First Assignment: Prepare your pitch. Come to class with an idea you want to write. A one on one phone or Skype call with Fred will be available before the first class, so he can help you choose your strongest idea to write.
The first class will provide an overview of the course with the syllabus. We will familiarize ourselves with screenwriting terms, set goals with deadlines, learn cinematic storytelling, discuss genres, pitch our story, write loglines, and learn proper formatting. We will also touch on writing for the global market in a professional discipline.
Milestone: Your idea will be pitched and you’ll be ready to begin work.
Assignment: Work your logline. It will force structure. Start crafting your characters. Determine their goal/quest.
In this class we will talk about dramatic need, dramatic premise, motivation, character arcs, perceptions of reality, POV, exposition, subtext, character driven v plot driven story. We will also create character bios, and understand why your protagonist is only as good as your antagonist. The two levels of story will be discussed.
Milestone: You will know your protagonist, antagonist and many supporting characters. Plot grows out of character, so this will provide you with direction on how your protagonist will achieve his/her goal.
Assignment: Write Character Bios from the first person. This will help you find their voice. Re-write logline.
Here you learn the three-act structure; the set-up, confrontation/struggle, and the resolution. You will discover the plot points of your story, creating a plot chart, which will help you outline your story, and learn how plot grows out of character. We will discuss evocative and economical descriptive writing, and the importance of getting a draft down on paper.
Milestone: You will know the major beats of your story; the catalyst, plot point I, and plot point II.
Assignment: Create your outline for the story from your Chunk Chart.
In this class we discuss the five types of conflict. How conflict drives story. Why obstacles force action, and action reveals character. We will review your set-up and build to the first plot point pushing the story into the second act. You will learn how to insure that your narrative ultimately builds to the climax in the final act.
Milestone: Your outline is complete and you are ready to begin writing your story.
Assignment: Write Act 1.
Tone is everything. We will learn about the influence of the protagonist on the feel or tone of the story. You will enrich your story with subplots, B stories, runner stories. We will focus on writing distinctive dialogue that defines the character. You will learn how supporting characters serve the protagonist. We will review the first draft of Act I in class.
Milestone: You will have completed Act I with notes for revisions.
Assignment: Write Act II.
The rewriting begins. How we enrich our story with each new draft. Reducing scenes to their simplest form. Where the writer comes in and out of a scene. Polishing your script without losing the magic. How to give and receive constructive feedback. A checklist of what you have learned and how it applies to your script. We will review Act II in class.
Milestone: You will have completed Act II with notes for revisions.
Assignment: Write Act III.
Milestone: You will have completed a draft of your screenplay, TV pilot or Web-series and will have notes for revisions.
Your script will be read in class for evaluation and you will receive instructor feedback.
You will meet with Fred and be given notes on your draft. This will provide you with the necessary direction to revise your script for the next draft.