(Recorded Course) Advanced Fiction Writing: Screenwriting, Part Two (HS X-12)

In this hands-on writing course, practice your advanced writing skills and learn how to design stories for film! Write dynamic loglines, craft powerful story outlines in beat sheets, create dynamic scenes that grab the reader, and know what it takes to write for film. Especially if you want to explore writing as a part or full-time career, this course is for you...

 

 Currently, Instructor Access grading services are not available for this course.

  screenwriting 2 photo

NOTICE: This is an older course recorded with Adobe Connect and/or Vimeo recordings.
We are currently working to replace the recordings with new Zoom recordings. 
Please don't hesitate to email us at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com with any questions.

For students who want to excel in fiction writing skills and jumpstart college literature courses; this is both a college and career preparatory course.

Sign up for Screenwriting Parts One and Two together, to complete the requisite book; the course is complete with both semesters.

How to Get the Most Out of Fiction Writing: Screenwriting, Part Two with Erin M. Brown (AKA Erin Brown Conroy/E.B. Conroy):
    1. Read: Read all of the information here, and skim the first week’s course materials.
    2. Notetaking: Prepare a notebook and take complete notes during the Class.
    3. Students, begin the course by:
      • LIVE CLASS Students - Coming to the first live Class session on the scheduled date and time.
      • Unlimited Access / Recorded Students - Clicking on the "Recording" and watching Professor Brown’s lecture for Class One.
    4. Weekly Readings: After class, check for any readings (documents/downloads or online readings). Always read the week's materials before starting the assignments.
    5. Watch the movies: Please note that some of the movies have a PG-13 rating for language or behavior. You may print the screenplays and have your parent go through and cross off profanity or scenes not accepted. If you'd like another screenplay to use, you can also google a preferred movie to find alternatives. (Try: "[movie title] script PDF")
    6. Assignments: Complete the homework in the order that it is listed on the page and submit before the next week’s class.
    7. Grading: Submit to a parent for grading if taking the course in Unlimited Access. If taking the course Live or with Instructor Access, submit to the Instructor for grading.
    8. Review: If you are confused at any time,review the recording and PowerPoint for each week.
    9. Continue: Repeat each week until the class is completed.
    10. Finishing: Once the course is completed, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course. Fill in the document for your records. You may also copy and paste the descriptive content of the course (located at the top section of the page). Make sure to record your grades; HSC does not provide record keeping.

Total classes: 8

Duration: 55 minutes

Prerequisite: Screenwriting I or instructor permission, a thirst to create, and a love of story in movies! Your student will also need Word 2007 or later version or the ability to convert a document to a Word-compatible document.

Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade

Suggested credit: 2/3 Screenwriting, Creative Writing, or English. For a full credit keep writing daily and working your craft.

Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy, MA, MFA

Course description: In your Advanced Fiction Writing Introduction to Screenwriting Part 2 course, you’ll continue to learn all of the key foundations of screenwriting and creating scripts for movies — including the business of film in Hollywood. Find out more about what goes into designing stories for film — including how to craft excellent character development and create a powerful storyline. While learning and practicing the special skills of writing for film, you will continue to read through screenplays; watch and analyze classic and current films; watch additional videos related to learning the craft; discuss the conventions of good movies; learn how to craft masterful dialogue; and craft your own scenes and screenplay.

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING SCRIPTS USED IN THIS COURSE: Some of the famous movie scripts that are used in this course as examples contain profanity. The course offers alternate scripts -- and a way to get to those scripts, via links to websites, to choose your own script. Please be informed and make decisions on readings based on this knowledge. Thank you.

Course outline:

  • Class 1: The Beat Sheet, Film Analysis, and Shorts (Chapter Four)
  • Class 2: Putting Ideas into Loglines and Beat Sheets
  • Class 3: The Beat Sheet as a Business Plan (Chapter Five) and More on Script Dialogue
  • Class 4: Crafting Scenes and The Hollywood Rules of Screenplays 1 (Chapter Six)
  • Class 5: Crafting Scenes and The Hollywood Rules of Screenplays 2 (Chapter Six)
  • Class 6: “Script Repair” (Chapter Seven)
  • Class 7: The Business of Screenwriting (Chapter Eight)
  • Class 8: Final Short Screenplay Discussions

Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. BOOK 1: The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structures for Writers, 3rd Edition, by Christopher Vogler and Michele Montez. Get the book here: http://amzn.to/2DzkE1W. NOTE: The same book is used in both of the Advanced Fiction (Parts One and Two) courses.
AND, BOOK 2: Save the Cat, by Blake Snyder. Get the book here: http://amzn.to/2GwDM3n.

Homework: Students will read from the text, read posted articles, complete pre-scene exercises, and write loglines, outlines (beat sheets), and scenes. The final project is in the second semester is a short script (12 to 15 pages). Time spent working on homework varies between individuals and their writing skills and speed. Students can expect to spend an average of two and four hours a week on homework. For the final project, students may spend more time.