Screenwriting 2
Modality: MDC Live
Lectures: Fridays
12:00 PM - 3:20 PM
Professor Agustin Gonzalez
Office: North Campus Room 2235
Best way to reach me: Agonza29@mdc.edu
*If you reach me with a question answered in the syllabus, I will reply with a link to the syllabus.
Office Hours
Wednesday 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (North Campus In Person or Remote)
Thursday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Remote Only)
Thursday 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Kendall Campus In Person or Remote)
Friday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Remote Only)
Office hours help students seek clarification and support on assignments, discussions, lectures, and projects. Office hours are not, however, a substitute for missed classes. Though these are my official office hours, the remote environment affords me much additional flexibility throughout the week; if these hours do not work, please contact me, and I would be happy to accommodate you at a different time.
You can schedule an appointment using the following Calendly link: Schedule an appointment
I am here to help you and support you. Please talk to me should you have problems keeping up with the class.
Course Description and Competencies
The student will learn character development for narrative motion picture screenplays with emphasis on dialogue, motivation and development of character analysis.
Competency 1: Students will develop characters for screenplays.
Competency 2: Students will understand various forms of story structure.
Competency 3: Students will develop advanced screenplay format techniques.
Through the academic disciplines and co-curricular activities, MDC provides multiple, varied, and intentional learning experiences to facilitate the acquisition of fundamental knowledge and skills. MDC's Ten Learning Outcomes foster effective citizenship and life-long learning.
In addition to the competencies listed above, this class will require that you:
1. Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
2. Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.
Textbook
The Hollywood Standard by Christopher Riley
This book is a reference guide to screenplay format. You should buy it and keep it in your library, as it will be relevant well into the future..
Screenwriting Software
In this course, you'll be stepping into the world of screenwriting, and a key tool in that journey is having the right software. Fortunately, there are multiple free options available, and you can find some suggested choices at the following link: Screenwriting Software Options.
Why is Specific Software Necessary?
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Standardization Since the 1920s: The format for screenwriting has been standardized for nearly a century, allowing for seamless communication across the industry. The precision in formatting is essential, and any screenwriting software you select will help you achieve this.
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Avoid Common Word Processors: Though it may seem tempting, common word processors like Word or Pages aren't designed for screenwriting and can lead to formatting errors. Selecting a designated screenwriting software will set you up for success.
A Note About This Class:
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Focus on Formatting, Not Software Training: While I will teach you the critical elements of screenwriting format, understanding how to operate your chosen software will be your responsibility. This class's primary goal is to immerse you in the craft of screenwriting, not software training.
Technology
For this class, you are required to have a computer with an internet connection to access Canvas.
Students are required to have their cameras turned on, microphones available for participation, and must be seated at a desk or appropriate workspace, not in bed or in transit. Students who do not meet these conditions will be marked absent and removed from the session.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. This class is in person. We will meet weekly on campus for class.
Generally, absences in 3 or more classes result in a course failure.
Course Withdrawal
It is your responsibility to withdraw from the course. However, I reserve the right to withdraw students from the course if:
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They are absent more than three times before the last day to withdraw from courses with a “W” grade per the Academic Calendar
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They have not completed the majority of the required work before before the last day to withdraw from courses with a “W” grade per the Academic Calendar
Students who meet the above criteria will receive an email stating that they will be withdrawn from the course.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. If students are suspected of classroom cheating, plagiarism, or otherwise misrepresenting their work, they will be subject to procedural due process as laid out in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• cheating on an examination;
• receiving help from others in work to be submitted, if contrary to the stated rules of the course;
• plagiarizing; that is, the taking and claiming as one's own the ideas, writings, or work of another, without citing the sources;
• submitting work from another course unless permitted by the instructor;
• stealing examinations or course materials;
• falsifying records;
• assisting anyone to do any of the above.
Disability Statement
Students who have a disability that might affect their performance in the class are encouraged to contact Access Services in confidence as soon as possible. The office will aid in appropriate accommodations for the student. This is in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Please inform me during the first week of classes if you need special accommodations due to a disability that might otherwise affect your performance in our class.
Success In This Class
Be Present in Class:
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Importance: As there is no textbook for this course, your attendance in class is vital. Assignments and instructions will be detailed in class, making presence crucial to your understanding.
