Course Title: Script Writing 1
Course Duration: 8 Weeks (2 Months)
Course Description:
This course teaches the fundamentals of storytelling and screenwriting, emphasizing
the craft of turning story into script. Students will learn to develop story concepts,
apply classic structures, and translate ideas into properly formatted scripts. Through
lectures, exercises, and a "writer's room" workshop, students will master loglines,
synopsis, outlines, character development, visual storytelling, screenplay format, and
genre, all while exploring the artistic and emotional impact of their choices. The course
culminates in an original 8–10-page short film screenplay.
Course Goals:
• Generate and develop original stories.
• Craft concise loglines and detailed synopses.
• Apply three-act structure and outlining techniques.
• Utilize industry-standard screenplay formatting.
Recommended Texts & Resources:
• Story - by Robert McKee
• Making a Good Script Great - by Linda Seger
Screenwriting Software:
Celtx ([Link] (free), Highland (free), Final Draft (paid or cracked),
FadeIn ([Link] (free).
Optional Industry Engagement:
Scriptnotes, The Writers Panel, 3rd and Fairfax, The Screenwriting Life, Children of
Tendu (podcasts); industry newsletters (e.g., The Hollywood Reporter, Variety).
Grading Breakdown:
• Loglines (3): 5%
• Synopsis (1-2 pages): 10%
• Character Bios (Key Characters): 5%
• Detailed Outline/Beat Sheet: 15%
• Formatted Scene Exercise: 15%
• Participation & Workshop Engagement: 20%
• Final Short Film Screenplay (8-10 pages): 30%
Course Policies:
➢ Attendance: Crucial for success. (
o Two days are allowed for emergencies more than that NG or Dropping
course.
o Any absences need to be reported early to the instructor
➢ Class Participation: Active engagement in discussions and workshop critiques is
mandatory.
➢ Assignments: All work must be typed, properly formatted, and submitted on
time. Late work may be penalized.
➢ Critique Guidelines (Writer's Room Etiquette): Be constructive, balanced,
problem-solution focused. Critiques are for the script, not the writer. Listen
without defending.
➢ Academic Integrity: All work must be original. Plagiarism results in a failing
grade.
➢ Backup Your Work: Regularly back up all assignments.
➢ Special Accommodations: Inform instructor at course start.
Weekly Schedule
Week 1: Story Fundamentals & Idea Generation
Focus: What is a story? Protagonist, conflict, stakes. "What If" scenarios.
Assignment - 3-5 Loglines.
Week 2: Loglines & Synopses
Focus: Crafting effective loglines. Writing a short synopsis, considering its emotional
resonance. "Finding the Story."
Assignment:1-2-page Synopsis.
Week 3: Character Depth & Arc
Focus: Character goals, motivations, flaws, arcs. How character drives conflict.
Assignment: Character Bios for main characters.
Week 4: Structure & Genre
Focus: Three-Act Structure for shorts. Plot points. Genre conventions and influence,
exploring their archetypal. Outline methods.
Assignment: Detailed Outline/Beat Sheet, noting genre
Week 5: Screenplay Format & Visual Storytelling
Focus: Industry-standard screenplay format. The “Show, Don't Tell" principle, focusing
on vivid, evocative imagery use of visual language. Software introduction.
Assignment: Formatted Opening Scene (3-5 pages).
Week 6: Scene & Dialogue Craft
Focus: Elements of a compelling scene. Writing effective dialogue, subtext, and
character voice, with attention to rhythm, flow.
Assignment: Rough Draft section (first 5-7 pages beyond opening).
Week 7: The Rough Draft & Revision
Focus: Pacing in shorts. Self-editing and revision strategies, including refining the
impact and emotional clarity. Comprehensive peer feedback in workshop.
Assignment: Completed Rough Draft (approx. 8-10 pages).
Week 8: Polishing Your Short & Next Steps
Focus: The rewrite process. Refining dialogue, tightening action, enhancing themes,
and clarifying the script's functional and artistic intent. Considering short film impact
and future steps.
Assignment: Final Short Film Screenplay.