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 First Draft Feature Screenplay - 4 Units
Units: 4
Student Level: Intermediate
Jun 23 - Aug 1 Apply
In-Person (Ages 16+)
Schedule: Tue/Thu 9:00am - 12:50pm
Max. Seats: 12
Faculty: Beverly Neufeld
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About the Class
Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of professional screenwriting with our Advanced Screenwriting course! This thrilling 6-week program is designed for those who already have a foundation in screenwriting and are eager to take their skills to the next level. You’ll dive deep into the craft, honing your ability to sell your imagination, personality, experience, and personal ethos through your writing.
What You’ll Experience
In this dynamic course, you’ll work in a collaborative “writer’s room” setting, where you’ll workshop ideas and stories with your instructor and peers. This environment fosters creativity and provides invaluable feedback, helping you refine your screenplay. To get the most out of this course, it’s highly recommended that you come prepared with:
- Basic Knowledge of Feature Screenplay Writing: A solid understanding of the basics will allow you to dive deeper into advanced techniques.
- Fundamental Screenwriting Terminology: Familiarity with industry terms will help you keep up with the fast-paced learning environment.
- A Strong and Organized Idea and Defined Characters: Arriving with a clear concept and well-developed characters will set you up for success.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, you’ll have structured and written a completed first draft of a three-act, full-length feature screenplay. You’ll explore and master various aspects of screenwriting, including:
- Developing Ideas: Learn to transform your concepts into compelling stories.
- Story Structure: Understand the framework that supports a well-crafted screenplay.
- Narrative: Dive into the elements that make a story engaging and cohesive.
- Writing Dialogue: Craft authentic and impactful dialogue that brings your characters to life.
- Character Arcs: Develop characters that grow and evolve throughout your story.
- Formatting: Ensure your screenplay meets industry standards.
Intensive Writing Process
This course is rigorous and demands dedication. You’ll be expected to write up to twenty-five pages per week, pushing you to stay focused and productive. By the end of the six weeks, you’ll have a first draft that you can continue to refine or present to industry professionals.
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 thrilling world of screenwriting. This course is your gateway to mastering the art of crafting a feature-length screenplay and setting the stage for an inspiring career in the film industry. Let your imagination soar and bring your stories to life!
Instructor: Beverly Neufeld