Introduction to Screenwriting (March 8 - March 29) - Online Class

Description

Taught over four nights through activities, discussions, and practical exercises, this lively online screenwriting course is designed to introduce simple, reliable writing concepts and techniques that build up the confidence and skills required to take a great idea and bring it to life! Whether just starting out or hitting a wall with a current script, this course offers something for everyone. Be prepared to talk about the movies you love and get ready to work on your own screenplay!

Topics covered include:

Writing characters the audience cares about
Building a workable, robust outline
Writing memorable dialogue
Subverting cliches and using themes
Formatting rules
Scripting a scene from beginning to end
Creating a treatment via story beats
When to rewrite and what to focus on
Recommended screenwriting books, podcasts, and other material

Practical activities are featured throughout, as much as three to four per class. Homework will be assigned after each class to maximize techniques learned and help bring screenwriters closer to their finished manuscript. Homework is not mandatory, though recommended.

Part I: Characters

Class 1 introduction:
Great stories begin with great characters. Through practical activities, students will focus on effective methods behind character creation, motivation, and emotional arcs. Take that idea and turn it into a character!

(Lead) Character Creation
Underdogs, Friends, and Villains
Genre Expectations
The Hero's Journey VS. The Story Wheel
Character Arcs

Part II: Structure

Class 2 introduction:
In this class, students will debate and discuss popular screenwriting structure concepts, learn how to build a story around acts, and work on outlining a screenplay of their own. Got a great beginning or middle but no end? This class will help!

3 Acts or 5 Acts?
Non-Linear Structure And Other Styles
Adapting Japanese Storytelling Techniques
Outlining With Confidence
Pacing To Audience Expectations

Part III: Themes & Dialogue

Class 3 introduction:
Focusing on essential topics such as dialogue, themes, and character arcs; students will discover confidence in their own voice as they learn core elements in creating original, rewarding screenplays. Make your characters sound like living, breathing, joking people!

When To Add The Theme
Hooks: Dramatic Irony, The Ticking Clock, and more
Subverting Cliches and Tropes
Dialogue, Dialogue, Dialogue
Your Style VS. Audience Need
Creating “Spielberg Moments” And Writing A Memorable Scene

Part IV: Mechanics & The Full Script

Class 4 introduction:
In this final class, students will discover the practical techniques behind developing a troublesome treatment into a successful script, formatting, pacing, and more! Nowhere to hide, no excuses to use...this class will help you get writing! You can do it!

Treatments and Elevator Pitches
Plot Beats and Post-it Notes
Rules of Formatting
The Novel VS. The Screenplay
Scripting A Scene:
The Intent
Starting From The Middle
How To Write Action
When To Write Nothing
The Rules of Rewriting

About Brad Freeman

Born in New Zealand and based in Tokyo, Bradley Freeman was responsible for writing and directing several short and feature length films, as well as working behind the scenes on the big budget 2007 Japanese film, Dororo.

The author of three novels, and with 12+ years of experience in Japan, Bradley’s classes are designed to introduce realistic, practical exercises to increase confidence and help screenwriters make progress on their work.