Important Notice:

• Students may only take a maximum of 8 units.
• Students cannot take more than one production course.
• Students cannot take a production course with any of the feature writing courses.
• Students cannot take more than one feature writing course.
• No auditing courses.
• The SCA Summer Program courses are intended for students not currently enrolled at USC/SCA
• USC/SCA students will not be granted D-Clearance for SCA Summer Program courses.

Writing the Short Screenplay - 4 Units

Units: 4
Student Level: All

Jun 23 - Aug 1 Apply
In-Person (Ages 16+)
Schedule: Mon/Wed 9:00am - 12:50pm
Max. Seats: 14
Faculty: Marc Palmieri

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Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey into the world of screenwriting with Writing the Short Screenplay! This dynamic introductory course is designed to ignite your passion for storytelling and equip you with the essential skills to write for the screen. You’ll draw from your experiences, observations, and imagination to create compelling characters and stories that captivate audiences.

About the Class

Structured as a vibrant “writer’s room,” this course offers a collaborative environment where you can workshop your ideas, stories, and characters with your instructor and peers. This setting encourages honest and constructive criticism, helping you refine your unique writer’s voice and grow as a storyteller.

Through engaging lectures, lively discussions, and hands-on assignments, you’ll gain a fundamental understanding of screenwriting. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

• Introduction to the Art and Craft of Screenwriting: Dive into the basics of screenwriting, learning the essential elements that make a great script.
• Conceive Compelling Ideas, Characters, and Stories: Develop your ability to create intriguing plots and memorable characters.
• Write from a Visual and Aural Perspective: Learn to think like a filmmaker, writing scenes that are visually and aurally engaging.
• Proper Script Formatting: Master the industry-standard format for screenplays, ensuring your scripts are professional and polished.
• Structure a Story: Understand the key components of story structure, from the inciting incident to the climax and resolution.
• Build the Basics of a Dramatic Scene: Learn how to craft scenes that drive the narrative forward and keep audiences hooked.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, you’ll apply your newfound skills to writing a short narrative script, with a maximum length of 10 pages. This project will showcase your ability to create a cohesive and compelling story, demonstrating your growth as a screenwriter.

Additional Information

• Project Creation: All projects are created outside of scheduled class time, giving you the flexibility to work at your own pace.
• Course Schedule: All dates and times are subject to change, so stay flexible and ready for adjustments.

Get ready to unleash your creativity and dive into the exciting world of screenwriting. This course is your gateway to mastering the fundamentals and setting the stage for an inspiring journey in writing for the screen. Let your imagination soar and bring your stories to life!

Instructor: Marc Palmieri