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Impact: Absences could lead to missed information, affecting your ability to follow along as the course progresses.
Complete All Assignments:
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Continuity: Each assignment in this course builds on the last. Completing all tasks ensures that you maintain an understanding of the evolving concepts.
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Growth: Regular practice through these assignments cultivates your skills, preparing you for subsequent tasks.
Proofread Your Assignments:
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Professionalism: This is a creative writing course, and your work will be read by your peers. It's a reflection of your creative output, so take the time to proofread and refine.
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Respect: Your work is your voice in this class. Give it the care and attention it deserves.
Actively Participate in Workshop Discussions:
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Engagement: Your participation is not just a grading criterion; it's a practical application of the skills you are learning.
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Collaboration: Engaging in discussions enhances the collective learning experience, enriching your understanding and that of your classmates.
Assignment Philosophy
The assignments for this semester are designed to be accessible but will demand consistency and effort. Your success in the highly competitive entertainment industry, where over 2 million Visual & Performing Arts graduates emerge annually in the United States, depends on these principles.
Understanding the Competition:
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Among these graduates, around 60,000 specifically pursue degrees in Film, with many more in hybrid Film & Television programs.
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Your education is an integral part of your preparation for this competitive landscape.
Keys to Success in the Field:
Over your time as a student in this program, you will need to:
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Develop High Literacy: This includes both written and verbal skills in the medium.
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Appreciate All Movies: Cultivate a broad and deep understanding of the genre.
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Build Industry Friendships: Network with peers and professionals for future collaboration.
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Cultivate Impeccable Work Ethic: Be diligent and committed in all endeavors.
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Establish a Reliable Reputation: Prove yourself as someone who consistently delivers quality work.
These foundational qualities will enable you to compete in the industry. While they may not guarantee success, they will pave the way for your pursuit of it.
Course Expectations and Policies:
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No Late Work: Assignments must be submitted on time.
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No Sloppiness: Your work should reflect the standards of the industry.
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No Plagiarism: Originality and integrity are paramount.
Please be advised that generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) and grammar-checking software (e.g., Grammarly) are not suitable for screenplay work in this course. These tools struggle with the visual grammar necessary for effective screenwriting and may lead to formatting and stylistic errors. Your scripts should reflect a deep understanding of the visual storytelling techniques we discuss in class. For this reason, I strongly caution against relying on such tools for your assignments.
I view your work as a reflection of how you're building these essential skills, and as a testament to your ambition for success. I expect the best from you, and I'm here to support you. If life's challenges interfere with your work, please reach out so we can find a way to accommodate your situation.
Assignment Basics
In this class, each assignment serves as an exercise to develop and practice the specific skills we will cover. As we progress through the term, you are expected to build upon and integrate the previous skills learned. The culmination of these exercises will be your final screenplay, a comprehensive project that will allow you to showcase all that you've learned throughout the course.
Assignment Submission Guidelines:
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File Format: All assignments must be submitted on Canvas in PDF format only. This standardized format facilitates grading and ensures consistency in sharing your work.
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Screenplay Format: When required, assignments must adhere to the appropriate screenplay formatting. This ensures alignment with industry standards and helps you develop professional writing practices.
Final Screenplay: At the end of the semester, your mastery of the skills taught will be demonstrated in a final screenplay. This project will be a synthesis of all the techniques, concepts, and practices introduced throughout the course.
Adhering to these guidelines and actively engaging in each exercise will enable you to progressively hone your screenwriting skills. By following the course structure, you'll be well-prepared to craft a compelling screenplay as your final project, reflecting your growth and readiness for professional writing in the industry.
Prep Assignment # 1: Script Reading Assignment
This semester, our primary text will be the screenplay "Anora" by Sean Baker, and we will refer to it throughout the term as a key example. You can access the screenplay on CANVAS.
Assignment Requirements:
1. Read the Script: Engage with the entire script to familiarize yourself with its content.
2. Make Notations: As you read, identify and make notes of elements that are unclear to you. Be sure to note the specific pages so that we can discuss them in class.
Assignment # 1: Logline - 1 Sentence
For this class you will be developing a 10 to 12 page screenplay. As we embark on the process of crafting a short screenplay, the first step is to conceptualize and articulate the essence of your story. This is where the logline comes into play.
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What is a Logline? A logline is a single sentence that describes the core action of the scene. It captures the main concept and sets the stage for what's to come.
