To excel at writing screenplays or TV scripts, you must write regularly and read scripts from a writer’s perspective. Painters typically learn their craft by studying the work of masters, and most accomplished scriptwriters do the same. Who better to show you the ropes of great screenwriting and TV writing than the best in the business?
Each week, students focus on an aspect of scriptwriting craft in relation to a specific movie or TV episode. Like works of fine art, these scripts are analyzed from various angles as their secrets are revealed. (The reading consists of a mixture of film and TV scripts, all of which are provided.)
If you seek to elevate your scriptwriting, let those who have been there show the way.
Each week, students read (perhaps also view) and discuss a script—either a movie or TV show—analyzing the works from a writer's perspective. Exercises let students explore, first-hand, the techniques being discussed.
Course components:
- Lectures
- Reading/viewing assignments
- Writing exercises
Script Analysis is open to writers of all levels. Students must be 18 years or older.
Course Syllabus:This course features the studying of film and TV scripts (with scripts supplied to the class).
Gotham has two separate programs for Scripts in Focus. They complement each other, and many students take both programs, but it makes no difference which one is taken first. If you take one program, then enroll again for Scripts in Focus, Gotham will make sure you are placed in the other program.
The topics covered in one program (x):Genres: Tour of genres. Importance of knowing your genre. Finding the singularity within your genre.
Script analyzed: a recent script that varies
Comedy: The genre defined. The singularity of this script. The genre in action.
Script analyzed: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt pilot episode by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock
Comedy/Drama: The genre defined. The singularity of this script. The genre in action.
Script analyzed: Little Miss Sunshine by Michael Arndt
Crime/Drama:The genre defined. The singularity of this script. The genre in action.
Script analyzed: Breaking Bad pilot episode by Vince Gilligan
Thriller: The genre defined. The singularity of this script. The genre in action.
Script analyzed: Michael Clayton by Tony Gilroy
Science Fiction/Horror/Action-Adventure: The genre defined. The singularity of this script. The genre in action.
Script analyzed: Aliens by James Cameron
And the topics covered in the other program (y):Coming soon!
Note: Content may vary among individual classes.
Important:- Schedule posted is the Start and End date of the class. You may access the class at any time, day or night, within the schedule provided. Please see Online Class Delivery for more details.
- Registrants will receive email instructions and information on how to access the online classroom.