Liberal Arts

Screenwriting

Course No. LLC318
Faculty Shelley Bloomfield

What is a spec script, a slugline, a smash cut? One script page averages how many minutes of onscreen film time? What’s the difference between a conventional short and medium short film? In this course we will discuss the elements of good cinematic storytelling, study short screenplays for the ways in which they combine storytelling and visual artistry, learn the conventions of formatting, and write two short films. Students are required either to storyboard or animate their short scripts.

Screenwriting

Course No. LLC318.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Shelley Bloomfield

What is a spec script, a slugline, a smash cut? What's the difference between montage and a series of shots, and why does the screenwriter need to know? One script page averages how many minutes of onscreen film time? In addition to the demands of just plain good storytelling, writing for film entails expressing everything about the story visually, which gives visual artists an advantage in adapting to the demands of the form. It is the screenwriter's job to put all of the sights, sounds and speeches on the page, while still leaving room for interpretation by the filmmakers. In this course we will discuss the elements of good storytelling, study the screenplays of Pulp Fiction and Chocolat, and write a short screenplay formatted to conform to industry standards. Fulfills Humanities/Cultural Studies distribution requirement. Creative Writing Concentration course. 3 credits.