Writing

 

cinema.usc.edu/writing
writing@cinema.usc.edu
213.740.3303
George Lucas Instructional Building (LUC) 301

Character Development and
Storytelling for Games
(CTWR)*
Explore characters and story worlds as they relate to gaming,
with an emphasis on emotionally rich environments
in interactive entertainment.
CTWR 410L / 4 units / Danny Bilson / 19163D / 10am-12:50 pm / T
CTWR 410L / 4 units / Paul DeMeo / 19165D / 7-10:00 pm / Th

Introduction to Screenwriting
(CNTV, CTHP, CTWR)*
Learn the basic building blocks of any screenplay—visualization,
character, dialogue, scene structure, conflict and sequence.
After writing short premises, students will progress
to combining scenes into sequences and a short script.
CTWR 412 / 2 units / Sandi Berg / 19176R / 10am-12:50 pm / M
CTWR 412 / 2 units / Frank McAdams / 19172R / 7-10:00 pm / M
CTWR 412 / 2 units / Jim McGinn / 19169R / 4-6:50 pm / T
CTWR 412 / 2 units / David Milton / 19170R / 4-6:50 pm / T
CTWR 412 / 2 units / Ron Friedman / 19173R / 7-10:00 pm / T
CTWR 412 / 2 units / Elizabeth Gill Brauer / 19175R / 7-10:00 pm / T
CTWR 412 / 2 units / Jason E. Squire / 19171R / 4-6:50 pm / Th
CTWR 412 / 2 units / Ken Cosby / 19174R / 7-10:00 pm / Th
CTWR 412 / 2 units / David Balkan / 19167R / 10am-12:50 pm / F
CTWR 412 / 2 units / Noreen Stone / 19168R / 1-3:50 pm / F

The Screenplay
(CNTV, CTWR)*
Explore all forms of film/television narrative fiction writing;
independent, mainstream and experimental, while taking
your writing to the next level of the screenplay form.
CTWR 414 / 2 units / Mardik Martin / 19184D / 10am-12:50 pm / M
CTWR 414 / 2 units / Aaron Thomas / 19190D / 7-10:00 pm / W
Prerequisite: CTWR 412

Advanced Writing
(CTWR)*
Now that you know the fundamentals, start
and finish your feature script!
CTWR 415a / 2 units / Mardik Martin / 19192D / 1-3:50 pm / M
Prerequisite: CTWR 414
CTWR 415b / 4 units / Debra Baron / 19194D / 7-10:00 pm / T
Prerequisite: CTWR 415a

Motion Picture Script Analysis
(CTHP, CTWR)*
Students learn how to read and evaluate scripts
for production (or vote against production). Different
screenplays are evaluated each week in terms of structure,
character relationships, motivations and how they translate
to film. Also covered are adaptations, and how to write
story reports. This course is invaluable for aspiring
producers, directors, writers, development execs, readers
or story editors.
CTWR 416 / 4 units / Peter Exline / 19196R / 1-3:50 pm / M

Writing the Hour-Long Dramatic Series
(CTWR)*
Introduction to the principles of writing network-style
episodic drama. Outline and write a “spec” script
for an existing hour-long television show such as Lost, CSI
or Grey’s Anatomy.
CTWR 421 / 2 units / TBA / 19202D / 10am-12:50 pm / T
CTWR 421 / 2 units / Lance Gentile / 19205D / 7-10:00 pm / T
CTWR 421 / 2 units / Pam Douglas / 19203D / 10 am-12:50 pm / W
CTWR 421 / 2 units / Georgia Jeffries / 19204D / 1-3:50 pm / W
CTWR 421 / 2 units / Michael Cassutt / 19206D / 1-3:50 pm /Th
Prerequisite: CTWR 414

Comedy Writing Genres
(CTWR)*
Exploration into situation comedy; writing by committee;
developing comedic timing; using humor as a style
of filmmaking. Outline and write a “spec” script
for an existing half-hour sitcom.
CTWR 434 / 2 units / Jim Staahl / 19207D / 10am-12:50 pm / W
CTWR 434 / 2 units / Jay Moriarty / 19209D / 7-10:00 pm / W
CTWR 434 / 2 units / David Isaacs / 19208D / 10am-12:50 pm / Th
Prerequisite: CTWR 414

Writing the Situation Comedy Pilot
(CTWR)*
Have a great idea for a half-hour show? Come learn
the creative process of writing the comedy pilot.
CTWR 437 / 2 units / Jim Staahl / 19213D / 7-10:00 pm / M
Prerequisite: CTWR 434

Writing the Original Dramatic Series Pilot
(CTWR)*
Create your own one-hour drama and write the pilot episode.
CTWR 439 / 2 units / Georgia Jeffries / 19214D / 7-10:00 pm / W

Writing for Comedy-Variety
(CTWR)*
Create a portfolio and learn the skills necessary to write
for sketch, talk and other hybrid comedic television shows.
CTWR 435/ 2 units / Anne Beatts / 19211D / 10am-12:50 pm / M

Advanced Motion Picture Script Analysis
(CTWR)*
Spend the afternoon watching the greatest films of our
time with a new awareness of conflict and resolution
in the framework of the three-act structure.
CTWR 516 / 2 units / David Howard / 19244R / 1-4:50 pm / Th