STVW 6450: Script to Screen

3 Credit Hours
This course examines the evolution of a feature screenplay or television pilot from script to final produced film or television episode. Students will analyze the written text, comparing various drafts to the produced work and taking into consideration storytelling conventions to ascertain why changes were made and what their potential impact on viewers will be.

Course Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

Describe traditional cinematic and television storytelling conventions.
Map the story structure and character arcs of a film or television episode.
Describe the film and television development process from logline to story beats to outline to draft to rewrites to final shooting script.
Explain and discuss obstacles in getting a script to screen, demonstrating an understanding of the ways in which development is the longest phase in the filmmaking process and why this is the case.
Critically analyze changes made from one draft to the next in a produced feature film or television episode, speculate why the changes were made, and evaluate whether those changes were effective.
Articulate how screenwriters develop a screen story - how they build characters and craft action and dialogue, how they integrate and build tension (conflict), and how they use theme to support the narrative.
Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the screenwriter and other key players in the film and television industry, including the producer, director, and actors.
Evaluate the merits of a film or television series and articulate the evaluation in the form of a written review.
Thoroughly research and critically analyze a feature film or television episode (and/or series) and its script and express this analysis in the form of a research paper.