Writing the Screenplay

Screenwriting is the art of telling a story in images. This class focuses on elements of form and structure, with particular emphasis on format, character development, plot and dialogue. Movies are studied to illustrate genre, fixed and fluid characters, tragic flaw, the dynamic of relationships, development of protagonist and antagonist, and other screen elements. Numerous in-class exercises, discussions, workshops and screenings enable students to find the dramatic essence of stories, and write a detailed film synopsis, treatment, and the first act of a feature-length screenplay.