The Scriptscene Chapter of RWA proudly offers Advanced Concepts thru Genre Film by Sally J. Walker!
Date: Feb 10 – Apr 30. There are 34 lessons in the course.
Price: $120 for Scriptscene Members; $125 for Non Members
Payment Method: Paypal/ email: treasurer@scriptscene.org
Workshop/Payment Information:http://scriptscene.org/classes2.htm
*When payment is received, students will be added to the Scriptscene FastTrack Workshop loop.*
Class Syllabus
“Advanced Concepts thru Genre Film”
“The more you know, the more you find out you DON’T know” is the adage driving this intense 34-lesson, 12 week course taught by working screenwriter Sally J. Walker. After two lessons of fundamentals review, eleven cinematic concept lessons will be discussed as exemplified in eleven movie genres. Some of the concepts are the do’s and don’ts of plotting, scene structure and sequencing, subplot development, characterization for Character Arc and casting, succinct dialogue, and importance of visuals. The essential needs of these genres will be outlined: Mystery, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Comedy, Juvenile, Horror, Romance, Western, Historical, Action-Adventure, and Inspirational. Exercises will motivate students to go beyond formula yet maintain appeal to audience expectations. Registrants will be given the list of 22 recommended films that must be bought or rented to participate completely in the course. Are they absolutely necessary? No, but you will short-change your education by not analyzing them with the instructor. Exercises and assignments will allow the participants to step-by-step write their own screenplay by the end of the class (if they commit to the schedule). By the conclusion of the course, participants will also understand the hows and whys of pulling elements from other genres to enrich a story for cross-genre appeal.
Course Outline:
Lesson One-A: Review of Fundamentals of Plot, Character, Format
Lesson One-B: Expectations of Genre Film & “No New Stories”
Assignment: Paradigm, Protag-Antag Casting, Log Line
Lesson Two-A: Concepts of Suspense & “Webbing”
Lesson Two-B: Mystery Genre
Movie Analysis: WITNESS . . . LETHAL WEAPON
Assignment: Subplots, Time Line, Statement of Purpose
Lesson Three-A: Concepts of Set-up Credibility & Character Sequencing
Lesson Three-B: Science Fiction Genre
Movie Analysis: STAR WARS IV . . . STAR TREK
Assignment: First 10 pages
Lesson Four-A: Concepts of Signpost Events, Opposition, Point-of-View
Lesson Four-B: Fantasy Genre
Movie Analysis: LADYHAWKE . . . HARRY POTTER & THE SORCERER’S STONE
Assignment: 10 pages thru Inciting Incident
Lesson Five-A: Concepts of Character Profiling/Back-story on Dialogue
Lesson Five-B: Comedy Genre
Movie Analysis: MRS. DOUBTFIRE . . . National Lampoon’s CHRISTMAS VACATION
Assignment: 10 pages through Plot Point II ending Act I
Lesson Six-A: Concepts of Character Arc, Inherent Sex & Violence
Lesson Six-B: Juvenile Genre
Movie Analysis: THE LION KING . . . SHREK
Assignment: 10 pages of “New World” thru Pinch I
Lesson Seven-A: Concepts of Pinches, Anxiety Curve, Antagonist
Lesson Seven-B: Horror Genre
Movie Analysis: LAST BREATH . . . THE GHOST & THE DARKNESS
Assignment: 10 Pages thru Epiphany of Mid-point
Lesson Eight-A: Concepts of Mid-Point, Change Focus to Active Role, Scene-Sequel
Lesson Eight-B: Romance Genre
Movie Analysis: AVATAR . . . ROMANCING THE STONE
Assignment: 10 Pages to Pinch II of Act II
Lesson Nine-A: Concepts of Plot Point II Dark Moment, Character Intensity, Ensemble Cast
Lesson Nine-B: Western Genre
Movie Analysis: THE COWBOYS . . . THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER
Assignment: 10 Pages from Pinch II thru Plot Point II (end of Act III)
Lesson Ten-A: Concepts of Weaving Research Accuracy, Detail, Adaptation
Lesson Ten-B: Historical Genre
Movie Analysis: THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS . . . BRAVEHEART
Assignment: 10 Pages into Act III (Preparation for battle)
Lesson Eleven-A: Concepts of Climax, Visuals, Foreshadowing, Choreography
Lesson Eleven-B: Action-Adventure Genre
Movie analysis: GLADIATOR . . . HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER
Assignment: 10 Pages of Climax
Lesson Twelve-A: Concepts of Engaging Emotions, After-story, Revision, Marketing
Lesson Twelve-B: Inspirational Genre
Movie Analysis: KINGDOM OF HEAVEN . . . SMOKE SIGNALS
Assignment: Write to FADE OUT then outline Synopsis
Concluding Remarks