FST/CRW 318-002 SCREENWRITING
COURSE SYLLABUS
SPRING 2016 - Wednesday, 12:30-3:15, KE 1114
INSTRUCTOR: TERRY LINEHAN
INSTRUCTOR OFFICE HOURS: I am available before and after class, by
appointment, and during office hours: Wed 10:00-12:00, 106B King Hall. Phone:
962.2231. linehant@uncw.edu
REQUIRED text: “THE SCREENWRITER’S BIBLE – 6th EDITION” by DAVID
TROTTIER.
LINKS TO SCRIPTS: search KEYWORDS: scripts or screenplays
Short Screenplays: dailyscript.com. Scripts also available in Randall Library
Students must read 2 screenplays of their choice and write a one-page analysis of
structure for each. (One feature and one short). NOTE: It is imperative to your
progress that you read the scripts early in the semester.
Purpose: To immerse you in the fundamentals of writing the short script from concept
to completed and revised first draft. Topics include: concepts, formatting, story structure,
character development, conflict, visible outer motivation, dramatic action, dialogue,
scene and sequence, and writing for emotional impact, among other things. You will
develop your skills as a screenwriting professional from daily writing to developing new
script ideas.
STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1) Use language to cinematically convey character and narrative information.
2) Apply industry-standard screenplay formatting.
3) Demonstrate an understanding of narrative elements particular to the
short film form.
When you leave this class you will:
•
Have a revised draft original short screenplay of 10-12 pages. No adaptations.
These scripts may be produced in FST 495.
•
Have a 4 page script adaptation of a short story (assigned story).
·
Understand how to write a script logline, outline and one-page synopsis.
·
Have ten new script concepts for the future.
·
Have read 2 scripts (1 feature, 1 short) and outlined their plot structure.
·
Discover what it takes to be a screenwriter through writing of your scripts.
The instructor’s role: I will present formalized lectures and lead discussions on the
craft of screenwriting. We will watch films to break down structure, character, plot,
subplot, theme, etc.
This is a class about screen WRITING. We will discuss our story concerns and critique
each other’s work through the workshopping process. I will offer honest feedback (the
only kind that helps). I will help you work to the best of your ability.
Attendance and participation: Because this is a student-centered course, your
attendance is MANDATORY. If you aren’t in class, you won’t maximize your
opportunity to grow as a screenwriter. I expect you to be alert and attentive while in
class. I expect cooperation and respect for each other and our work. You will be graded
on attendance and participation.
You are allowed ONE absence, legitimate or otherwise. After that, your grade will be
lowered at my discretion. It is your responsibility to get notes and assignments from
EACH OTHER, NOT ME, if you miss a class. I believe in starting and finishing on
time. Chronic tardiness and/or leaving early are also noted and will affect your overall
grade at my discretion.
EVALUATION: Screenplays will be graded according to narrative clarity, originality,
dramatic effectiveness, application of course materials, presentation (including
formatting), and effort. Remember: this is a writing course, and the technical aspects of
your writing (spelling, grammar, etc.) will be a significant factor in your grade.
THE WRITING CENTER is available to assist you with your writing needs at UNCW.
Call 962-7857 or email uls@uncw.edu to set up an appointment.
You will be graded according to the following criteria:
1. The quality of your 10-12 page screenplay. 50% (20% first draft, 30% final draft)
2. The quality of your logline/outline/synopsis, screenplay concepts, and outlines of two
scripts read. 20%
3. The quality of your 4 page adaptation script. 10%
4. Attendance and participation. 20%
PLEASE NOTE: This is a very hands-on course. You should like writing and be selfmotivated in regards to writing. You will have deadlines and you will be responsible for
the proper presentation of materials. I will not accept hand written assignments. Your
grade will suffer for late and/or unprofessional looking assignments. Do not
procrastinate. If you can’t make this kind of commitment to yourself and the class, give
some thought to another more appropriate course for you.
NO CELL PHONES OR COMPUTERS OR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
ALLOWED IN CLASS. IF I SEE YOU ON YOUR PHONE, YOU WILL BE
ASKED TO LEAVE. IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY AND MUST CHECK
YOUR PHONE DURING CLASS, PLEASE TELL ME BEFORE CLASS AND I
WILL ALLOW IT.
A personal note: I am thrilled to be your instructor. I am energized by the classroom
and what you bring to it. I am passionate about writing and want you to have fun, work
hard, and learn. The goal here is to become the best screenwriters we can be. As we
discuss one another’s scripts we will do so delicately, and with the utmost respect for
individual’s feelings. There is an old adage: “If it hurts it helps.” Please know that
critiquing of writing is simply that - one person’s evaluation of the PAGE and NOT the
person. Accepting criticism is also a big part of the writing process. As writers we must
seek to improve our skills through outside evaluation of story.
WEEK BY WEEK COURSE OUTLINE
Please remain flexible regarding the following schedule.
Class # DATE
1 January 13
Introductions. Syllabus and course objectives. Story ideas and concepts. Logline,
outline, synopsis. Assignment: Write your 10-12 page script idea as a logline,
outline and one-page synopsis. DUE: Class 4, February 3.
Read: 3-10, Book III: Proper Formatting Technique (pp. 147-237)
2 January 20
Formatting scripts.
Assignment: Write 4 page script adaptation from assigned story.
DUE: Class 3, January 27. Read: 11-57
3
January 27
Structure. View feature film and discuss structure and narrative elements.
DUE: 4-PAGE ADAPTED SCRIPT
Assignment: Read two scripts and write one-page structure outline for each.
DUE: Class 5, February 10.
4
February 3
Characteristics of a good short script. View short films and outline plot structures.
DUE: LOGLINE, OUTLINE, ONE-PAGE SYNOPSIS OF 10-12 PAGE
SCRIPT.
Assignment: Begin writing your 10-12 page original script. DUE: Class 7,
February 24. Read: 57-82
5 February 10
Hero and hero identification. Character motivation and conflict. Character
development. Character types. Key Character components. Character arc. Theme.
DUE: TWO PLOT STRUCTURES FOR SCRIPTS READ
Read: 82-109
6 February 17
Plotting. Writing scene and sequence. Writing dialogue and subtext. Tips for
rewriting. Read: 113-143
7 February 24
Screening: FEATURE LENGTH FILM - TBD
First scripts returned by Friday, February 26. I will continue to return scripts weekly.
You will have two weeks for rewrites before reading your script in class.
Assignment: Rewrite and prepare your 10-12 page script to be read aloud by
class members. Sign up for workshopping dates.
DUE: 10-12 PAGE ORIGINAL SCRIPT
Read: 241-303
8
March 2
First day of workshopping. ALL REMAINING CLASSES WILL BE
WORKSHOPPING 3+ SCRIPTS/CLASS. March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20,
27.
Assignment: Assemble your 10 original story concepts in logline form. DUE:
FINAL EXAM DAY
FINAL EXAM DAY – Friday, April 29 – 11:30 – 2:30, KE 1114
DUE: 10 STORY CONCEPTS IN LOGLINE FORM
Top 10 most important things to remember about screenwriting.
IDEA evaluations completed.
QUICK GUIDE TO ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES:
JANURAY 27 – 4-page assigned story adaptation
FEBRUARY 3 – Original short script logline, outline, one-page synopsis
FEBRUARY 10 - Two plot structures of scripts read
FEBRUARY 24 – Original 10-12 page short script due for grading (Scripts will be
rewritten and presented in a workshop reading. Re-graded based on reading. You
will not turn in another draft after workshopping.)
TBD - Final Exam Day – Ten story concepts