factor in final grade.

Criteria for Assigning the Course Grade:

• Lectures, assignments and workshops are the basis from which scriptwriting technique and theory will be discussed. Class participation is mandatory. • Your five page (5) maximum, no dialogue Short Script will show your understanding of formatting and structure. Your grade is based on your post-critique REVISED script submission. • Your Feature Film Concept Presentation must be an original idea. A written submission component must be handed in the same day Criteria: world creation, dynamic storyline, story ride promise. • Your thirty(30) page maximum First Act /Short Script assignment will be written as a short script and show character arc, external and internal journey, hook. Your grade is based on post-critique REVISED script submission which is your final exam grade.

Attendance Policy:

Students are expected to attend ALL classes. Classes start and end on time. An excused absence is allowed when the student can provide a doctor’s excuse or other approved documentation.