Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | AS.061.373

Intermediate Screenwriting: Adaptation

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.44)

This course will explore strategy and process for developing a short screenplay from pre-existing literary or journalistic source material (short story, news/feature article, etc.). By exploring several “case studies” — feature films and the source material that inspired them — students will identify the practical strategies employed by professional screenwriters with the goal of employing such strategies with their own screenplay adaptations. Bulk of class will focus on designing, writing, and rewriting a 20-30 page screenplay, and sharing multiple drafts with the class (and with the professor one-on-one) for critique over the course of the semester. Each student should have 2-3 pieces of material under consideration for possible adaptation by the start of class. Discussions from time to time will also touch on the business of screenwriting. (Scripts and clips often selected from American films spanning the 60s through the 2000s.) Students will be required to purchase a license for Final Draft screenwriting software for $99. Students are expected to have previously completed AS.061.205 or another lower level screenwriting class.

Fall 2014

(4.7)

Spring 2014

(4.17)

Fall 2014

Professor: Roberto Buso-garcia

(4.7)

Students thought the highlights of this class were the enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructor, high quality films, and fascinating material. Many students made particular note of the availability of the instructor despite living in New York. Negative aspects of the course were assignments that felt rushed and for which creativity was constrained because of very specific guidelines. Additional time to workshop peer work, as well as copies of the scripts for films shown in class were suggested improvements to the class. Prospective students should have ideas for the final story early, be prepared to devote time to the creative process, and wil be chal enged by the instructor, students said. 150

Spring 2014

Professor: Roberto Buso-garcia

(4.17)

Students enrolled in this course were not only able to discuss a variety of films, but they also applied narrative designs that they learned to the films’ plot structure. In addition, students wrote their own screenplays with the guidance of the professor and were critiqued by their peers. The professor is energetic and charismatic and creates a positive environment. According to students, the class requires tons of creativity which can be frustrating. Also students did not read actual screenplays, which was disappointing for them. In addition, the workload became very heavy throughout the semester. Suggestions for improvement include: beginning screenplay at an earlier date, splitting the class into two days instead of one, less homework, and more in-class assignments. Prospective students should take this class if they are interested in screenwriting and have a sufficient background in it.