CINE 72
Nonfiction Scriptwriting
CITY COLLEGE OF SAN FRANCISCO
CITY COLLEGE OF SAN FRANCISCO
Cinema Department
Cinema Department
Professor Sherman is not teaching CINE 72 in Fall 2024. The information on this page is from the Spring 2024 section of the course.
Professor Sherman is not teaching CINE 72 in Fall 2024. The information on this page is from the Spring 2024 section of the course.
Time: Partially Online Course/Course Meetings (Once a Month):
Time: Partially Online Course/Course Meetings (Once a Month):
Mondays 1:10pm-4:00pm in Rosenberg Library 301 on January 29, February 26, March 25, April 29, and May 20
Mondays 1:10pm-4:00pm in Rosenberg Library 301 on January 29, February 26, March 25, April 29, and May 20
(Important: You must attend the entire class session for at least four of the five in-person course meetings in order to pass the class. If you miss more than one class meeting, you will be withdrawn or earn an FW if the withdraw deadline has passed).
(Important: You must attend the entire class session for at least four of the five in-person course meetings in order to pass the class. If you miss more than one class meeting, you will be withdrawn or earn an FW if the withdraw deadline has passed).
Canvas Support Hotline (833) 249-3993 available 24/7
Course Description
Course Description
An introductory course that offers essential skills in writing a professional nonfiction script. Attention to research methods supporting content development, interviewing techniques, story structure, script format, and cinematic grammar are emphasized. Historical nonfiction films and their influence on current work will also be explored.
An introductory course that offers essential skills in writing a professional nonfiction script. Attention to research methods supporting content development, interviewing techniques, story structure, script format, and cinematic grammar are emphasized. Historical nonfiction films and their influence on current work will also be explored.
Films
Films
All films for the class will be embedded in Canvas via streaming resources provided by the CCSF Library. Once you use your RAM ID to access Canvas you will be able to stream the films directly in each Module. You do not need to rent or purchase films for this class.
All films for the class will be embedded in Canvas via streaming resources provided by the CCSF Library. Once you use your RAM ID to access Canvas you will be able to stream the films directly in each Module. You do not need to rent or purchase films for this class.
Required Text
Required Text
Writing, Directing, and Producing Documentary Films and Digital Videos (5th Edition) by Alan Rosenthal and Ned Eckhardt
Writing, Directing, and Producing Documentary Films and Digital Videos (5th Edition) by Alan Rosenthal and Ned Eckhardt
Student Learning Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes
*Assess a nonfiction story idea and evaluate essential components required to research and structure the idea to reach a targeted audience
*Assess a nonfiction story idea and evaluate essential components required to research and structure the idea to reach a targeted audience
*Integrate research and interviews into a professionally formatted nonfiction script
*Integrate research and interviews into a professionally formatted nonfiction script
*Critique diverse nonfiction script styles, with specific attention to content development, story structure, and cinematic grammar
*Critique diverse nonfiction script styles, with specific attention to content development, story structure, and cinematic grammar
Course Schedule
Course Schedule
Introduction
Introduction
Planning the Script
Planning the Script
READING:
READING:
Rosenthal & Eckhardt, “Introduction” (pp. 1-4) & “Clearing the Decks” (pp. 7-16)
Rosenthal & Eckhardt, “Introduction” (pp. 1-4) & “Clearing the Decks” (pp. 7-16)
Conceptualizing the Idea
Conceptualizing the Idea
READING:
READING:
Rosenthal & Eckhardt, “Getting to Work” (pp. 17-29)
Rosenthal & Eckhardt, “Getting to Work” (pp. 17-29)
Documentary Content
Documentary Content
READING:
READING:
Rosenthal & Eckhardt, “Writing the Proposal” (pp. 30-38)
Rosenthal & Eckhardt, “Writing the Proposal” (pp. 30-38)
Organization/Structure Part I
Organization/Structure Part I
READING:
READING:
“Essential Script Elements”
“Essential Script Elements”
Organization/Structure Part II
Organization/Structure Part II
READING:
READING:
“Putting a Script Together”
“Putting a Script Together”
Documentary Style Part I
Documentary Style Part I
READING:
READING:
Rosenthal & Eckhardt, “Writing the Proposal” (pp. 38-44) & Read Examples in “Writing the Proposal” (pp. 44-59)
Rosenthal & Eckhardt, “Writing the Proposal” (pp. 38-44) & Read Examples in “Writing the Proposal” (pp. 44-59)
Documentary Style Part II
Documentary Style Part II
READING:
READING:
Rosenthal & Eckhardt, “Shaping the Film” (pp. 69-83)
Rosenthal & Eckhardt, “Shaping the Film” (pp. 69-83)
Research and Interviewing Subjects
Research and Interviewing Subjects
READING:
READING:
Rosenthal & Eckhardt, “Research” (pp. 60-68)
