This course introduces students to the fundamentals of screenwriting and script development for film, television, stage, and digital media. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, and writing exercises, students will explore the structure, style, and techniques of effective storytelling across a range of formats, including screenplays, stage plays, storyboards, and commercial audio/video scripts.
Emphasis is placed on understanding story structure, character development, dialogue, pacing, and visual storytelling. Students will learn standard industry formatting for various types of scripts, gain insight into the creative process from concept to final draft, and develop their own short scripts and story ideas. The course also introduces the fundamentals of script production, including collaboration with directors and producers, script breakdowns, and preparing scripts for shooting or live performance.
By engaging in peer reviews and practical writing assignments, students will build confidence in their creative voice while learning how to communicate stories effectively for different audiences and media platforms.
Prerequisites
Reading proficiency as established by District policy.
1. Demonstrate proficiency in standard script formatting for film, television, theatre, and commercial media.
2. Construct compelling narratives by employing foundational storytelling principles and effective character arcs.
3. Create original short scripts, storyboards, and concepts for commercial audio and video media.
4. Revise and refine scripts in response to feedback and production requirements.
5. Prepare scripts for production by completing breakdowns, implementing revisions, and assembling presentation materials.