Curriculum
Screen Writing
&
Film Direction
Screenwriting Module (Classes 1-5)
1. Introduction to Screenwriting: Story structure, format, and style
2. Character Development: Creating believable characters and dialogue
3. Plot and Pacing: Building tension and conflict
4. Theme and Tone: Exploring the underlying message and atmosphere
5. Screenplay Analysis: Deconstructing successful scripts
Film Direction Module (Classes 6-10)
1. Introduction to Film Direction: Vision, leadership, and collaboration
2. Visual Storytelling: Working with camera, lighting, and composition
3. Blocking and Staging: Directing actors and camera movement
4. Pacing and Timing: Controlling the rhythm of your film
5. Working with Actors: Casting, rehearsals, and performance
Pre-Production and Production (Classes 11-13)
1. Script Breakdown and Scheduling: Preparing for shoot
2. Location Scouting and Management: Finding and utilizing locations
3. Camera and Lighting: Hands-on experience with equipment
Hands-on Project (Classes 14-15)
1. Short Film Production: Students work in teams to shoot their own short film
2. Post-Production and Screening: Editing, sound design, and final showcase
This curriculum provides a solid foundation in screenwriting, followed by in-depth training in film direction, and culminates in a hands-on project where students apply their skills to create a short film.
Screenwriting
Class 1: Introduction to Screenwriting
- Overview of the film industry and screenwriting process
- Understanding story structure and narrative
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Class 2: Character Development
- Creating compelling characters and character arcs
- Writing character descriptions and backstories
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Class 3: Plot and Structure
- Understanding three-act structure and plot points
- Writing effective scene descriptions and transitions
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Class 4: Dialogue and Voice
- Writing realistic and engaging dialogue
- Developing unique character voices
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Class 5: Theme and Tone
- Exploring theme and tone in screenwriting
- Writing scenes that convey theme and tone​​
Class 6: Screenplay Format and Style
- Understanding industry-standard screenplay format
- Writing clear and concise scene headings and action lines
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Class 7: Story Pacing and Conflict
- Building tension and conflict in your story
- Writing effective scene sequences and act breaks
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Class 8: Writing Scenes and Beats
- Writing effective scene beats and descriptions
- Understanding scene purpose and function
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Class 9: Rewriting and Editing
- Understanding the rewriting and editing process
- Getting feedback and revising your work
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Class 10: Pitching and Selling Your Script
- Preparing your script for industry submission
- Writing a compelling logline and pitch
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This curriculum provides a solid foundation in the key elements of screenwriting, from character development to pitching your script. Of course, there's always more to learn, but this should give your students a great starting point!
Film Direction
Class 1: Introduction to Film Direction
- Overview of the director's role and responsibilities
- Understanding the filmmaking process
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Class 2: Story Analysis and Interpretation
- Analyzing scripts and understanding story structure
- Developing a director's vision and approach
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Class 3: Visual Storytelling
- Understanding visual elements: camera, lighting, composition
- Creating a visual style and aesthetic
Class 4: Working with Actors
- Understanding actor's process and performance
- Directing actors: rehearsals, blocking, and feedback
Class 5: Blocking and Staging
- Planning and rehearsing scene blocking and staging
- Working with actors and camera placement.
Class 6: Camera and Movement
- Understanding camera angles, movements, and placement
- Working with the cinematographer and camera team
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Class 7: Pacing and Timing
- Understanding scene pacing and timing
- Editing and refining the director's cut
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Class 8: Working with Departments
- Collaborating with production design, costume, and sound
- Understanding department roles and responsibilities
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Class 9: Shooting and Problem-Solving
- Managing the shoot: scheduling, budgeting, and troubleshooting
- Making creative decisions on set
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Class 10: Post-Production and Final Cut
- Understanding the editing process and director's role
- Finalizing the film: color grading, sound mix, and delivery.
Acting
Class 1: Introduction to Acting
- Overview of acting techniques and methods
- Understanding the actor's process
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Class 2: Understanding the Script
- Script analysis and character breakdown
- Identifying character arcs and motivations
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Class 3: Building a Character
- Creating character profiles and backstories
- Developing character traits and quirks
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Class 4: Acting Techniques
- Introduction to Method Acting, Improvisation, and Scene Study
- Exploring emotional recall and sense memory
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Class 5: Scene Study
- Analyzing and rehearsing scenes
- Understanding scene structure and beats
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Class 6: Character Development
- Exploring character relationships and dynamics
- Developing character nuances and subtleties
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Class 7: Auditioning Techniques
- Preparing for auditions and casting calls
- Practicing audition scenes and cold reads
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Class 8: Camera Acting
- Understanding camera angles and movement
- Adjusting performance for film and television
Class 9: Improvisation and Physicality
- Exploring improvisation techniques and exercises
- Developing physicality and movement skills
Class 10: Short Film Project Introduction
- Introducing the short film project and script
- Assigning roles and beginning rehearsals
Class 11: Rehearsals and Blocking
- Rehearsing scenes and blocking camera movements
- Refining performances and making adjustments
Class 12: Short Film Shoot and Showcase
- Filming the short film project
- Showcasing final performances and celebrating completion
Cinematography
Class 1: Introduction to Cinematography
- Overview of cinematography and its role in filmmaking
- Understanding the cinematographer's responsibilities
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Class 2: Camera Fundamentals
- Understanding camera types, lenses, and formats
- Learning about aperture, shutter, and ISO
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Class 3: Lighting Basics
- Introduction to lighting principles and techniques
- Understanding natural and artificial light sources
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Class 4: Color and Contrast
- Understanding color theory and its application in cinematography
- Learning about contrast and visual storytelling
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Class 5: Camera Movement and Stabilization
- Understanding camera movement techniques and stabilization tools
- Practicing handheld, dolly, and Steadicam shots
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Class 6: Lighting for Mood and Atmosphere
- Creating mood and atmosphere through lighting
- Learning about lighting for different genres and scenes
Class 7: Working with Actors and Directors
- Understanding the cinematographer's role in collaboration
- Learning about blocking, rehearsal, and camera placement
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Class 8: Location Scouting and Management
- Finding and securing locations for filming
- Managing location logistics and permits
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Class 9: Short Film Project Pre-Production
- Introducing the short film project and script
- Planning and preparing for the shoot
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Class 10: Camera and Lighting Rehearsals
- Rehearsing camera movements and lighting setups
- Refining the visual plan for the short film
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Class 11: Short Film Shoot
- Filming the short film project
- Applying cinematography skills and knowledge
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Class 12: Post-Production and Color Grading
- Understanding the cinematographer's role in post-production
- Learning about color grading and finalizing the visual look
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This curriculum covers the fundamentals of cinematography, camera and lighting techniques, and collaboration with actors and directors. The final classes focus on applying these skills in a practical short film project.