Rosenthal & Eckhardt, “Research” (pp. 60-68)
Budget
Budget
Documentary Scriptwriting Format
Documentary Scriptwriting Format
READING:
READING:
Rosenthal & Eckhardt, “Beginning the First Draft” (pp. 84-98)
Rosenthal & Eckhardt, “Beginning the First Draft” (pp. 84-98)
Experimental Documentary
Experimental Documentary
READING:
READING:
Scott MacDonald, “Su Friedrich” & “Script of Sink or Swim”
Scott MacDonald, “Su Friedrich” & “Script of Sink or Swim”
Festival Preparation and Submission
Festival Preparation and Submission
Documentary Distribution: Streaming, Theatrical, Physical Media
Documentary Distribution: Streaming, Theatrical, Physical Media
The Future of Documentary Practice
The Future of Documentary Practice
Completing the Draft: Final Part I: Shooting Script
Completing the Draft: Final Part I: Shooting Script
READING:
READING:
Rosenthal & Eckhardt, “Completing the First Draft” (pp. 99-115)
Rosenthal & Eckhardt, “Completing the First Draft” (pp. 99-115)
Completing the Draft: Final Part II: Treatment
Completing the Draft: Final Part II: Treatment
READING:
READING:
Rosenthal & Eckhardt, “Treatments” (pp. 113-115)
Rosenthal & Eckhardt, “Treatments” (pp. 113-115)
Add Policy
Add Policy
Before the class begins: Once the class is full, students are able to request placement on the wait list before the class begins. The wait list has ten spots. If a spot opens up in the class before it begins, the registration system will contact the first person on the wait list via CCSF email to offer them the spot. Wait list students are given a window of time (24 hours) to add the class before their spot is offered to the next student on the wait list. You must check your CCSF email every day. If you are offered a spot in the class and you miss your window, you will be removed from the wait list and your spot will be offered to the next student on the list.
Before the class begins: Once the class is full, students are able to request placement on the wait list before the class begins. The wait list has ten spots. If a spot opens up in the class before it begins, the registration system will contact the first person on the wait list via CCSF email to offer them the spot. Wait list students are given a window of time (24 hours) to add the class before their spot is offered to the next student on the wait list. You must check your CCSF email every day. If you are offered a spot in the class and you miss your window, you will be removed from the wait list and your spot will be offered to the next student on the list.
After the class begins: Once the class has begun, the wait list is no longer valid. After the course has begun, all students who were previously on the wait list need to add themselves to the “Class Add Request” list ASAP. Any student can add themselves to the “Class Add Request” list. If there are any open spots in the class after it begins, I will authorize adds for as many spots that are available from the “Class Add Request” list in numerical order on the first day of class and throughout the first few days of the course. You must check your CCSF email every day. If you are offered a spot in the class and you miss your window, you will be removed from the “Class Add Request” list and your spot will be offered to the next student on the list.
After the class begins: Once the class has begun, the wait list is no longer valid. After the course has begun, all students who were previously on the wait list need to add themselves to the “Class Add Request” list ASAP. Any student can add themselves to the “Class Add Request” list. If there are any open spots in the class after it begins, I will authorize adds for as many spots that are available from the “Class Add Request” list in numerical order on the first day of class and throughout the first few days of the course. You must check your CCSF email every day. If you are offered a spot in the class and you miss your window, you will be removed from the “Class Add Request” list and your spot will be offered to the next student on the list.
IMPORTANT: I will not add any students to the class after the first week. I cannot give extensions on assignments due at the end of Week 1 for students adding the class late in Week 1. As soon as the class enters Week 2, the roster is set, and the class moves forward.
IMPORTANT: I will not add any students to the class after the first week. I cannot give extensions on assignments due at the end of Week 1 for students adding the class late in Week 1. As soon as the class enters Week 2, the roster is set, and the class moves forward.
Placement on the wait list or “Class Add Request” list does not guarantee a spot in the class. Please continue to look for other open CCSF classes and assume that you will not get into the class. IMPORTANT: The registration system might indicate that spots are open in the class when in fact those spots are waiting to be claimed by those on the wait list or “Class Add Request” list. Please do not email me about adding the class. Registration will contact you via CCSF email if any spots are available. Thank you.
