A good story is the foundation for any great media project. The script is the first step in the collaborate process that unites all the disciplines together. The script can be considered the blueprint that that is used to build the house. We will examine the three act structure with the two plot points that transition the acts. There are formulas that have been used in screenwriting since the advent of the camera. We will also study other accomplished screenwriters to learn how they honed their craft. Ultimately we will write our own project putting into practice what we have learned.
There are many techniques that one can use when crafting a screenplay. We will examine those techniques to determine the right fit for the student. From the practical aspect of properly formatting a screenplay and the right software to use to construct that format to discipline that one can acquire in order to allow the creativity to flow all will be covered in this course. There is an axiom that a good story covers many flaws. As long as the story is compelling the viewer will more likely disregard errors in production and editing. The Screenplay is the foundational piece that makes this axiom possible.
Everyone is always selling something. This something can be ourselves, a message, a product or a lifestyle. Learning how to harness the power of the screenplay helps us delineate that message and allows us to provide a framework to sell our message. Whether we ultimately make the media project ourselves or hand it off to others the screenplay will provide the framework to get the message to our desired audience.
The written word is the foundation for our instruction in the faith. There is an abundance of power in words and the scripture. We will study the power of the words and learn how to maximize its influence through the medium of screenwriting.
Jesus regularly spoke in metaphors which gave his listeners powerful insights into very complex subjects matter. It made it easier for his audience to understand higher levels of thinking. Film/TV/video projects can be considered modern day parables. Taking the viewer on a journey that ultimately leads to their own self-discovery. The screenplay is the seed that is used to implant a theme into the viewer’s heart. The more powerful the screenplay the quicker that seed will take root.
It is vital that the writer knows the audience. The more precise the audience the closer to the target the writer can be with his message. If one wants to achieve a specific result within that defined audience then the screenplay can be crafted to meet that goal. You have to know your audience in order to maximize your message’s effectiveness.
In order to craft a effective screenplay you have to be an expert in your craft. Quite simply write what you know. A surgeon will have a difficult time writing about what life is like as a farmer unless he has experienced that life. Conversely a teacher will be able to craft a better screenplay about teaching than a engineer would with no teaching experience. In order to be a successful screenwriter you must know your culture in order to speak into that culture.
A person needs talent in order to craft an influential and powerful screenplay. That talent can be learned and developed by studying techniques that have been established. We will study those techniques in order to develop whatever level of talent the writer brings with them to the course.
There are many different outlets a screenplay can have. From a feature film in a theater to a small 3 min testimonial shown in a church service, all can have a powerful message. The only difference is the size of the audience. The screenplay is the common denominator and the foundation of any powerful media piece. We will master the art of the screenplay by studying the science of its construction.
