The Screenwriting Elective will serve as an introduction to the fundamentals of writing for film--The Screen. Students will learn how to analyze and critique acclaimed films from the recent past, develop the technical tools needed by the screenwriter, how to come up with compelling ideas, how to structure those ideas into gripping stories and how to craft unique character arcs. We will do all of this within the parameters of both the short and feature film formats, while simultaneously addressing the particular differences inherent within each of the somewhat specific genres of comedy, drama, thriller, horror, science fiction, fantasy and experimental/art films. Students will also learn about how the crucial skills of work ethic, perseverance, resilience and grit relate to being a successful and prolific writer who can evaluate and improve their own work independently. Developing these important social-emotional skills in tandem with the technical and creative ones will form the backbone of the program.