OCER 5595 - Screenwriting: Principles of Fiction Writing

This crash-course in storytelling aims at demistying the intimidating art of « story », and enabling students to write powerful narratives. Over the course of this workshop, students will A) be introduced to pure and boring story theory - conflict, change, narrative arcs, climax, resolution, etc. B) meet with professionals screenwriters, showrunners, producers and broadcasters C) Write a script based on an already existing TV show (e.g. ‘Rick and Morty', ‘Succession', ‘Fleabag', ‘Girls', ‘Steven Universe', ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer', etc.). Students are obviously expected to love all forms of storytelling – cinema, theatre, poetry, TV – and have an interest in writing fiction (for a hobby or a living). By the end of this workshop, students should learn how to stay in the moment and attain happiness – but also grasp a couple of useful tools that should help them with their own personal fiction projects. This course will take place during the first six weeks of classes (6 sessions, 12 hours).

Vladimir HAULET

Séminaire

English

Students will write a 2 to 5 pages outline for their screenplay, and a short teaser (2-3 pages max.). Students are expected to work some extra hours before the delivery of their final draft, and meeting with their groups on a regular basis. AKA being autonomous, facing the void and enjoying writer's block.

Spring 2023-2024

The course will be "pass" or "fail". The validation of the course will be based on class participation, timely compliance with deadlines and the overall quality of the writing assignments.