Introduction

Screenwriting is the foundation of every great film and television production. Crafting a compelling script that captures the audience’s attention, develops deep characters, and weaves an engaging story is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. This 5-day intensive course is designed for aspiring and experienced writers who want to hone their skills in writing screenplays for film and television. Through a combination of theory, analysis, and practical exercises, participants will learn how to structure, write, and revise screenplays that stand out in a competitive industry.

The course will cover the essentials of story structure, character development, dialogue writing, and scene construction—all while emphasizing techniques specific to both film and television formats. By the end of the course, participants will have a deeper understanding of the screenwriting process and a fully developed screenplay or pilot ready for further development.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand the fundamentals of screenwriting, including structure, format, and genre.
• Learn how to develop compelling characters and write dynamic dialogue.
• Gain an in-depth understanding of film and TV story structures, including the three-act structure and episodic storytelling.
• Master the ability to craft engaging scenes that advance the plot.
• Understand the unique demands and opportunities in writing for both film and TV formats.
• Develop a final screenplay or pilot episode for film or television.
• Be equipped with tools and techniques for revising and refining their script.

Who Should Attend?

• Aspiring screenwriters looking to learn the craft of screenwriting for film and TV.
• Novelists, playwrights, or short story writers interested in transitioning to screenwriting.
• Filmmakers and directors wanting to understand the screenwriting process.
• Producers, agents, and industry professionals seeking a deeper understanding of screenplay development.
• Creative writers wanting to explore the art of crafting scripts for the screen.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Screenwriting

• Session 1: The Basics of Screenwriting

  • What makes a screenplay different from other forms of writing.
  • Understanding script format: how to structure a screenplay, proper formatting tools, and software.
  • Analyzing the role of the screenwriter in the filmmaking process.

• Session 2: The Three-Act Structure

  • The foundation of screenwriting: beginning, middle, and end.
  • Understanding setup, confrontation, and resolution.
  • Plot points, turning points, and how to create effective climaxes.
  • Applying the three-act structure to film vs. TV.

• Session 3: Developing Your Concept

  • Crafting an original idea that is both marketable and engaging.
  • Loglines, synopses, and pitches: writing succinctly to sell your concept.
  • Identifying genre conventions and audience expectations.

Day 2: Building Compelling Characters and Dialogue

• Session 1: Character Development

  • How to create multi-dimensional characters with depth and complexity.
  • Understanding protagonists and antagonists: balancing strengths, flaws, and motivations.
  • Crafting character arcs: how your character evolves throughout the story.

• Session 2: Writing Effective Dialogue

  • Writing dialogue that reveals character, advances the plot, and engages the audience.
  • Mastering the use of subtext and conflict in dialogue.
  • The balance of natural speech vs. dramatic tension in scripted dialogue.

• Session 3: Crafting Relationships and Conflict

  • Writing dynamic relationships: exploring family, romantic, and professional dynamics.
  • Creating internal and external conflict that drives the story forward.
  • Using dialogue and action to reveal character motivation and tension.

Day 3: Screenplay Structure and Scene Construction

• Session 1: Structuring Your Screenplay

  • In-depth exploration of the three-act structure and its application in a screenplay.
  • Understanding scene transitions and pacing: maintaining a rhythm throughout the script.
  • Breaking down acts and sequences for film vs. TV shows.

• Session 2: Writing Strong Scenes

  • Writing active scenes that move the plot forward and reveal character.
  • Understanding the purpose of each scene: setup, conflict, climax, resolution.
  • Techniques for showing, not telling: how to write visually.

• Session 3: Writing for Film vs. TV

  • Differences in writing a feature film screenplay vs. a TV pilot or episode.
  • Understanding the episodic nature of TV: series arcs vs. episodic plots.
  • The importance of world-building in long-form TV writing.

Day 4: Writing a TV Pilot or Feature Screenplay

• Session 1: Writing the Opening Pages

  • Creating a hook in the first 10 pages: how to draw the audience in immediately.
  • Writing the inciting incident: setting up the story and conflict early.
  • Understanding the importance of tone, genre, and style from the first page.

• Session 2: Developing Subplots and Themes

  • Crafting subplots that complement the main story without distracting from it.
  • Writing with themes in mind: how to weave deeper meaning into your screenplay.
  • Balancing comedy and drama in the context of your genre.

• Session 3: TV Pilot Writing

  • Breaking down the structure of a TV pilot episode.
  • Crafting the world of the series: characters, tone, and setting.
  • Writing the teaser, act breaks, and series arc.

Day 5: Revising and Polishing Your Script

• Session 1: Techniques for Effective Rewriting

  • Understanding that rewriting is part of the process: how to take feedback and improve.
  • The role of dialogue editing: cutting unnecessary lines and tightening up the script.
  • Revising structure, pacing, and character arcs.

• Session 2: Polishing Your Screenplay

  • Final tips for refining tone, style, and consistency.
  • Creating a strong ending: how to leave the audience satisfied.
  • Formatting and ensuring your script adheres to industry standards.

• Session 3: Final Project and Certification

  • Final assignment: submit the opening scenes or first act of your screenplay or pilot.
  • Group discussion and peer feedback.
  • Certificate of completion awarded to participants who complete the course.

Conclusion and Certification

• Final Q&A session and individual feedback on your screenplay or pilot.
• Personalized writing strategies and actionable next steps for each participant.
• Certificate of completion awarded to participants who successfully complete the course.

Why This Course?

This hands-on, intensive course provides you with the skills, techniques, and insights necessary to create a compelling screenplay for both film and television. You will gain an in-depth understanding of story structure, character development, and the intricacies of writing for the screen. With a focus on practical writing exercises, feedback, and real-world application, this course will help you transform your writing into industry-ready scripts.