UCLA Extension Writers Program Public Syllabus Note to students: this public syllabus is designed to give you a glimpse into this course and instructor. If you have further questions about our courses or curriculum, please contact the Writers Program at (310) 825-9415 or via email at writers@uclaextension.edu. We are happy to answer any questions and to help you find the best class to achieve your writing goals. As UCLA's principal provider of continuing education, the majority of UCLA Extension courses are designed for the post-baccalaureate professional-level student. Enrollment is therefore normally reserved for adult students 18 years of age and older. The Writers Program may consent to enroll younger students based on special academic competence and approval of the instructor. Students who enroll in a Writers Program course without first receiving permission of the instructor are subject to withdrawal. To request instructor approval, please contact the Writers Program. WRITING THE ROMANTIC COMEDY Instructor: Billy Mernit Seemingly simple when it's done well, romantic comedy is actually one of the most challenging genres, especially in terms of satisfying a contemporary audience. This course looks at the conventional form, how it's changed from the screwball era to the present, and analyzes recent successes (Crazy Stupid Love, Silver Linings Playbook) as well as a few modern-day classics (Annie Hall, When Harry Met Sally...) to find out what still works and what doesn't. What does today's romcom audience want? How can your project make the most of the genre's conventions, while adding an extra level of substance that will attract interest from the industry? While exploring techniques and devices specific to the form, students develop their original idea, complete an outline, and begin a first (or revised) draft. As UCLA's principal provider of continuing education, the majority of UCLA Extension courses are designed for the post-baccalaureate professional-level student. Enrollment is therefore normally reserved for adult students 18 years of age and older. The Writers Program may consent to enroll younger students based on special academic competence and approval of the instructor. Students who enroll in a Writers Program course without first receiving permission of the instructor are subject to withdrawal. To request instructor approval, please contact the Writers Program.
1ST WEEK: 1) INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE Course syllabus 2) STORY COMPONENTS Review What are the necessary elements for a good screenplay? 3) DEFINING ROMANTIC COMEDY: What is it? SCREENING CLIPS: ROM-COM HISTORY In an overview spanning from the silent era to the present day, the genre's characteristics are defined and discussed 4) ASSIGNMENTS: The Core Films & Student Reports Homework: Write a brief "pitch" for your project View WHEN HARRY MET SALLY 2ND WEEK: 1) STUDENT PROJECTS Pitches presentation 2) DEVELOPING STORY CONCEPT Reviewing Character, Structure & Theme Making it personal 4) SUB-GENRES & CROSS-GENRES Exploring romantic comedy forms 3RD WEEK: Homework: View TOOTSIE Revise/Expand your pitch ii. 1) CHARACTER SCREENING CLIPS: ROM-COM CHARACTERS Leads & Supports and how they function 2) CASE STUDY: Discussion of TOOTSIE
Defining your protagonist 4TH WEEK: Homework: View CRAZY STUPID LOVE Write Character Q & A 1) CASE STUDY: Discussion of WHEN HARRY MET SALLY CRAZY STUPID LOVE 2) THEME Discussion Defining your "theme" 5TH WEEK: Homework: View SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK Revise Pitch/Outline; Begin Draft 1) STRUCTURING CONFLICT Developing plot from character. 2) THE "FORMULA" SCREENING CLIPS: 7 ROM-COM BEATS Standard genre plot moves and how to tweak them. 3) CASE STUDY: Discussion of SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK Homework: Work on your outline, view ANNIE HALL Bring in a brief dialogue scene from your project iii. 6TH WEEK: 1) DIALOGUE / IMAGERY Student scenes presented and discussed 2) CASE STUDY: Discussion of ANNIE HALL 3) SCREENPLAY CRAFT: Writing Visually
World--Setting, Atmosphere and Tone Homework: Continue Draft View BRIDESMAIDS 7TH WEEK: 1) THE ART OF FUNNY SCREENING CLIPS: Comedy Craft Comedy DIALOGUE and IMAGE 2) CASE STUDY BRIDESMAIDS Discussion 3) CREDIBILITY (Screenplay excerpt examples) Homework: Work on your Act One View KNOCKED UP 8TH WEEK: 1) BEING SEXY SCREENING CLIPS: Intimacy The Modern Raunch-Com and Beyond 2) STUDENT PROJECTS 3) Homework: Continue Draft View CURRENT MOVIE T.B.A. iv. 9TH WEEK: 1) STUDENT PROJECTS 2) CURRENT MOVIES Discussion 3) REVISION Writing-Is-Rewriting Discussion
Homework: Continue Draft 10TH WEEK: 1) SCREENPLAY CRAFT: The 1st 10 Pages & The Reader Friendly Draft 2) STUDENT PROJECTS 3) WRAP-UP Checklist Approaching the Market Required Viewing: TOOTSIE ANNIE HALL WHEN HARRY MET SALLY KNOCKED UP CRAZY STUPID LOVE BRIDESMAIDS SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK [CURRENT MOVIE T.B.A.] These 8 movies will be the basis for class discussions. Viewing them is required of all students. Reading: WRITING THE ROMANTIC COMEDY by Billy Mernit While not required, having the book on hand may prove helpful