Writing Your First Short Screenplay

This class is about the fundamentals of screenwriting, but tailored specifically to the canvas size and opportunities a short film offers. We'll cover the basics of screenwriting format and style and use examples of short films to discuss how we can use narrative, visual approach and poetry in our own films. Along the way you'll get advice on tools for writing your scripts, brainstorming and revising in order to leave with a screenplay that has received at least one round of feedback. 

The class is rather ambituous, but I've tried to make it easier with several resources: the video lessons, reading material, viewing list and of course a realistic class project. Remember the more you put into your class project and the projects of your fellow students (via feedback) the more you'll get out of the class and screenwriting in general. 

If you still have any questions or concerns feel free to send me an email. 

------------------------

Go here for handouts mentioned in video lessons

• About this Class
• Screenplay Style and Format
• Screenwriting Tools
• Plot, Concept and Poetry
• First Stabs at the First Draft
• Giving and Getting Feedback
• Rewriting and Rethinking
• Conclusion
• Appendix: Adobe Story Screencast
• Bonus: Beginner's Mindset , a simpler 'Project' and Multiple Lives
• Bonus: The Russian Doll Exercise