Writing for Radio, Television, Film

 

Syllabus

Writing for Radio, Television, Film

Syllabus Sections

·      COURSE DESCRIPTION

·      READINGS

·      STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES/LEARNING OBJECTIVES

·      COURSE REQUIREMENTS

·      COURSE SUBJECTS

Publish Date

01/12/2020 17:23:34

Writing for Radio, Television, Film

COMM-2339

Credit Spring 2020
01/21/2020 - 05/17/2020

Course Information

Section 001
Lecture
MW 09:30 - 11:00
NRG3 3114
Christian Raymond

Office Hours

·      M W
11:30am - 1pm
Building 4000, Northridge Campus, #4253
Also available other times by appointment.

·      T Th
12pm - 1pm
Building 4000, Northridge Campus, #4253
Also available other times by appointment.

This participatory writer’s workshop explores the evolving role of the writer as a creative visionary in film, television and narrative podcasting.  Through this framework, students will learn foundational screenwriting principles and apply interconnected techniques to their own original projects.  This will include a focus on writing the short script from conceptualization to presentation using introspective writing exercises designed to develop skills in such areas as idea generation, character, structure, theme and formatting.  With consideration to the shifting media landscape, writers will also delve into cultivating creative “agility skills” in adaptation, transmedia, and immersive storytelling.

PREREQUISTES:  English 1301 or English 2311

READING ASSIGNMENTS:  

THE HOLLYWOOD STANDARD by Christopher Riley 2nd edition, available at ACC bookstore. Additional text, handouts and other assigned class materials will be made available on line via Blackboard. Please refer to Blackboard every week.

THE BARE BONES BOOK OF SCREENWRITING by J.T. Clark 1st edition.

  • Be able to compare and contrast the formal elements of quality writing for various forms to include film, television and new media permutations explored.
  • Apply appropriate script structures, techniques, tools, and formatting for videos, film, and television programs.
  • Create scripts for a variety of media projects, learning specific techniques to explore the fundamentals of each medium as well as an overarching transmedia project.
  • Through writing exercises, see how creative choices and revision tools specific to each area impact the quality of a final work, assisted along the way by instructor, peer feedback and self-evaluation sessions.
  • Understand basic markets and opportunities for writers/content creators across various forms of media.

WRITING FOR RADIO-TELEVISION-FILM is a participatory workshop which means in-class contributions are expected!  Concepts will be explored through lecture, hands-on writing exercises, longer-form projects, feedback sessions (including of each other’s work), selected readings, along with analysis of scripts/screenings in and outside of class.  Students are required to keep up with all assignments, including certain development materials and journal assignments.  Be prepared to write, rewrite, and rewrite!

Applied critical, creative, and practical thinking are crucial to this class through participation.  A workshop environment encourages wide ranging viewpoints, which are welcome when appropriately voiced with respect for others.  It is my belief that such an academically open environment, one which celebrates creativity and innovation, can enhance classroom dialogue and lead to a enriching experience for students and instructor alike.  Students are expected to constructively contribute to discussions and feedback sessions, and to work toward the creation of an end-of-class project/presentation.

All students are required to maintain an official ACC email account.  Email correspondence will be sent to that address.  You can find more information about student email at: www.austincc.edu/accmail/

GRADING:

Screenplay Riff Scene = 10 pts

Reflection Journals = 30 pts

Short Film Screenplay (3 drafts) = 60 pts

Film/TV Adaptation Pitch = 20 pts

Transmedia Overview & Promo Script = 10 pts

Narrative Podcast Script Scene  = 10 pts

Final Screenplay Analysis Presentation = 20 pts

Participation & Attendance = 40 pts

**Students who miss 5 classes will be dropped from the class.

Assignment scores and final course grades are at the discretion of the professor and are non-negotiable.  If you have concerns about your progress in the class, please make an appointment early in the semester for support and assistance.

Grading Scale:  

A = (200 - 180 pts)

B = (179 - 160 pts)

C = (159 - 140 pts)

D = (139 - 120 pts)

F = (119 - 0 pts)            

ASSIGNMENTS OR “PORTFOLIO” OVERVIEW 

Each assignment will be discussed more fully in class.  Additional developmental materials will be evaluated as part of the portfolio.  Late assignments are accepted only up until the next class meets.  All late assignments in that time frame will automatically receive one full grade deduction.  The overview of assignments is as follows:

SCREENPLAY SCENE RIFF:  Students will rewrite a scene from a screenplay, riffing creatively off of the original material using screenwriting software.  As a result, the screenwriter practices their craft through exploration, play and manipulation of dramatic elements.

REFLECTION JOURNAL:  You will use journal writing as a development tool to reflect upon your projects in and outside of class, applying techniques related to:  a) analysis of a “select” screenplay you choose; b) the development of your projects c) critiques and comparisons of screenplay elements d) responses to class questions related to the week’s discussion.

SHORT FILM SCREENPLAY:  You will create your own script, from brainstorming to final script edit of the project.  This will involve learning the basics of development, including idea generation, structure, character, theme, visual style, dialogue and subtext, and revision techniques.  In class, we will workshop the scripts through group readings, feedback session and multiple drafts.

FILM/TV ADAPTATION PITCH:  Building on adaptation principles and case studies from class, students will analyze and develop a story for adaptation into a film or television pilot, then present a five-minute project pitch to class.

TRANSMEDIA OVERVIEW & PROMO SCRIPT:  After developing “agility skills” students will use tools to expand an original logline into a transmedia project across different forms.  This opportunity will then be used to create s short interconnected story promotion/commercial script to support the overarching larger project.

NARRATIVE PODCAST SCENE:  Students will explore the modern “Radio Drama” and after study/analysis, will select an original logline and develop a scene with medium specific considerations and formatting in mind.

SCREENPLAY ANALYSIS PRESENTATION:  Students will apply the concepts taught in class to create a 10-15 minute presentation in a shared, real world case study analysis of feature film screenplay.  The presentation will be shared over the last two sessions of class.

PARTICIPATION/ATTENDANCE:  Students may miss two classes with no penalty.   A third absence results in the loss of one letter grade and so forth.  Excused absences require outside verification, e.g., a doctor’s note.  Students who miss 5 classes will be asked to drop the class. Two late arrivals to class or early departures equal one absence (and so forth, so please be on time).  Being regularly late to class will impact your grade.  It is your responsibility to officially drop the class if necessary by the deadline each semester.  If you do not attend the class the entire semester, you will receive a failing grade.

Engaged participation is essential to this class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. Students may not only disagree with each other at times, but the student and instructor may also find that they have disparate views on sensitive and volatile topics. It is the college’s hope that these differences will enhance the class and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. Therefore, be assured that your grade will not be adversely affected by beliefs or ideas expressed constructively in class or assignments. Rather, we will respect the views of other expressed appropriately and constructively.  Part of participation is also bringing your book and materials to each class so you can appropriately participate.  This includes keeping course and screenplay development materials in the order they are received in a portfolio-style three ring binder.  Computer Monitors should be turned off at all times during class unless in use for  projects as directed by instructor.

HARD COPIES of written assignments are required on the date due.

Bring each assignment fully completed and ready to turn in at the beginning of class.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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