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Options: If you're struggling to decide between ideas, feel free to submit two loglines. We'll discuss these in class, and it might help you clarify your vision.
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Commitment: Once you've settled on an idea, you'll need to commit to it. The creative process often involves solving problems and embracing challenges. Committing to your idea will allow you to delve deeply into it and explore its potential.
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Grading: This particular assignment is graded solely on completion. The goal here is to stimulate thought and provide a firm foundation for your screenplay.
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Discussion: We'll spend a day in class discussing your loglines. This collaboration is an essential part of the learning process, and it will provide valuable feedback and insights.
Assignment # 2: First Draft
Objectives:
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Complete Your First Draft: Utilize the feedback received so far to create a cohesive and engaging story.
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Prepare for In Class Reading: Your draft will be the basis for an In Class reading activity, enabling feedback from your peers.
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Participate Actively: Your grade will depend on your attendance and active participation in the speed read.
Submission Requirements:
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Digital Submission: Turn in your draft as a PDF file on Canvas.
Assessment:
This assignment will be graded based on a rubric which will be introduced in class.
Assignment # 3: The Failure Screenplay
For this assignment, you will write a 4 to 5-page screenplay featuring the main character you have been developing throughout the course. In this screenplay, your main character must experience a significant failure in their pursuit of their goals (the placement of the failure is entirely up to you). It's essential that this screenplay is entirely unrelated, plotwise, to the 10-12 page screenplay you will be writing at the end of the term. Although both scripts share the same protagonist, they should have distinct and unrelated storylines.
The primary objective of this exercise is to explore and articulate how your character reacts to failure, how they emote, and how this failure affects them on an emotional and psychological level.
On the cover page you must state the logline for the 12 page screenplay you will write at the end of the term.
On the cover page you must state what the character need will be in the 12 page screenplay you will write at the end of the term.
Character Exploration: Focus on your main character and delve into their psyche as they face failure. Consider their motivations, desires, and the impact of this setback on their journey.
Emotional Depth: Pay close attention to how your character emotes, both internally and externally, in response to their failure. Explore their emotional range and reactions.
Structure: Ensure that your screenplay follows the traditional Three Act Structure, including two turning points, a climax, and a resolution. The failure should play a central role in the development of the plot.
Visual Writing: Utilize visual writing techniques to convey emotions, actions, and the character's environment effectively. Show, don't just tell.
You will be graded based on the following criteria:
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Format: Proper screenplay formatting and presentation.
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Visual Writing: Effective use of visual elements to convey the story.
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Three Act Structure: Appropriately structured screenplay with clear turning points, climax, and resolution.
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Portrayal of Failure: The degree to which you successfully depict the character's experience of failure.
After you have submitted your scripts, we will spend three weeks workshopping them in class. This will provide an opportunity for constructive feedback and discussion on how well you conveyed your character's experience of failure.
Assignment # 4: Second Draft
After focusing on the first page and receiving ongoing feedback on the direction of your story, it's time to complete your first full draft. This draft represents a significant milestone in your writing process, as it's the first opportunity for your classmates to read your script and provide insights.
Objectives:
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Complete Your First Draft: Utilize the feedback received so far to create a cohesive and engaging story.
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Prepare for Speed Reading: Your draft will be the basis for a speed reading activity, enabling feedback from your peers.
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Participate Actively: Your grade will depend on your attendance and active participation in the speed read.
Submission Requirements:
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Digital Submission: Turn in your draft as a PDF file on Blackboard.
Assessment:
This assignment will be graded solely on your attendance and participation in the speed reading activity. Your commitment to this part of the process is essential to improving your script.
Assignment # 5: Third Draft Draft
Following the speed reading activity and the subsequent revisions based on feedback, the third draft of your screenplay is the next step. This draft is essential, as it will form a substantial part of your grade for the course.
Objectives:
• Incorporate Feedback: Use insights from the speed reading activity to refine and enhance your screenplay.
• Align with Expectations: Be aware of the specific rubric and expectations that will be discussed in class closer to the due date.
• Present a Polished Draft: This draft must reflect your best work and understanding of screenplay format.
Assessment:
• Grading Basis: The third draft will contribute to a large portion of your grade.
• Rubric: The specific rubric and grading criteria will be provided and discussed in class before the assignment due date.
