I Coach Creatives: Introduction to Screenwriting

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Introduction to Screenwriting

Course outline for my Pac Film class that I start teaching tomorrow:

1. Introduction to Screenwriting

- 3 Act Structure
- screenwriting conventions
- idea to outline
- reading assignment (any feature screenplay)

2. Theme and Plot

- identifying theme
- plot vs. story
- analysis of selected screenplay
- reading assignment (assigned screenplay)

3. Genre

- identifying genres
- genre beats
- trope and cliché
- analysis of selected screenplay
- reading assignment (any feature screenplay)

4. Character & Dialogue

- character arc
- impetus
- dialogue structure
- avoiding stereotypes
- analysis of selected screenplay
- reading assignment (assigned screenplay)

5. Setting, Situation, Scene

- JEDI screenwriting
- reading assignment
- analysis of selected screenplay
- reading assignment (any feature screenplay)

6. Business of Screenwriting

- agents
- fielding
- guilds & registration
- credit
- options
- writer-for-hire
- script doctors
- permissions
- producing your own scripts

Should be fun!

I Coach Creatives

I work with authors to get books finished, proofed, edited, published and promoted. I work with filmmakers to get scripts finished, budgeted, shot and shown. I work with artists to connect them to their work, galleries, buyers and dealers. I work with actors to keep them on track and auditioning. I work with designers, musicians, students, and copywriters to keep their portfolios sharp and the work flowing. Where do you want to be in 100 days?

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"Jordan helped me take my business from a great idea all the way to a functioning, successful company. At the same time he also helped me deal with a few other areas of my life that were impacting my creative energies. If you want to succeed tomorrow, hire Jordan Stratford for creative coaching today!"

– Jonny M., musician

"As a creative coach, Jordan not only insists the best from his clients but he also adds his own fresh and creative ideas to making the project work. Jordan nags, cajoles, prods, pokes and generally becomes the artist's worst nightmare; and that's exactly what is needed to birth a new deeply personal work of quality, creativity, and brilliance. I would not hesitate to work with him again as an essential rubber wall against which to bounce my absurd and occasionally amazing ideas."

– Natasha B., author

"Jordan crossed my path at a very pivotal moment in my career. Burnt out, I was at crossroads - too worn to keep going solo, too invested to walk away. Jordan worked with me - gave guidance, direction and support. I am recovering and reconnecting with my work. I have Jordan to thank for making 2009 the year I got a little lost and found my way back with a little help. Thank you for your beautiful gift, Jordan.

– Shawna C., filmmaker

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Introduction to Screenwriting

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