C-ID Descriptor
Introduction to Screenwriting

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Must include but not limited to the following:

• Writing regardless of medium or format – clarity, economy, grammar, style
• Screenplay structure, outlines and paradigms, scene cards and treatment
• Script formats for narrative short and feature films, and episodic television series
• Story development, character creation, conflict and rising tension, theme and resolution
• Fundamentals of dialogue writing
• Overview of the business of screenwriting, copywriting and marketing a script
• Promoting representation of race/ethnicity, gender, class, sexual orientation, and ability

• Evaluate the fundamental principles of narrative fiction screenwriting.
• Analyze the basic structure, character development, conflict, and theme in professional films and screenplays.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the technical formatting utilized in professional screenwriting.
• Assess different methods of protecting and marketing screenplays.
• Demonstrate proficiency in creating a complete, short fictional narrative screenplay.

• Writing assignments
• Oral presentations (pitches, e.g.)
• Oral critiques by peers and instructor
• Written critiques by instructor
• Quizzes and/or exam(s)

Field, Syd. Screenwriting: The Foundations of Screenwriting. Bantam Dell Publishing

Trottier, David. The Screenwriter’s Bible: A complete Guide to Writing, Formatting and Selling Your Script. Silman-James Press