Placement on the wait list or “Class Add Request” list does not guarantee a spot in the class. Please continue to look for other open CCSF classes and assume that you will not get into the class. IMPORTANT: The registration system might indicate that spots are open in the class when in fact those spots are waiting to be claimed by those on the wait list or “Class Add Request” list. Please do not email me about adding the class. Registration will contact you via CCSF email if any spots are available. Thank you.
Attendance
Attendance
Students must login and complete work on Canvas in order to stay in the class. Students who do not attend the first in-person course meeting on January 29 and complete the Course Introduction from Module 1 in Canvas by Sunday, February 4 at 11:59pm will be dropped from the class. Students who do not complete two consecutive discussion assignments/writing assignments and do not communicate with me will be dropped from the class. Any student who falls below a 60% (total grade) at any point before the Last Day to Drop With 'W' deadline and does not communicate with me will be dropped from the class. I will maintain grade book records via Canvas.
Students must login and complete work on Canvas in order to stay in the class. Students who do not attend the first in-person course meeting on January 29 and complete the Course Introduction from Module 1 in Canvas by Sunday, February 4 at 11:59pm will be dropped from the class. Students who do not complete two consecutive discussion assignments/writing assignments and do not communicate with me will be dropped from the class. Any student who falls below a 60% (total grade) at any point before the Last Day to Drop With 'W' deadline and does not communicate with me will be dropped from the class. I will maintain grade book records via Canvas.
We meet in-person once a month on Mondays 1:10pm-4:00pm in Rosenberg Library 301:
We meet in-person once a month on Mondays 1:10pm-4:00pm in Rosenberg Library 301:
January 29, February 26, March 25, April 29, and May 20
January 29, February 26, March 25, April 29, and May 20
(Important: You must attend the entire class session for at least four of the five in-person course meetings in order to pass the class. If you miss more than one class meeting, you will be withdrawn or earn an FW if the withdraw deadline has passed).
(Important: You must attend the entire class session for at least four of the five in-person course meetings in order to pass the class. If you miss more than one class meeting, you will be withdrawn or earn an FW if the withdraw deadline has passed).
Please see the City College of San Francisco's standards for Substantive Interaction for Distance Learning Courses for information about requirements as described in California Code of Regulations, Title 5: Education, under Chapter 6, Article 1 on Distance Education.
Please see the City College of San Francisco's standards for Substantive Interaction for Distance Learning Courses for information about requirements as described in California Code of Regulations, Title 5: Education, under Chapter 6, Article 1 on Distance Education.
Online and Hybrid Courses: Substantive participation is considered necessary for normal progress in an online or hybrid class. Therefore, a student taking an outline or hybrid course must participate in the class during the first week, and regularly participate throughout the term according to the requirements listed on the instructor's syllabus. Otherwise, the student may be dropped by the instructor as stated in AR 5075 Course Adds, Drops, and Withdrawals or as stated on the instructor's syllabus. Faculty will define required participation in the syllabus for an online or hybrid course and will determine the consequences of a lack of participation.
Online and Hybrid Courses: Substantive participation is considered necessary for normal progress in an online or hybrid class. Therefore, a student taking an outline or hybrid course must participate in the class during the first week, and regularly participate throughout the term according to the requirements listed on the instructor's syllabus. Otherwise, the student may be dropped by the instructor as stated in AR 5075 Course Adds, Drops, and Withdrawals or as stated on the instructor's syllabus. Faculty will define required participation in the syllabus for an online or hybrid course and will determine the consequences of a lack of participation.
I will make my best effort to contact students at least once before dropping them from the course, but keep in mind I typically have hundreds of students per semester. Students are responsible for withdrawing from the course before the posted deadlines (see "Important Dates"). Keep in mind that I must report accurate census reports for all my classes after the first three full weeks of instruction. I also must report accurate records of midterm and final grades. Failure to do so may result in several consequences for CCSF, myself, and my students: the most serious accusation being involvement with financial aid fraud. I will contact students via Canvas Inbox. Please make sure that you check your Canvas Inbox or link Canvas messaging to your CCSF email or preferred email address.
