The schedule below is tentative, since its definitive shape will depend on the final total enrollment in the class. It is this number which determines the exact amount of time to be allotted in the final half of the schedule to individual conferences. Due dates, however, are firm.

The conferences are an integral and central part of the course: they are not to be though of as substitutes for conventional "office hours" meetings with a class instructor (these of course will also be available--see "Office Hours" in the syllabus). The conferences as scheduled during class time will reproduce to the greatest degree possible the type of meetings which go on constantly during the screen writing process between the writer and his or her collaborators. More detailed information about the precise nature of the assignments, the role of the script conferences, and so on, will be given in class.

PLEASE NOTE: The script conferences are not an option, but a requirement. You are responsible for keeping your appointments. Missed appointments will have a significant adverse effect on your grade.

A note about deadlines: Academic deadlines are sometimes arbitrary, sometimes not. Deadlines in the professional world are not. You may as well get used to that. Accordingly, assignments are due at the beginning of the class date indicated on the schedule below. NO--REPEAT, NO--LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED OR GRADED. If you are having difficulty completing an assignment, come and see me or send me an email, but if you wait until the last minute there may be little we can do.

• Schedule
• Assignment Details

Individual Assignments:

Assignment 1

Assignment 2

Assignment 3

Assignment 4

Assignment 5

Week 1--Thurs. Feb. 1

Class Procedures & Organization

Format

Dramatic Conventions/Cinematic conventions

Setting

The story & the story outline

Week 2--Thurs. Feb. 8

Dialogue & Conflict

Reading: Potter,

*Assgt. 1 Due

Week 3--Thurs. Feb. 15

Character & Character Development

Reading: Potter,

Week 4--Thurs. Feb. 22

Character Through action

Reading: Potter,

Week 5--Thurs. Mar. 1

Continuity & Transition

Reading: Potter,

*Assgt 2 Due

Week 6--Thurs. Mar. 8

Rhythm & Closure

Reading: Potter

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Week 7--Thurs. Mar. 15

Conference Organization

Week 8--Thurs. Mar. 29

Script Conferences

Week 9--Thurs. Apr. 5

Script Conferences

*Assgt. 3 Due

Week 10--Thurs. Apr. 12

Script Conferences

Week 11--Thurs. Apr. 19

Script Conferences

Week 12--Thurs. Apr. 26

Script Conferences

*Assgt. 4 Due

Week 13--Thurs. May 3

Script Conferences

Week 14--Thurs. May 10

Regular class meeting

Summary & Review

FINALS WEEK

*Assgt. 5 Due May 17, 12:00 PM

Assignment 1 (5%): Due Thurs. Feb. 8: 2-3 Page Story Treatment

A synoptic prose rendering of the story you will make into a screenplay.

Assignment 2(10%): Due Thurs. Mar. 1: Four-six script pages

The opening sequence of your script.

Establish setting & mood, and introduce character in a scene with sharp & compelling dramatic action.

Assignment 3 (15%): Due Thurs. Mar. 29: Four-six Script Pages

An additional sequence from your script (not necessarily in chronolgical order to the previous sequence and not a rewrite of previous material)

Assignment 4 (15%): Due Thurs. Nov. Apr. 19: Four-six Script Pages

Another new sequence from your script (not necessarily in chronolgical order to the previous sequences and not a rewrite of previous material)

Assignment 5 (40%): Due May 17, 12:00: Term Project

25 page script

(For 16 min. film)

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