Short Film Script
Create an original TV pilot and a low-budget feature screenplay. Write a short film script and adapt an existing story for the screen. In a simulated writers’ room, collaborate with other students to write a web series to be produced during the program. On the business side, become knowledgeable about all stages of film production, which will help inform your writing.
This program is comprised of instructor-led workshops to improve your writing along with interactive lectures to learn the fundamentals of screenwriting. Upon completion, you will have screenwriting skill, pitching know-how, a solid portfolio and a strong resume which will open the doors to the industry.
Portfolio Pieces
Program Highlights
- Complete 9 portfolio projects in just 8 months
- Graduate with a feature-length screenplay
- Learn from award-winning industry professionals
- Gain the skills to pitch your scripts – and yourself
Start Dates
Next Intake: May 13 to December 21, 2019
Program Cost
Domestic Students: $11,700
International Students: $12,700
Financial assistance may be available to eligible students
PROGRAM CONTENT
Screenwriting Essentials
Every writer of film and television needs to understand the basic building blocks of the screenplay. This introductory course covers foundational topics such as character, three-act structure, dialogue, theme, and genre. After the general overview, we delve deeper into detailed breakdowns of character and structure. Students learn how to develop loglines and pitches to gain the tools and the confidence to communicate their stories. We even teach when and how to break the rules. Tutorials are available for students to become proficient at writing scripts with industry-standard software like Final Draft and Movie Magic.
Script Adaptation
The industry has become increasingly reliant on brand recognition and proven intellectual properties to decide which films to greenlight. Working writers find steady work in adaptations, turning everything from books to board games into screenplays. The challenge is to preserve the heart of the story while translating it into a visually dramatic work. This course covers how to adapt novels, comic books, and biographies. Students are individually assigned a short story to adapt into a script.
TV Pilot
Many claim we are living in a Golden Age of Television with outstanding storytelling, depth, and production values. An original pilot script is still considered the best route to gaining a toehold in the industry. Students develop their own pilot script and pitch document from inception to finished product. Through practical workshops, they learn the fundamentals of the initial pitch, series arc, regular cast of characters, and pitch document. The bulk of the course focuses on developing the pilot script, with workshops along each 15-page increment to keep writers motivated and ensure the story is staying on course.
Producing
These days, screenwriters are encouraged to be more involved in the production, helping the cast and crew work toward a unified vision. The best education for a screenwriter is seeing how a production team translates words into moving images. This course covers the various film departments and roles, along with schedules and budgets, legalities and insurance, camera and lighting, locations, and more. Students acquire an understanding of on-set protocols and how to read call sheets. The course includes a production workshop on team-building and camera gear. The final stage is post-production with a focus on the editing process and on picture and sound mixing. The objective is to help students craft their writing to better meet the needs and limitations of the physical production—an informed writer is an employable writer.
Short Film Script
Considered a gateway step and a calling card of the industry, short films are the perfect medium for writers to learn the process of translating the script to the screen. In this course, students apply their knowledge of story and character to write a short script and practice distilling a complex idea into one suitable for a shorter work. Students first develop a logline and once a solid blueprint is in place, they complete two drafts of the script. Projects are workshopped at each stage to give students a clear direction for each rewrite.
Web Series / Webisode
In the television world, writing is not a solitary endeavour. Multiple writers may contribute to each episode. This course simulates the experience of working with a group in breaking stories for a web series under the guidance of the instructor assuming the role of “showrunner.” Development follows the familiar route of pitching, developing an idea, beat sheet, and multiple drafts. This collaborative course provides an opportunity for students to develop their scripts through step-by-step workshop sessions combined with a practical, real-life production. Once scripts are locked, the production students will go to camera with the web series. All writing students are involved with the crew in the actual budgeting, locations, scheduling, casting and—finally—shooting. The students gain invaluable first-hand experience in the decision-making when a project is green lit. By the end, the writers are well versed in the give and take required for a successful collaboration
History of Film and TV
As writers, it is our duty to study, understand, and appreciate the masters. In this course, students follow the evolving history of film, television, and web series through the lens of different filmmakers. Each class involves a screening of a classic work, prefaced with a contextual lecture and followed by discussion. Students are exposed to a broad list of genres, styles, and countries of origin. They then select a topic and deliver a presentation to the class. Students come away with a familiarity with terms, names, and titles relating to the art of film and television.
Feature Screenplay
In this course, students write their own screenplay for an original, low-budget, marketable feature. As this is a lengthier project, development is extended and much more involved. Students develop and workshop their ideas and beat sheets before committing to writing the draft. We review the material in increments to make the writing of the script more manageable. One key benefit of this course is the potential for a script to emerge as a contender for production. InFocus Film School may be in a position to offer support for the project with equipment rental and in-kind services.
Working With Scripts and Business
You may have written a script that is ready to set the world on fire, but how do you go about putting yourself out there? In this condensed course, students learn about protecting their work, writing a resume tailored to the industry, pitching on the page and in the room, and identifying resources for networking.
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Space is limited!
Intakes are capped and spaces fill quickly. Apply early for your best chance of acceptance.
Admission Requirements
All Writing for Film and Television students must:
- Meet the terms of InFocus Film School’s Language Proficiency Policy
- If under 19 years old, provide proof of high school graduation (or equivalent)
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