John Petrakis

This course introduces students to the basic elements of a screenplay, including format, terminology, exposition, characterization, dialogue, voice-over, adaptation, and variations on the three-act structure. Weekly meetings feature a brief lecture, screenings of scenes from films, extended discussion, and assorted readings of class assignments. This is primarily a writing class, with students required to write a four-to-five page weekly assignment related to the script topic of the week.

Intermediate Screenwriting expands upon the skills learned in Beginning Screenwriting while preparing certain students for the longer-form writing required in Advanced Screenwriting. The purpose of the course is to allow students to develop mid-length stand-alone screenplays, adaptations from short stories or pilots for television series, while paying special attention to the vital role that drafting plays in the development of a successful script.

Since Intermediate Screenwriting is first and foremost a writing class, there will be no formal reading or viewing assignments. However, throughout the semester, the professor will suggest books and articles to read and films to watch, that should help further and develop the various ideas that students are wrestling with in their scripts. For example, a work such as Kieslowski's ''The Decalogue'' will be suggested for students looking to embrace a thematic approach to a series of short films.

Students have the option of completing two drafts of a 60-page script or three drafts of a 30-45 page script. Completion of these drafts are required to pass the class

Advanced Screenwriting is designed for students who have completed Beginning Screenwriting, or its equivalent, and are interested in pursuing the art and craft of feature-length screenwriting. The entire semester will be devoted to the completion of the first draft of one feature-length script by each student. All ten students in the class will be working on their own individual scripts, and by reading them aloud during class in a workshop structure, complete with post-reading discussion, it will allow students to participate in the creation of not just one, but ten, feature-length scripts.

Since Advanced Screenwriting is first and foremost a writing class, requiring copious amounts of scripting and drafting, there will be no formal reading or viewing assignments. However, throughout the semester, the professor will recommend books or films that will assist in the development or completion of the students' first drafts. For instance, a film such as Aki Kaurismaki's 'Ariel' will be referenced as an example of how to develop powerful themes in a relatively short amount of screen time.

Students are required to complete the first draft of a feature-length screenplay, approximately 90-110 pages. Completion of the draft, and a final thumbs-up by the teacher, are required to pass the course.

Advanced Screenwriting is designed for students who have completed Beginning Screenwriting, or its equivalent, and are interested in pursuing the art and craft of feature-length screenwriting. The entire semester will be devoted to the completion of the first draft of one feature-length script by each student. All ten students in the class will be working on their own individual scripts, and by reading them aloud during class in a workshop structure, complete with post-reading discussion, it will allow students to participate in the creation of not just one, but ten, feature-length scripts.

Since Advanced Screenwriting is first and foremost a writing class, requiring copious amounts of scripting and drafting, there will be no formal reading or viewing assignments. However, throughout the semester, the professor will recommend books or films that will assist in the development or completion of the students' first drafts. For instance, a film such as Aki Kaurismaki's 'Ariel' will be referenced as an example of how to develop powerful themes in a relatively short amount of screen time.

Students are required to complete the first draft of a feature-length screenplay, approximately 90-110 pages. Completion of the draft, and a final thumbs-up by the teacher, are required to pass the course.