Learn the basics of screenwriting, workshop your material, complete weekly writing assignments coinciding with weekly class discussions. Led by Joe Jarvis, an accomplished screenwriter and Executive Vice President of Final Draft, the industry's leading screenwriting software.
OVERVIEW
Learn the basics of screenwriting, workshop your material, complete weekly writing assignments coinciding with weekly class discussions. Led by Joe Jarvis, an accomplished screenwriter and Executive Vice President of Final Draft, the industry's leading screenwriting software.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Week 1: Introduction to Screenwriting & Story Basics
Objective: Understand what screenwriting is and the key principles behind storytelling.
Topics Covered:
What is a screenplay? Format & structure basics.
The three-act structure: Setup, Confrontation, Resolution.
Types of stories (character-driven, plot-driven, etc.).
Key storytelling elements: Theme, character, conflict.Assignment: Write a one-page synopsis for a potential story idea.
Week 2: Developing Characters & Creating a World
Objective: Learn how to build strong, compelling characters and the world they inhabit.
Topics Covered:
Character arcs and motivations.
Protagonist vs. Antagonist: Conflict creation.
World-building: Setting and its role in the narrative.
Writing authentic dialogue.Assignment: Create character profiles for your protagonist, antagonist, and key supporting characters.
Week 3: Plotting and Outlining Your Story
Objective: Understand how to break down a story into manageable, structured beats.
Topics Covered:
The Hero's Journey vs. The Three-Act Structure.
Plotting techniques: Beat sheets, index cards, and story maps.
Creating tension and stakes.
Plot twists and reversals.Assignment: Create a detailed outline of your screenplay.
Week 4: Writing the First Act (Setup)
Objective: Learn how to establish the world, characters, and conflict.
Topics Covered:
How to open your screenplay (hook and inciting incident).
Establishing the setting and tone.
The first plot point: How to launch the main conflict.
Writing effective opening scenes.Assignment: Write the first 15 pages of your screenplay.
Week 5: Writing the Second Act (Confrontation)
Objective: Learn how to build and escalate conflict.
Topics Covered:
The midpoint: Reversals and shifts in the story.
Developing subplots and secondary characters.
Rising tension: How to keep the audience engaged.
Writing compelling scenes and sequences.Assignment: Write the next 15 pages, focusing on escalating conflict.
Week 6: Writing the Third Act (Resolution) & Rewriting
Objective: Learn how to wrap up the story in a satisfying way and revise.
Topics Covered:
The climax: Creating emotional payoff.
The denouement: Tying up loose ends.
How to revise your screenplay: Self-editing tips.
Formatting and preparing your script for submission.Assignment: Write the final 15 pages of your screenplay.
Additional Notes:
Homework: Weekly writing assignments (one-page or scene-level) to keep practice consistent.
Feedback: Group critiques to review and discuss each writer’s work.
Final Assignment: Complete a 30-45 page screenplay (if time allows) or a polished first act.
CLASS TIMES
Sundays, 7:00-9:00 pm
12 Student Limit, Ages 18+
6 Weeks
Joe Jarvis earned a BFA from the University of Oklahoma and did graduate work at University Texas at Arlington in Management Information Systems. Joe moved to Hollywood in 1997 when he bought his first copy of Final Draft. In 1998, he sold a script to New Line Cinema. By 2000, Joe had multiple script sales to his credit, and a Disney movie in production, which was released in 2002. Seeking new challenges, Joe joined the Final Draft Technical Team in 2008. He quickly worked his way up in the Engineering department from Subject Matter Expert, to Product Manager, to Vice President of Product Development. Now as Senior Vice President of Final Draft, Jarvis oversees product, engineering, business development, technical partnerships, and all aspects of Final Draft business in support of Shelly Mellott, President. Joe claims he still finds some time to write, but if it’s Saturday, he’s probably watching Oklahoma football.
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