I will make my best effort to contact students at least once before dropping them from the course, but keep in mind I typically have hundreds of students per semester. Students are responsible for withdrawing from the course before the posted deadlines (see "Important Dates"). Keep in mind that I must report accurate census reports for all my classes after the first three full weeks of instruction. I also must report accurate records of midterm and final grades. Failure to do so may result in several consequences for CCSF, myself, and my students: the most serious accusation being involvement with financial aid fraud. I will contact students via Canvas Inbox. Please make sure that you check your Canvas Inbox or link Canvas messaging to your CCSF email or preferred email address.
Important Dates
Important Dates
Day Class Begins: January 29
Day Class Begins: January 29
Last Day to Drop Class for 100% Refund: February 7
Last Day to Drop Class for 100% Refund: February 7
Last Day to Add: February 15
Last Day to Add: February 15
Last Day to Drop Without 'W': February 15
Last Day to Drop Without 'W': February 15
Last Day to Drop With 'W': April 25
Last Day to Drop With 'W': April 25
Day Class Ends: May 22
Day Class Ends: May 22
Grades Available via myRAM Portal: June 6
Grades Available via myRAM Portal: June 6
Assignments
Assignments
The Canvas shell opens at 8am on Monday, January 29 and consists of 17 Modules. We cover all 17 Modules in about 16 weeks. The class covers one Module each week except for the first week when we cover two Modules. You will be able to read material, watch films, and complete assignments for each week beginning each Monday at 8am. Assignments opened on Mondays at 8am must be completed by 11:59pm the following Sunday. Most weeks will require completion of discussion posts, response posts, or short writing assignments.
The Canvas shell opens at 8am on Monday, January 29 and consists of 17 Modules. We cover all 17 Modules in about 16 weeks. The class covers one Module each week except for the first week when we cover two Modules. You will be able to read material, watch films, and complete assignments for each week beginning each Monday at 8am. Assignments opened on Mondays at 8am must be completed by 11:59pm the following Sunday. Most weeks will require completion of discussion posts, response posts, or short writing assignments.
Our course works through the stages of documentary scriptwriting/preproduction: from idea to treatment to shooting script. For the final, you will submit a 15-minute-long shooting script and treatment for a project (real or hypothetical) you will develop over the semester. Begin to think about a project that you wish to develop over the entire semester. If you do not have an actual project in mind, select a hypothetical project on a topic you wish to develop. Make sure the topic is something that interests you enough to sustain your attention over the course of an entire term.
Our course works through the stages of documentary scriptwriting/preproduction: from idea to treatment to shooting script. For the final, you will submit a 15-minute-long shooting script and treatment for a project (real or hypothetical) you will develop over the semester. Begin to think about a project that you wish to develop over the entire semester. If you do not have an actual project in mind, select a hypothetical project on a topic you wish to develop. Make sure the topic is something that interests you enough to sustain your attention over the course of an entire term.
The class requires a minimum of about 8 hours of work per week. You will fall behind if you do not plan ahead and complete the work throughout each week. You will not be able to watch material, complete the reading, and submit writing assignments or discussion posts each week if you wait until the weekend to complete the work. Discussions and short writing assignments make up most of the final grade and they require time to receive full points.
The class requires a minimum of about 8 hours of work per week. You will fall behind if you do not plan ahead and complete the work throughout each week. You will not be able to watch material, complete the reading, and submit writing assignments or discussion posts each week if you wait until the weekend to complete the work. Discussions and short writing assignments make up most of the final grade and they require time to receive full points.
This course is not self-paced. I cannot open Modules before their scheduled time to accommodate travel plans, vacation, working ahead of schedule etc. Each week, one or more Modules will open with assignments that have posted due dates.
This course is not self-paced. I cannot open Modules before their scheduled time to accommodate travel plans, vacation, working ahead of schedule etc. Each week, one or more Modules will open with assignments that have posted due dates.
Each Module page contains the most relevant information from our textbook and other materials. I have embedded clips, tutorials, and short documentaries in the Modules when appropriate.
Each Module page contains the most relevant information from our textbook and other materials. I have embedded clips, tutorials, and short documentaries in the Modules when appropriate.
Discussions
Discussions
Some Modules will focus on discussions where you will be asked to contribute your thoughts on a topic and respond to your classmates. I have provided detailed grading rubrics in each discussion assignment that outline how posts are graded. The discussions are graded from 0 points to 3 points. You must meet word count requirements, include embedded media (image/YouTube clip) in your initial post, and respond to at least one classmate to earn full points for each discussion assignment.
