Teaching, Learning, and Research

A script is different than a screenplay. Building an original screenplay is different from script writing. A script is a document that is intended for production work, to be used by specialized technical and creative practitioners (actors, cinematographers, editors, etc); while a screenplay is not usually going to be the document used for production, and it is subject to editorial changes.

This is a theoretical detail, but it is significant nonetheless—building a screenplay and writing a script diverge as two different processes with different purposes. For example, when building a dramatic or documentary screenplay it might not be possible or necessary for the screenplay writer to know the ending of the story. The story and its screenplay are in the process of being built or constructed. Conversely, when writing a professional script for media production or performance it is essential for the writer to know the ending.

In this course, we are focusing on building your screenplay, developing it step by step, from the beginning, whether or not your story has an ending.

This class is a chance for you to produce original work, and to hear it read out loud in a supportive creative environment.

This class could be helpful for adapting an existing work or for creating original work from the beginning; plus we will read, listen, discuss, and interactively share our thoughts, ideas and impressions. Beginners welcome!

Start by introducing a time and space for your writing, bringing it into your daily routine; then write freely, curiously, mindfully, and consistently.

Summary

For this class, you begin and build an original screenplay. You will build your screenplay from the beginning by doing the following:

• reflecting on your purpose
• writing a few sentences about your story idea(s),
• developing more complex characters, objectives, and scenes,
• developing backstories, and
• writing/editing a series of scenes that form a sequence or Act;

or, alternatively, if you are interested in non-fiction stories you might build a two-column AV script for documentary or corporate productions;

or you might explore other text-based models for media production or performance.

In this class you are free to explore styles and formats through a creative process of learning, writing, rewriting of your original work, and by reading the work of others; reflecting upon your growth, and by pitching your vision and story ideas to others.

All students, beginning or advanced, are encouraged to take the class multiple times. In between classes, your goal should be to integrate what you have done in the course’s previous assignments. No matter where your story is situated in the building process, it is important that you are continuing to explore, write and rewrite, and to pitch your ideas to others. It is important that other knowledgeable folks read and comment about your work, at least on occasion. Keep writing and never quit.