A 3-week Online Course to begin January 18, 2012.

With Dave Trottier

Course Objectives: To help you select and develop a writing project that you can develop into a successful screenplay. To teach the core screenwriting fundamentals that make a difference, including current spec style and conventions. To get you off to a fast start and heading the right direction with your script.

Course Text: The Fifth Edition of The Screenwriter's Bible by David Trottier.

Course start date:  January 18, 2012

Requirements: All you need is Internet access. If you're reading this, you qualify. There are no prerequisites for the course.

SYLLABUS

Week 1 (January 18) - Story Structure, Concept, and Core Story

Reading:  Pages 3-49, 100-111 and 346-349. Review pages 129-207..

Homework: Submit up to three brief story ideas you'd like to write. A story idea consists of three things: 1) title and genre; 2) a logline, "what if" question, concept statement, or other one-line hook; and 3) a paragraph describing the story content.

Week 2 (January 25) - Character, Dialogue, Theme, and Subtext

Reading:  Pages 50-81 and 112-117.

Homework: 1): Select the story idea you want to write, 2) Submit brief character sketches of your 3 main characters (about half a page for each character discussing traits, attitudes, viewpoint, goal/need, psychology, etc.); 3) Write a one-page synopsis.

Week 3 (February 1) – Suspense, Comedy, Spec Writing, and Writing Issues

Reading:  Pages 82-95, 219-251.

Homework: The first 10 pages of your screenplay.

COURSE POLICIES

Deadlines: All homework assignments may be submitted anytime they are ready. There are no hard deadlines. Take whatever time you need. I will evaluate all homework assignments and return them to you in a timely manner.

Two meeting times: There will be two separate sections of this class:

Section A will meet Wednesdays at noon Mountain Time (11 a.m. Pacific, 2 p.m. Eastern; 7 p.m. London).

Section B will meet Wednesdays at 8 p.m. (7 p.m. Pacific, 10 p.m. Eastern).

Communication: We will have four means of communication:

1) A classroom where we will meet as a group for one hour every Wednesday to discuss your writing issues; these are mainly question-and-answer sessions. As mentioned, you will choose either Section A (noon Mountain Time) or Section B (8 p.m. Mountain Time).

2) A message board where you can post comments and ask questions. I will check in periodically to respond.

3) E-mail for sending homework and asking personal questions. You can attach your homework as a Word file, RTF, PDF, Final Draft file or Movie Magic file; or snail mail it to me directly.

4) Telephone – Call me if necessary at 801-492-7898.