Week 1: Introduction to Screenwriting (2 hours)

• Overview of Screenwriting: Introduction to fundamental concepts including structure, format, and storytelling techniques essential for screenwriting.

• Understanding Genres: Examination of how different genres influence narrative choices and audience expectations.

• Character Development: Workshop on crafting dynamic characters with clear motivations and compelling arcs.

• Experimentation: Introduction to experimental storytelling techniques and their application in screenwriting.

• Implementation: Students begin drafting character sketches and outlining their short film ideas, integrating experimental elements. (2 hours)

Week 2: Plot and Structure (2 hours)

• Plot Development: Exploration of advanced plot structures, including the three-act structure, plot points, and pacing tailored for short films.

• Dialogue Workshop: Techniques for writing authentic, engaging dialogue that propels the narrative and reveals character depth.

• Peer Review and Experimentation: Students share outlines, experimenting with unconventional plot structures, and receive constructive feedback from peers and instructors.

• Implementation: Students refine their outlines and commence writing the first draft of their scripts, implementing experimental plot structures and dialogue styles. (2 hours)

Week 3: Revisions and Experimentation (2 hours)

• Revisions and Rewriting: Strategies for revising and polishing scripts, emphasizing dialogue refinement and enhancing narrative coherence.

• Pitching Workshop: Guidance on effectively pitching experimental short film ideas, focusing on clarity, innovation, and audience engagement.

• Final Presentations and Experimentation: Students pitch their scripts, incorporating experimental elements, and receive comprehensive feedback from peers and instructors.

• One-on-One Feedback and Next Steps: Individualized feedback sessions with instructors to discuss progress and potential for further experimentation.

Week 4: Advanced Techniques and Implementation (2 hours)

• Advanced Storytelling Techniques: Exploration of advanced storytelling techniques such as nonlinear narrative, unreliable narration, and narrative juxtaposition.

• Experimentation: Implementation of advanced techniques in ongoing script drafts, guided by instructor feedback and peer collaboration. (2 hours)

Week 5: Final Draft and Project Completion (2 hours)

• Final Draft Refinement: Strategies for finalizing scripts, ensuring coherence, clarity, and adherence to experimental storytelling principles.

• Project Completion and Presentation: Students complete their scripts, incorporating advanced techniques, and prepare final presentations of their projects.

• Implementation Review: Reflective session on the implementation of experimental elements throughout the course and their impact on storytelling effectiveness.

Next Steps: Introduction to opportunities for further development, including participation in extended workshops or submission to festivals focusing on short narrative and experimental filmmaking.

This extended course structure allows for deeper exploration of screenwriting techniques, ample time for experimentation with narrative forms, and comprehensive implementation of learned skills into students' creative projects.

What students will learn in this workshop

1. Clear and Concise Storytelling: Short films have limited time, so clarity is crucial. Your story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end within a concise narrative arc.

2. Strong Concept: Start with a compelling and unique concept that can be effectively communicated within a short timeframe. A strong concept often revolves around a simple but intriguing idea.

3. Character Development: Even in a short film, characters should be well-defined and relatable. Focus on key traits and motivations that drive their actions within the story.

4. Economy of Dialogue: Every line of dialogue should serve a purpose—advancing the plot, revealing character, or creating atmosphere. Avoid unnecessary exposition or dialogue that doesn’t contribute to the story.

5. Visual Storytelling: Since film is a visual medium, use imagery, actions, and settings to convey emotions and themes. Show, don’t tell, whenever possible.

6. Pacing and Structure: Short films often benefit from a tight structure and pacing that keeps the audience engaged. Be mindful of the rhythm of your story and use editing techniques to enhance it.

7. Emotional Impact: Aim to evoke emotions or provoke thought in your audience. Short films can be powerful vehicles for delivering poignant or thought-provoking messages.

8. Conflict and Resolution: Like any story, a short film should have a central conflict that drives the narrative towards a resolution. Even if it’s subtle, there should be a sense of change or realization by the end.

9. Theme and Subtext: Consider the underlying themes or messages you want to convey through your story. Subtext can add depth and resonance to even the shortest of narratives.

10. Revisions and Feedback: Writing is rewriting. Revise your script multiple times to refine the story, characters, and dialogue. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors to improve your screenplay.

Experimentation and implementation

Experimenting with stories can lead to unexpected and enlightening results. By blending different genres, altering perspectives, or redefining characters, writers can discover new dimensions in their narrative craft. For instance, merging a traditional fairy tale with a modern setting can create a fresh storyline that resonates with contemporary audiences.

In addition, playing with non-linear storytelling allows for a unique exploration of time and memory, enabling readers to piece together a narrative puzzle. Consider a story told from the viewpoints of multiple characters, where each perspective offers a new layer of understanding, thus enriching the overall plot.

Writers can also experiment with unreliable narrators to challenge readers’ perceptions and assumptions. This technique can add depth to the narrative while prompting readers to question the truth within the story.

Furthermore, taking risks with tone and language can invigorate storytelling. By using humor in a traditionally serious genre, or employing poetic language in a straightforward plot, writers can capture attention and evoke strong emotions.

Ultimately, experimenting with stories encourages creativity and innovation, providing writers the opportunity to break free from conventional structures and expectations. The stories that emerge from this exploration often resonate most deeply with readers, as they reflect the complexities of human experience.

Enroll now to inspire your teen's journey in storytelling and filmmaking!