OCOE 2095 - In the Head of a Screenwriter

"In the Head of a Screenwriter" is a crash course in story-telling for the screen.

The goal of this course is to discover and experiment the tools of a screenwriter. Each workshop will be divided in two parts : the first hour will be devoted to narrative theory, based on the exploration of key screenwriting concepts and the analysis of film examples. Students will learn the different rules and steps, from the first idea to the shooting script. The second part will involve playing with stories, pitch practice and writing exercises.

This course applies to anyone wanting to be implied in the screenwriting process. They will be given tools to help find their voice in the process of screenwriting or simply improve their abilities to analyse scripts.

Course taught in English: a minimum C1 level in English language is required for enrollment.

Throughout the class, the students will be asked to develop a story for a film which they will present in a 10-min pitch during the final class. Every week, students will be given writing exercises that will be discussed during the workshop, and will help build their final pitch. Students are free to work alone or in groups.

In order to be able to make the most of these workshops, students are expected to study « storytelling theory » in between classes.

Students will also be asked to watch specific content from one class to the other, and provide feedback on their classmates' work-in-progress.

Workshop

6 x 2 hours

The aim of this class is to give the students the key principles of character development and audiovisual storytelling. Throughout the class, the students will be asked to develop a story for a film which they will present in a 10-min pitch during the final class.

20%: in-class participation and regular attendance

30%: in-class written assignments > each session, the students will be given a written assignment to develop their characters and story > they will hand it to the teacher at the end of the session and will be given some feedback via email before the next class > they will be asked to prepare for the next writing session based on this feedback

50%: final pitch