Embedded Files
Screenwriter Emily Carmichael faces the challenge of writing a scene on camera--in seven minutes. Emily talks through her process and takes us into the mind of a screenwriter. She had only seven minutes to write the first draft, five minutes to write the second draft, and three minutes to write the third draft--see what she ended up with.
For an individual assignment, each student will write a screenplay for a 3-5 minute short film. One page of a screenplay generally equates to 1 minute of a film.
All short films start with an idea. An idea that is developed into a story with a protagonist, a desire, an obstacle, a confrontation, and a resolution. Stories that resonate with the audience often have a moral (cheater's never prosper, don't judge a book by its cover, money can't buy happiness, etc.) and a theme (love, kindness, friendship, loyalty, good vs. evil, circle of life, courage, quest for knowledge, fear of failure, suffering, heroism, deception, etc.).
Writing (or should I say formatting) a screenplay is the easy part. Coming up with a good story, compelling characters, and believable dialog is the hard part.
Screenplays follow a very specific format.
The main parts of a screenplay:
Scene Heading - Describes where and when action is taking place
Action - Describes (in present tense) only and exactly what the viewer can see on screen.
Character - Name of person speaking.
Dialog - What the character is saying.
Celtx is a free online screenplay formatting application that will help you properly format your screenplay. Link to CELTX. You will need an email address to verify your CELTX account.
Script to Screen Examples
Individual Screenplay
Individual Screenplay
As an individual assignment, you will write your own, original 3-5 page screenplay, with proper formatting. Your screenplay will be assessed byf:
Proper Formatting:
-Scene Headings
-Action
-Character
-Dialogue
Length
Feasibility
Level of sophistication
You will have time in class to work on this, but are able to work on it outside of class also. Screenplays will be due November 13th.
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