DAR 124 - Writing for Film and Television

1. Describe storytelling in visual mediums both historically and today.
2. Identify story structure when viewing various visual mediums.    
3. Describe the techniques of scriptwriting and the vocabulary for discussing story.   
4. Work within a professional environment meeting specifications and deadlines.  

1. Story Origins and Formats  
   1. Visual storytelling  
   2. Screenplay history  
   3. Page layout
   4. Screenwriting software
2. Story Structure
   1. Three act structure  
   2. Dramatic action
   3. Structural analysis  
3. Element of Story  
   1. Plot  
   2. Character  
   3. Setting
   4. Theme
4. Dramatic Traditions  
   1. Tragedy  
   2. Comedy
      1. Ancient genres of comedy
      2. Modern genres of comedy
   3. Experimental drama  
5. Preproduction  
   1. Pitching  
   2. Synopses  
   3. Treatments  
   4. Script readers  
6. Writing for Alternative Media  
   1. Writing for games  
   2. Writing drama for the web  
   3. Writing for comics
   4. Writing for radio/podcasts
7. Working in the Film and Television Industry  
   1. The Writer’s Guild of America  
   2. Earnings in film vs. television  
   3. Collaborators, casts, and crew  
8. Adaptation
   1. Adaptation as interpretation
   2. Authenticity
9. Writing Processes
   1. Physical techniques
   2. Time management
   3. Finding and maintaining inspiration
10. Criticism
    1. Giving constructive feedback
    2. Separating oneself from one’s work
    3. Being specific