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CCOG for MM 259 Spring 2024

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Course Number:
MM 259
Course Title:
Screenwriting/Preproduction
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
20
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Focuses on the pre-production phase of narrative video projects. Provides story structure, character development, and formatting for screenwriting. Covers the transition from script to screen including shot lists, location scouting and floor plans, and other pre-production variables. Recommended: WR 121. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Create screenplay treatments, outlines of the major dramatic moments (Beat Sheets), and character development for casting purposes.
  • Create, and produce professionally formatted screenplay scripts.
  • Break down scripts into parts for pre-production planning following industry protocols
  • Create shot-lists, draft floor plans for lighting and blocking, and utilize location scouting techniques.

Course Activities and Design

  • The material in this course will be presented in a classroom lecture/discussion/demonstration format, and in class hands-on exercises.
  • There will be short assignments weekly, which may be partially completed in class. Also, a longer assignment, which demonstrates techniques and skills, developed in the course.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Projects will be the major criteria for evaluation. Emphasis will be placed on creativity, presentations, meeting assigned deadlines, and participation in critiques. Additional methods of assessment may include quizzes, exercises, assignments, and attendance.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  • Use industry standard scriptwriting tools to create media.
  • Create and Format materials needed for pre?produce of video productions.
  • Sample techniques for pre?production elements such as lighting plans, blocking and location scouting.

Related Instruction

Communication
Hours: 90

  • Create screenplay treatments, outlines of the major dramatic moments (Beat Sheets), and character development for casting purposes.
  • Create, and produce professionally formatted screenplay scripts.
  • Break down scripts into parts for pre-production planning following industry protocols
  • Create shot-lists, draft floor plans for lighting and blocking, and utilize location scouting techniques.

  • Use industry standard scriptwriting tools to create media.
  • Create and format materials to produce video media.
  • Sample techniques for pre-production elements such as lighting plans, blocking and location scouting.
  • Write and orally communicate to different aspects of the production of video. This includes writing and communicating to the Art Directors, Designers, Audio Technicians, Director of Photography, Actors and Editors.

  • Write and format a screenplay to communicate and idea to a targeted audience using industry standards.