This course explores the role of the screenwriter in the film-making process, from original story idea to  the shooting script and finished film.  Students will learn about all the elements of screenwriting and the screenplay, including: structure; creating character; the functions of dialogue; genre; theme; and rule-breaking.  Both individually and as a classroom project, students will read and analyze scripts, as well as watch and analyze films and portions of films, to gain a better understanding of how these elements work in combination and contribute to the finished film.

Class size will be limited to twenty five students.

This course is for students interested in writing for film.  FM 301 Screenwriter is a prerequisite and students will apply the knowledge gained in that course to write their own screenplays.  Film Studies majors and minors will be given preference in enrolling.

Students will select an idea for a film and transform that idea into a story suitable for the screen.  Students will critically examine each other’s ideas/stories and move on to outline their script.  A finished first act (28-30 pages) will be required by the semester’s end.

Class size will be limited to fourteen students.