Screenwriting: stage 1

An introduction to the skills and techniques necessary to write a screenplay. Includes writing exercises, readings and screenings, with the aim of completing a ten-minute short and a feature film outline.

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Key course information

Dates
20/09/11 - 06/12/11

Day(s)
Tue

Duration
12 weeks

Time
17:30 - 19:30

Fees
Full fee: £136
Senior fee: £136
Concession: £39

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW281

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

This is a practical course aimed at providing a basic grounding in the craft and terminology of screenwriting and leading to the writing of a short script or the first 10 pages of a feature film script.

What topics will we cover?

- why write? - inspiration, ideas, research
- theme, genre and originality
- creating and sustaining believable characters
- three act structure
- visual storytelling, image systems, symbols and metaphors
- dialogue - subtext
- plot development, pacing, set-ups and pay-offs
- writing is re-writing, editing your own work and other people’s
- formatting - terminology- presentation, accepted norms
- differences in writing between different media
- an introduction to how the industry works and the feasibility of getting your script made.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity
- understand the basic principles and jargon of screenwriting
- appreciate the differences between writing for different genres and media
- present a script in standard industry format
- write a treatment
- write a short film script or (part of) a feature film script.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Although this is an introductory screenwriting course, previous writing experience or grounding in another film
discipline is useful. An ability to write and speak fluent English is vital.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Through discussion, presentations, viewing of film and TV extracts. Also exercises both during and outside the
class evaluated by tutor and peers.

The Tutor
Robert Wallace began in the film & television industry nearly 30 years ago at some of London's leading post production houses as an editor. Robert went on to direct music videos, television commercials and corporate films before finding success on the international film festival circuit with his short films. Alongside lecturing in film (at Bournemouth, Falmouth and Plymouth universities) Robert has two feature films in development as a writer/director.

City lit reserves the right to change course tutors or venues from those advertised in this outline. In line with our refund policy we are unable to grant a refund on the grounds of a change of tutor/venue.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Pen and paper will be required at all classes.

Suggested reading:
Short and feature film screenplays (found online).
'Adventures In The Screen Trade' by William Goldman.
'Story' by Robert McKee.
'On Writing' by Stephen King

Suggested Viewing:
'The Guard' Directed by John Michael McDonagh
'Jane Eyre' Directed by Cary Fukunaga
'Last of the Mohicans' Directed by Michael Mann
'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre' Directed by John Huston.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Screenwriting 2 as a follow-up is available at the City Lit. Information from the tutor concerning other courses will also be offered.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
19/04/12 to 21/06/12	Thu	19:40 - 21:40	10 weeks	£113	£113	£33	HW093	Full	» Select
20/04/12 to 22/06/12	Fri	17:30 - 19:30	10 weeks	£113	£113	N/A	HW267	Full	» Select
19/09/11 to 12/12/11	Mon	19:40 - 21:40	12 weeks	£136	£136	N/A	HW018	Finished	» Select
20/09/11 to 06/12/11	Tue	17:30 - 19:30	12 weeks	£136	£136	£39	HW281	Finished	» Select
22/09/11 to 15/12/11	Thu	14:45 - 16:45	12 weeks	£129	£73	N/A	HW090	Finished	» Select
09/01/12 to 26/03/12	Mon	19:40 - 21:40	11 weeks	£124	£124	N/A	HW019	Finished	» Select
12/01/12 to 22/03/12	Thu	19:40 - 21:40	11 weeks	£124	£124	N/A	HW086	Finished	» Select
13/01/12 to 23/03/12	Fri	17:30 - 19:30	11 weeks	£124	£124	N/A	HW193	Finished	» Select