This introductory course teaches the fundamentals of writing for film, video, and media projects. Students will learn the terminology and skills needed to write a treatment (industry-standard synopsis) and/or script for a short moving image project in non-fiction/documentary, fiction, or experimental genres. There will be weekly screenings, readings, and assignments that support film analysis, idea development, writing and screenwriting abilities. Specific skills and questions students will explore include: generating and deepening ideas, ethical considerations in filmmaking, understanding film genres, pitching film ideas, treatment and script writing, project planning (schedule, budget, storyboards), and fundraising strategies to produce projects.
This course will be taught using Canvas for lectures, lesson materials and discussions, streaming platforms for screenings, and synchronous online (Zoom) classes for discussing materials and sharing projects. No knowledge of film/video is required, but those with prior filmmaking experience, or who already have ideas they would like to develop, are encouraged to take the course which can be scaled appropriately to their skill level. By the end of the course, students will have an understanding of what it takes to conceive, write, and plan a short moving image piece.
Students who wish to produce the piece planned in this course can take a follow-up course in winter quarter: Film and Video Production.
Credit Equivalencies:
4 - Introduction to Film Writing
Registration
Academic Details
Video Production, Film or Media Creation
$20 for a required reader