Writing for Film and Television - Theatre Arts 006AB (3 units)

Instructor: James Callner MA james_callner@wvm.edu or

jamescallner@sbcglobal.net

Office Hours: M-Thurs online 3-5pm via: Email james-callner@wvm.edu

Office Phone: 741-2456

E-mail for any questions anytime: jamescallner@sbcglobal.net

OR james_callner@wvm.edu

Required Text and DVD:

Syd Field's Screenwriting Workshop DVD OR free via online! See below for instructions

Book: Syd Field The Screenwriter's Workbook at WVC bookstore or on Amazon.

Note:

Both Book and DVD can be purchased at on www.amazon.com or at the West Valley college bookstore. Note: the DVD is also Free via our Angel site. See below. It is crucial that you rent or buy the DVDs Shawshank Redemption and Titanic. They are both repeatedly used as examples in this course.

How this class works?

First read the syllabus in its entirety.

If you are not already in Angel, login in using your student ID # for the "Username" and your 6 digit birth date for the password. Here is the link to Angel:

http://wvmccd.angellearning.com

Begin each week by doing the following:

1. Click on the Lessons tab.

2. Click on the number of the current week and follow the instructions for that week, clicking on the Assignment link for the week. Some weeks have additional links such as extra credit assignments. Make sure you click on these and read the directions.

3. Do the weeks reading and viewing, outlined in the week's Assignment link.

4. All homework is to be sent as an attachment in the Angel course e-mail. Angel e-mail can be accessed from the Communicate tab found at the top of the page. Please send everything as a Word document.

5. Remember to check your course e-mail. This is found under the communicate tab.

Note: You have the full week to complete most assignments except for classes that have tests (TA15 and TA19A). It is very important to keep up with the assignments. If you need to Email the instructor please use the Angel Email system.

Course Description:

This course covers the techniques and formats of writing for a great screenplay. What is a Screenplay? Screenplay Structure, The Paradigm Acts 1,2 & 3, Context, Set up, Confrontation, Resolution, Plot points, Developing Characters and Situations, Treatments, and formatting a screenplay. This course is a beginning. A 'get your feet wet' course for both 6A and 6B students. You will be assigned writing assignments leading up to developing a treatment and finally wring the First Act in screenplay form. More is Explained Online in the Week-to-Week section of the Angel program on the West Valley web site www.westvalley.edu. The intent of this course is to give you a starting basics and a starting point for writing screenplays with structure and most importantly a great story!

Course Content:

You will be guided through this course by watching and/or reading Syd Fields DVD: Syd Field's Screenwriting Workshop and Book &DVD

DVD:

The Syd Field DVD is free in this class. Go to the Lesson tab and click on the Folder Syd Field DVD. Then follow the log in instructions and you’ll be ale to see the video on your computer for free.

The Screenwriter's Workbook. In the Week-to-Week section you will be instructed what to view or read and be assigned an assignment.

We will cover: Structure, Acts 1, 2, &3, Characters and Situations, Plot and Plot points, Back-story, Formatting a screenplay.

Reminder: You job is to follow the assignments and Email them to me. All is outlined in the Week-to-Week section Online. I will critique your writing and keep you on tract. Both 6A&B students will be writing the same assignments (with YOUR imagination and storylines) until the final assignment where there are options depending on your time. The most important aspect to this course is that you write and develop great stories!

Grading:

Writing Assignments/Exercises - 60 points (10 points per assignment)

Final assignment - 40 points

Pass/no pass Option is Available to this Class

Reminder to ALL Students: This class is all about writing. "Writer's –write"!

So, keep up with the assignments and viewing or reading and you'll not only have the potential for a great grade but a great salable story.

Student Reminder:

The instructor may make changes to the syllabus during the semester. It is the student's responsibility to stay informed of these changes. Students may also wish to have a study partner whom they can contact if they miss class.

Disability Statement

West Valley College makes reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Students should notify DESP (Disability & Educational Support Program) located in the Learning Services building (408-741-5085) of any special needs.