Screenwriting Master Class (Online)

In this six-week non-credit course, adults of all ages will be introduced to a new way of imagination and creativity, an entry into an alternative reality: media. This master class will provide participants with an overview of how to write for the screen. Any size screen. Through the use of narrative film and television as a model, participants will discover that learning to write requires learning to read. Participants will learn how to closely read what’s on screen, how it got there and why. They will also read screenplays. The master class will be delivered organically, not in the traditional delivery of a series of formulas.
 
The master class outcome will be a three to four-page sequence of scenes that would act as the opening of either a feature length film or the pilot episode of a TV series. Participants will also craft a page or two on what the rest of the story would hold for the audience. At the conclusion of the master course, participants will have acquired or sharpened their ability to imagine and create in images, be skilled in how stories are constructed and be able to put a story on the page, for the camera.
 
 
Requirements for Online Master Class
Students must have a sincere interest in media, film and television and have a serious interest in knowing this world as a writer. Students must bring to the course an open, adult mindset and willingness to view screen narrative in its widest form: films viewed in class may include violence, sexual situations, strong language or be shot in black-and-white. Anyone offended by any of these factors should not take the course.
 
You will be provided with the necessary handouts and scripts (as digital documents). You will have to provide on your own the following films: the pilot episode the TV series Mad Men, and the films The Birdcage, The Stepfather (original version), The Sweet Smell of Success, and Unforgiven. These films are easily available on DVD, on Netflix or on Amazon Prime. They are inexpensive to rent.