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!