Sundays, 7:00-9:00 pm

6-week class 

14-Student Limit

$395
Beginning February 23, 2025

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Learn the basics of screenwriting from an industry pro, workshop your material, have 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.

 

In this class, writers and budding writers will gather on Sunday evenings  for workshop and tutorial with Jarvis.  How to open your screenplay by introducing compelling characters and an exciting premise. Learn how to build and escalate conflict, create reversals and story shifts, and deal with that elusive second act.  Jarvis will give tips on the third act, denouement, typing up loose ends and more.  Most importantly, he will give techniques in self-editing, and provide avenues and ideas on how to get your script out there into the marketplace.  Additionally, Jarvis will give tips and shortcuts in the Final Draft software, a program he continues to help develop.

 

Goals for the class include: Weekly writing assignments (one-page or scene-level) to keep practice consistent. Group critiques to review and discuss each writer’s work. Completing a 30-45 page screenplay (if time allows) or a polished first act.

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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.

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