Your second draft represents the culmination of your efforts, insights, and growth throughout the course. Think of it as your final exam: an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to apply all the tools and techniques you’ve learned—structure, character development, pacing, dialogue, and visual storytelling. This is your chance to showcase the depth of your understanding and create a draft that reflects a professional level of polish. Treat it as if this is the draft you’d send out into the world.
Assignment # 6: Workshop
The last month of the class will be dedicated to a workshop format where students will read, discuss, and critique each other’s scripts. This workshop is a crucial part of the course, as it serves as an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to analyze screenplays and provide meaningful feedback—skills you have developed throughout the term. Think of this workshop as a final exam for your critique skills, where you apply everything you’ve learned to support and improve the work of your peers.
Responsibilities:
• Reading and Preparation: Read the assigned scripts thoroughly before each class meeting. Be ready to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each script and offer constructive feedback based on the principles covered in class.
• Active Participation: Engage in thoughtful and respectful dialogue. Provide insightful comments that reflect your understanding of story structure, character development, pacing, and formatting.
• Attendance: Adhere to the workshop schedule, especially the specific day your script is being discussed.
Grading:
• Pass/Fail System: Participation in discussing each script will be graded on a pass/fail basis.
• Overall Participation Grade: Your final participation grade will be the average of all scripts discussed (e.g., 20/20 or 100%).
Strict Policies:
• Absence on Your Script’s Day: If you’re absent on the day your script is scheduled for feedback, you will fail the second draft assignment.
• General Absence During Workshop: Failing participation for that workshop day.
• Lateness During Workshop: Failing participation on the scripts not discussed due to tardiness.
• Communication: Notify the instructor if you will be absent on any workshop days to reschedule appropriately.
This workshop is your chance to demonstrate not only your ability to create a screenplay but also your mastery of critiquing and improving the work of others. Treat this as an opportunity to synthesize your learning, just as you would in a final exam, by applying screenwriting techniques and storytelling principles to the critique process.
On my various syllabi, you will find pictures and trailers for the films that defined my love of cinema. The Goonies (1985) by Richard Donner holds a special place in my mind and heart. It is, in my mind's eye, a perfect film. It weaves an adventure tale with an exploration of classic themes like courage, the nature of friendship and community, and innocence, which makes the film timeless. Though it relies entirely on tropes and stereotypes, it subverts them by making these misfits the heroes of a grand adventure.
Important Dates
Because this class involves a lot of discussions and unpredictability, I will not commit to a specific, day-by-day account of the class. Instead, I am providing a list of deadlines and important dates that you should include in your calendar.
Septmeber 26 - Introduction to the Course
October 3 - Anora Discussion and Logline Due By Class Start
October 10 - First Draft Due By Class Start
October 24 - Failure Script Due By Class Start
November 7 - Second Draft and Speed Read
November 7 - Third Draft Due by Midnight
November 14 to 21 - Workshop
Grading
Logline - 4%
Failure Script - 15%
First Draft - 15%
Second Draft/Speed Read Round 1 - 4%
Third Draft 35%
Third Draft Workshop 25%
Attendance 2%
Resources
Library: Nine libraries and several statewide resources comprise the Learning Resources at Miami Dade College, providing a stimulating learning environment that enhances the classroom experience through various services such as in-person tutoring, information literacy instruction, and informative workshops. Link to Library Website
Virtual Tutoring: Learning Resources offers students and faculty a wide array of supplemental assistance to ensure academic success Link to Virtual Tutoring.
Single Stop: Single Stop offers students a wide array of services, including public benefits screening, financial coaching, individual counseling, tax preparation, access to a food pantry, and various other services. All of our services are free to Miami Dade College students and their immediate family members. Link to Single Stop Website.
Mental Health Counseling: Counselors are available on campus during the day and after-hours throughout the week, including Saturdays. Students may receive up to 10 free hour-long sessions where they can speak confidentially with a licensed counselor. Sessions during the day may be held in person (on campus), by phone, or virtually. When filling out the form, please select either daytime or after-hours counseling. Link to Mental Health Counseling Website.
SEDT Academic Advisors: Even as I am available to advise you on classes, SEDT offers in-depth academic planning through our two counselors.
James Van Voris: jvanvori@mdc.edu
He can also be reached at 305-237-1696