FLM 202: Screenwriting II
Leverage your power with words to create compelling stories
In this class you will learn the fundamentals of screenwriting, developing the ability to write effective scenes and communicate the essence of a story in your writing. Throughout the course, you will learn the basics step by step, by analyzing award-winning movie scenes and evaluating how a writer can communicate the unique voice or state of mind of character and create interesting character interactions. Students will utilize a professional script-writing program, learning how to implement correct screenplay formatting, avoid common pitfalls, and pay careful attention to structure, spelling, and grammar. By the end of the course you will have developed a script for a dramatic short film scene.
About This Course
Project-Based Learning
Advance your ability to effectively construct and tell memorable stories by visualizing, drafting, and finalizing multiple screenwriting projects.
What Skills Will I Develop?
Students in this course can expect to learn to:
- Identify and utilize the formatting conventions used by screenwriters to communicate the settings, action, and dialogue in movie scenes.
- Identify and apply an understanding of character psychology and dramatic conflict to create interesting scenes.
- Utilize a professional script-writing program to write and format screenplays according to industry standards.
- Refine screenplay scenes through a process of iteration, feedback, and revision.
- Develop a polished script for a dramatic short film scene.
What Software and Supplies Do I Need?
To take this course, you'll need:
- A computer with Internet connection (56 Kbps modem or faster).
- Access to a professional scripting program such as Writer Duet, Celtx, Fade In, or Final Draft that saves scripts in Fountain (IO) format. Click here for a full list of apps that support Fountain (free apps are available.)
Are There Course Prerequisites?
FLM 103 Screenwriting I is a prerequisite for this course.
If you have any questions about this course, please contact Admissions@sessions.edu.
Course Instructor(s)
The course is taught by the following instructor(s):
Tim Kirkman
Tim Kirkman is an Emmy award winning filmmaker who has directed five feature films and is a recipient of an Alfred P. Sloan Grant.
Course Outline
Concept Development
This course will explore writing for the screen utilizing the classic 3-act narrative. We will begin the course looking at examples of 3-act narrative scripts and scenes. You will create a concept and outline and choose a scene to develop that is central to your plot.
Refining Your Ideas
You will write a scene that explores the issues of dialogue, character dynamics, and conflict resolution in relation your story. You will present multiple drafts of your script in written and spoken form, and provide feedback to other students as they develop their scripts. Your instructor will help guide feedback into constructive iterations of your scripts.
Finalizing and Pitching Your Script
By the end of the course, your goal is to create a polished final script that is a strong example of your digital storytelling. The process you have learned is designed to help you refine your writing for future projects and give you inspiration for how to shape and pitch your story ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Do The Courses Work?
Our courses are project-based and instructor-led. In each course you’ll complete a series of lectures, projects, discussions, and critiques designed to stretch your creative skills. Weekly assignment deadlines keep you on track, and with no set-logins or Zoom meetings, you can build your studies around your schedule.
Who Are The Instructors?
Our courses are developed and taught by our industry-leading faculty of creative professionals. This means that you’ll learn in-demand skills, get feedback on your work, and build a portfolio of creative work. View our Student Gallery for featured student projects.
When Can I Start?
Classes start January, April, and August, and this course is completed in a 15-week term. College credit from this course can be applied to a range of Degree and Certificate programs at Sessions College. You can enroll in this course on an individual basis or as part of a program.
Explore our Programs: Bachelor's Degree | Associate Degree | Undergraduate Certificate
How Do I Register?
To register for a program, complete our program application. To register for this course on an individual basis, please contact our admissions team at admissions@sessions.edu. An Admissions Advisor will contact you to setup your enrollment.
| Course Tuition and Fees | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $300/credit |
| Registration Fee* | $200 |
| Total Course Price | $1100 |
Registration fees are nonrefundable after 5 days from enrollment.
Is Sessions College Accredited?
Yes. Since 2001, Sessions College has been accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).