Week 8: Writing Mechanics Intensive

Today I gave back the scripts you turned in last week — and they were fantastic. Very strong work; you should all be extremely proud!

We also had an intensive review of writing mechanics and script format. If you missed today, please be sure to pick up your graded work in the BECA Office before break. Your final script will not be considered complete if you miss the step of incorporating feedback and corrections.

Also, if you turned in your script late (today), please pick it up in the BECA office before break.

HOMEWORK:
Finish your script! Instructions are on the Class Schedule Update — with two changes:

1. Due 4:00 p.m. Wednesday 4/2 (not Thursday 4/3).
2. No revision of setup will be collected — just the final, complete script.
3. There was no workshop today, so no Reader Feedback #5/6. I will collect #3/4 along with your complete, final script.

Have an excellent break! See you all on April 7.

Week 7: Last Workshop on Setups

Today we did two more rounds of workshopping on the scripts (Reader Feedback #3 and #4), focusing on the hero's dramatic need in the setup.

We also watched an episode of Strangers with Candy and talked about "what's at stake" for the main character, how obstacles arise partly because of the character's own flaws, and how the character must help bring about the solution to the problem.

Pretty soon you're going to be writing the rest of your sitcom script; in preparation, the homework is to write a beatsheet for the rest of the story. Length is up to you; write whatever will be useful to you as a "blueprint".

Also, we reviewed script format: dialogue column centered on the page, but lines have flush left margin (not centered as verse); dialogue column indented on both sides; sluglines contain only location information, not stage directions or dialogue; stage directions single spaced, dialogue double spaced.

I collected the sitcom-setup scripts (the 3/3 draft and the revision) and Reader Feedback #1 and #2.

HOMEWORK:
Write a beatsheet for the rest of your sitcom episode; due next week in class.

Week 6: Yet More Sitcom!

Today we did two rounds of workshopping on the sitcom setup scripts. Everyone read 2 scripts and gave feedback analyzing what the audience learns about the hero and the crisis, and how those combine to create compelling dramatic need.

Please note: If you missed the workshop today, you must get feedback from 2 people and include their notes with your revision next week, or your work will be considered incomplete. (See syllabus under "Attendance".)

I handed out a Class Schedule Update, which is available for download in the sidebar. The Syllabus is also available there; it contains information about attendance and grading policies, as well as writing/tutoring resources.

We also went over script format today. Please be sure to include page numbers on every page, double-space your dialogue and single-space stage directions, and avoid "orphan" dialogue (character name at the bottom of one page, lines on the next). Follow the script format I've given you (download from sidebar).

This week, remember it's perfectly fine to change your script — you can even change it a lot! That's what drafts are for. You don't have to do what people suggested in their feedback; ultimately, all decisions are up to you as the writer. If you start feeling overwhelmed, remember that scripts always take multiple drafts to evolve, and it's fine to work on one or two things at a time rather than try to figure everything out all at once.

HOMEWORK:
Revise your setup script. Next week, you'll turn in 4 items:

• The script you had in class today
• Your revision (what you write this week)
• Reader Feedback sheets 1 and 2
  

Please come see me during office hours if you want help with format, mechanics or anything else. Be brave and have fun writing your fabulous scripts!