Screenwriting

Acquire basic skills needed to write for feature films in the Hollywood market. Learn practical film writing techniques and become familiar with the elements of a story to assist in developing a solid, first draft screenplay. Gain a basic knowledge of the screenwriting process from idea, through synopsis, to fully-developed treatment where you will write at least 30 pages of a script, or the first act. Exercises include the three-act structure, idea, premise, character arc, plot structure, stage directions, dialogue, and the business of screenwriting. Your work will be shared with fellow students and the instructor for review and critique in the workshop part of the class.

If you are ready to go further than the first 30 pages of a screenplay, then this workshop is for you. The emphasis is on bringing all the individual elements of a screenplay (story, structure, characters, dialogue, theme) together into a viable finished product. The art of writing dialogue and scenes that move a story "visually" will be covered extensively. Reading and discussion of the scripts for current films in release will enhance the workshop and provide insight into the "parts" that make up the "whole." Each class session will be divided into lecture, reading of students' work, and critique sessions. You will be assigned written exercises to develop character, plot and conflict, as well as complete a treatment and step-outline. Class size is limited so that direct attention may be paid to each student's work.

Integrate the skills you learned in the UCI Extension Beginning and Intermediate level Screenwriting classes in this intense workshop experience. Emphasis is on the critique process. The majority of class time is devoted to evaluating peer writing samples. Structure, as it pertains to genre and classic screenplay form, is also discussed. You are expected to complete the first draft of your script by the ninth session.

Rewriting your screenplay is essential to producing a successful script with potential for "selling" to an agent. This course is designed for screenwriters who have a completed feature length screenplay that needs to be rewritten. Participate in an intense classroom workshop environment that examines the dramatic structure and character development of your screenplay. Each class session is divided into lecture, reading of students' work, and critique sessions. Students read the screenplays of fellow classmates to understand the process of rewriting and critique. Class size is limited so that direct attention may be given to each student's work. You are expected to prepare a project plan for rewriting your screenplay and complete a portion of your rewrite.