School of Communication, Cinematic & Creative Arts
Cinematic Arts Department
FLA 1015: Fundamentals of Scripting course outline
Spring 2025 semester
Lecturer: Silvester Mutua
Contact: [email protected]/[email protected]
Cell: 0722-392001 (ICE only)
Class schedule: W 1:30-4:50 pm
Venue: Class room E (Wooden blocks)
Consultation hours: M/W 8:30 AM-1:00 pm
Course Description
The Fundamentals of Scriptwriting course is an exciting introduction to the craft of writing
for film. Designed for beginners, this course guides students through the essential building
blocks of scriptwriting, helping them develop stories that captivate and engage audiences.
Students will explore key concepts such as story structure, creating memorable characters,
writing authentic dialogue, and using visual storytelling to enhance their narratives.
Through a blend of theory and hands-on practice, students will not only learn the techniques
behind great screenwriting but also apply them by writing their own scripts. Feedback from
peers and instructors will help refine their work and build confidence as emerging writers.
By the end of the course, students will be familiar with industry-standard script formatting,
understand the conventions of different genres, and gain insight into the business side of
scriptwriting, including pitching and selling their scripts. With a mix of lectures, workshops,
and collaborative projects, this course equips students with the skills and knowledge to start
writing scripts that are both creative and professional.
The course goal
This course empowers each student to master the art of crafting captivating, professional-
grade film scripts. They will delve into storytelling, perfect character development, and create
unforgettable dialogue. Along the way, they’ll master script formatting and gain a deep
understanding of the scriptwriting industry, equipping them for a successful career in
screenwriting.
Course Learning outcomes
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
1. Explain the fundamental principles of story structure, including the three-act structure
and key plot points, and how they apply to film scripts.
2. Examine and critique character development in existing film scripts, identifying
strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Write realistic and engaging dialogue that effectively reveals character and advances
the plot in a short film script.
4. Develop a comprehensive script for a short film, incorporating a well-structured plot,
dynamic characters, and visual storytelling techniques.
5. Assess the effectiveness of different script genres and styles, and apply this
understanding to create a script that adheres to genre conventions and industry
standards.
Class attendance Policy
Class attendance is mandatory unless prior permission is obtained from the lecturer or the
Dean, SCCCA. It is required that you attend and participate in assigned group assignments
and projects to learn from one another, for peer feedback, and also to contribute your fair
share to group work. Failure to contribute to class projects will lead to heavy penalty on your
final grade. On policy regarding class attendance, please read your Student Handbook.
Basically, if you miss more than three classes irrespective of reasons, you earn an F as you
will have missed more than 25% of the course content.
Late Work
Late work will be graded down by 10 points for each day it remains submitted
Course Outline: Fundamentals of Film Script Writing
Week 1: Introduction to Screenwriting
Learning Outcomes:
1. Understand the role and responsibilities of a screenwriter.
2. Differentiate between screenwriting and other forms of writing.
3. Identify the key stages of the screenwriting process.
4. Analyze the importance of screenwriting in the film industry.
Week 2: Story Structure
Learning Outcomes:
1. Explain the three-act structure and its components.
2. Identify alternative narrative structures and their uses.
3. Analyze the importance of pacing and timing in a screenplay.
4. Apply the three-act structure to a short film script.
Week 3: Character Development
Learning Outcomes:
1. Create multi-dimensional characters with depth.
2. Develop character arcs and understand their significance.
3. Differentiate between protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters.
4. Apply techniques for developing compelling characters.
Week 4: Dialogue Writing
Learning Outcomes:
1. Craft natural and engaging dialogue.
2. Understand the role of subtext in dialogue.
3. Differentiate character voices through dialogue.
4. Apply techniques for writing effective dialogue.
Week 5: Scene Construction
Learning Outcomes:
1. Build effective and dynamic scenes.
2. Analyze the importance of conflict and tension in scenes.
3. Write action, description, and dialogue within a scene.
4. Apply techniques for constructing compelling scenes.
Week 6: Genre and Style
Learning Outcomes:
1. Explore different film genres and their conventions.
2. Understand genre expectations and how to meet them.
3. Develop a unique writing style and voice.
4. Apply genre-specific techniques to a short script.
Week 8: Plot Development
Learning Outcomes:
1. Create a strong and coherent plot.
2. Develop techniques for plotting and outlining a screenplay.
3. Integrate subplots effectively into the main plot.
4. Apply plot development techniques to a short film script.
Week 9: Writing for Visuals
Learning Outcomes:
1. Write visually engaging scripts.
2. Understand the importance of "show, don't tell" in screenwriting.
3. Use visual storytelling to enhance the narrative.
4. Apply visual writing techniques to a short script.
Week 10: Script Formatting
Learning Outcomes:
1. Learn the standard format for screenplays.
2. Use industry-standard software and tools for formatting.
3. Identify common formatting mistakes and how to avoid them.
4. Apply proper formatting to a short script.
Week 11: Rewriting and Editing
Learning Outcomes:
1. Revise and polish a script effectively.
2. Incorporate feedback into script revisions.
3. Overcome writer's block and maintain motivation.
4. Apply rewriting and editing techniques to a short script.
Week 12: Pitching and Selling Your Script
Learning Outcomes:
1. Create a compelling logline and synopsis.
2. Develop a pitch for your script.
3. Understand the business side of screenwriting (e.g., agents, contracts).
4. Apply pitching techniques to present your script.
Week 13: Legal and Copyright Issues
Learning Outcomes:
1. Understand the legal aspects of screenwriting.
2. Protect your work through copyright.
3. Navigate contracts and agreements in the film industry.
4. Apply legal knowledge to protect your script.
References
COURSE TEXT AND OTHER READING MATERIAL
Snyder, B. (2005). Save the cat! Michael Wiese Productions.
Field, S. (2005). Screenplay: The foundations of screenwriting (Rev. ed.). Delta.
McKee, R. (1997). Story: Substance, structure, style, and the principles of
screenwriting. Regan Books.
Vogler, C. (2007). The writer's journey: Mythic structure for writers (3rd ed.).
Michael Wiese Productions.
Riley, C. (2009). The Hollywood standard: The complete and authoritative guide to
script format and style (2nd ed.). Michael Wiese Productions
Dethridge, L. (2003). Writing your screenplay. Allen & Unwin.
Other Recommended Readings.
1. Howard, D., & Mabley, E. (1995). The tools of screenwriting: A writer's guide to the
craft and elements of a screenplay. St. Martin's Griffin.
2. Field, S. (1984). The screenwriter's workbook. Dell Publishing.
3. Hauge, M. (1991). Writing screenplays that sell. HarperPerennial.
4. Egri, L. (1946). The art of dramatic writing: Its basis in the creative interpretation of
human motives. Simon & Schuster.
5. Goldman, W. (1983). Adventures in the screen trade: A personal view of Hollywood
and screenwriting. Warner Books
