FMST 310: SCREENWRITING Spring 2013 T, TH: 10:00am to 11:15am 206 Newton Michael Herman, Instructor Office Hours: T, TH by appointment Office: Welles 203 Email: herman@geneseo.edu Phone: use email We're not interested in photographing the reality. We're interested in photographing the photograph of the reality. ~ Stanley Kubrick Required Textbooks: Paul Argentini, Elements of Style for Screenwriters Lajos Egri, The Art of Dramatic Writing Course Description: This course will explore the principles of the writing of scripts for theatrical and nontheatrical films. The class focuses on the scene as the basis of dramatic structure and offers an opportunity to hone writing skills developed thus far. The instruction involves lecture, reading, screening and writing, as well as class discussion. Several writing exercises and a short script will combine with a critical vocabulary to create an understanding of the principles of screenwriting and it will be fun! Learning outcomes: 1. Students will acquire basic knowledge and skills in the discipline of Screenwriting. 2. Students will acquire knowledge of Screenwriting from an historical perspective. 3. Students will acquire the ability to analyze a script from various cinematic perspectives. 4. Students will learn to think critically about the discipline of Screenwriting. 5. Students will acquire knowledge of the role of Screenwriting and Film in the community and society at large. 6. Students will acquire knowledge of cinematic protocol, as well as the commitment and self-discipline required for success in Screenwriting.
Course Requirements: 1. Complete assigned readings and be prepared to discuss: - From 2 required texts - From 4 short script handouts 2. Complete writing assignments: - Personal Story Write a 3 page personal story based on one of three actual events in your past. Events will be discussed in class. - Story Scene Write a 3 page scene based on the personal story, in proper screenplay format. Format will be discussed in class. - A & B Scene Write an original 3-5 page scene, based on standard 2-character scene structure. Structure will be discussed in class. - Coach Scene Write an original 3-5 page scene based on an athlete/coach situation. Ideas for situation will be discussed in class. - One line outline, Premise and Synopsis As a precursor to the Short Script, write an outline, premise and synopsis for it. - Short Script Write and develop an original 10 12 minute screenplay. 3. Readings: - Midterm: in-class reading of selected material to that point. - Final: in-class reading of final short script draft. MyCourses: I will use MyCourses to make announcements, share learning resources, and remind you of assignments and due dates. You are responsible for information passed along on MyCourses. Make a habit of checking MyCourses and email every day. GOO Numbers: Memorize your GOO number. It is required for all writing assignments. Your writing assignments cannot be corrected without a GOO number.
Disability Policy: Students with documented disabilities may be entitled to specific accommodations. SUNY Geneseo s Office for Student with Disabilities makes this determination. Please contact the Office for Students with Disabilities to inquire about obtaining an official letter to the course instructor detailing any approved accommodations. The student is responsible for providing the course instructor with an official letter. Faculty members work as a team with the Office for Students with Disabilities to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Office Hours: I am more than happy to meet with you to discuss any issue(s) pertaining to this course. The best way is to email me to set up an appointment. Classroom Etiquette: The use of cell phones, texting, instant messaging and talking are obviously disruptive, and not allowed in class. If you must have a conversation, please leave the room and return when finished. Students who fail to honor this courtesy will be asked to leave the class. Grading: 25% Readings/discussion/participation 25% Writing exercises 50% Short script A = 90 100% B = 80 89% C = 70 79% D = 60 69% F = below 60% No late work will be accepted at all. No exceptions. If an assignment is not handed in on or by the due date, you will receive no grade for that assignment. Attendance: Be here! Always! On time! 2 unexcused lates = 1 unexcused absence 1 unexcused absence = 5% off total grade 5 unexcused absences = fail the course
Schedule: 1/22 Introduction to class 1/24 Screening and Personal Story Assignment 1/29 Elements: preface and p18-27 1/31 Short script 1 reading (handout) 2/5 Story Scene Assignment 2/7 Screening, Elements: A - D 2/12 Elements: E - Q 2/14 Short script 2 reading (handout) 2/19 A & B Scene Assignment 2/21 Screening, Elements: R - V 2/26 Art: Chapter 1 2/28 Short script 3 reading (handout) 3/5 Coach Scene Assignment 3/7 Midterm readings, Art: Chapter 2, Sections 1-5 3/12 Midterm readings 3/14 One line outline, Synopsis and Premise Assignment 3/19 Spring Break 3/21 Spring Break 3/26 Script Assignment movement 1 3/28 Art: Chapter 2, Sections 6-11 4/2 Art: Chapter 3, Sections 1-5 4/4 Screening 4/9 Script Assignment movement 2 4/11 Art: Chapter 3, Sections 6-10 4/16 No Class G.R.E.A.T. Day 4/18 Script Assignment movement 3 4/23 Screening 4/25 Script Assignment movement 4 4/30 Art: Chapter 4 5/2 Script Assignment movement 5
5/7 Screening 5/14 Final readings, 12pm 3pm Important: This course description, syllabus and schedule may be subject to unanticipated changes. Students will be notified of any changes in course content, requirements and deadlines as soon as possible. Be sure to check email and MyCourses daily.