Some Modules will focus on discussions where you will be asked to contribute your thoughts on a topic and respond to your classmates. I have provided detailed grading rubrics in each discussion assignment that outline how posts are graded. The discussions are graded from 0 points to 3 points. You must meet word count requirements, include embedded media (image/YouTube clip) in your initial post, and respond to at least one classmate to earn full points for each discussion assignment.
Writing Assignments
Writing Assignments
Other Modules will ask you to submit a short writing assignment that develops one component of the scriptwriting/preproduction process: idea, content, structure, style, research, budget, format, festival preparation, and distribution possibilities. I have provided detailed grading rubrics in each writing assignment that outline how submissions are graded. The writing assignments are graded from 0 points to 3 points.
Other Modules will ask you to submit a short writing assignment that develops one component of the scriptwriting/preproduction process: idea, content, structure, style, research, budget, format, festival preparation, and distribution possibilities. I have provided detailed grading rubrics in each writing assignment that outline how submissions are graded. The writing assignments are graded from 0 points to 3 points.
Final
Final
We dedicate the final two weeks of the class to working on the final project. The final project is submitted in two parts: a 15-minute-long shooting script and treatment for a project (real or hypothetical) that you have developed over the semester. The goal of the class is to provide practical instruction on how to prepare for documentary production. You do not need production experience to take the class or even immediate plans to make a film. The class provides current information on how documentaries are planned, funded, exhibited, and distributed in the digital era.
We dedicate the final two weeks of the class to working on the final project. The final project is submitted in two parts: a 15-minute-long shooting script and treatment for a project (real or hypothetical) that you have developed over the semester. The goal of the class is to provide practical instruction on how to prepare for documentary production. You do not need production experience to take the class or even immediate plans to make a film. The class provides current information on how documentaries are planned, funded, exhibited, and distributed in the digital era.
Grading
Grading
Discussion Posts & Response Posts (30% of Final Grade - /30)
Discussion Posts & Response Posts (30% of Final Grade - /30)
Writing Assignments (40% of Final Grade - /15)
Writing Assignments (40% of Final Grade - /15)
Final Part I (15% of Final Grade - /10)
Final Part I (15% of Final Grade - /10)
Final Part II (15% of Final Grade - /10)
Final Part II (15% of Final Grade - /10)
Late assignments cannot be accepted except in severe circumstances. You will not receive any points for late work. Also, please keep an eye on the “Announcements” link on the left side of the course homepage. Recent Announcements will also appear on the course home page.
Late assignments cannot be accepted except in severe circumstances. You will not receive any points for late work. Also, please keep an eye on the “Announcements” link on the left side of the course homepage. Recent Announcements will also appear on the course home page.
Final Grades
Final Grades
100-90 = A
100-90 = A
89-80 = B
89-80 = B
79-70 = C
79-70 = C
69-60 = D
69-60 = D
< 59 = F
< 59 = F
Standards of Conduct
Standards of Conduct
Students who register in CCSF classes are required to abide by the CCSF Student Code of Conduct. Violation of the code is basis for referral to the Student Conduct Coordinator or dismissal from class or from the College. See the Office of Student Affairs.
Students who register in CCSF classes are required to abide by the CCSF Student Code of Conduct. Violation of the code is basis for referral to the Student Conduct Coordinator or dismissal from class or from the College. See the Office of Student Affairs.
Collaborating on or copying of tests or homework in whole or in part will be considered an act of academic dishonesty and result in a grade of 0 for that test or assignment. I encourage students to share information and ideas, but not their work.
Collaborating on or copying of tests or homework in whole or in part will be considered an act of academic dishonesty and result in a grade of 0 for that test or assignment. I encourage students to share information and ideas, but not their work.
PLAGIARISM = copying/citing the words, images, videos, or ideas of others without giving them credit.
PLAGIARISM = copying/citing the words, images, videos, or ideas of others without giving them credit.
DSPS Accommodations
DSPS Accommodations
If you need classroom or testing accommodations because of a disability, or have emergency medical information to share with me, or need special arrangements, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible.
If you need classroom or testing accommodations because of a disability, or have emergency medical information to share with me, or need special arrangements, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible.
Students seeking disability related accommodations are encouraged to also register with Disabled Students Programs and Services located in Room 323 of the Rosenberg Library (415) 452-5481. Please see the DSPS website for more information and alternate locations.
Students seeking disability related accommodations are encouraged to also register with Disabled Students Programs and Services located in Room 323 of the Rosenberg Library (415) 452-5481. Please see the DSPS website for more information and alternate locations.