Screenwriting 101: Mastering the Art of Story

Overview

Learn to write quotable dialogue and compelling scripts by studying the techniques of great screenwriters.

Course No. 2126

Writing a script is storytelling with its own unique possibilities and limitations. Whether you want to write your own scripts or simply appreciate great films more deeply, Professor Angus Fletcher – both a scholar and working screenwriter – guides you through the craft in 24 insightful lectures.

This course will teach you:

• How to analyze and reverse-engineer successful scripts

• Techniques for building immersive story worlds

• Methods for developing memorable characters

• The psychology behind effective storytelling

• Differences between film and television writing

Through examining classics like Casablanca, The Godfather, and Star Wars, you’ll discover timeless storytelling tools used from ancient Greece to modern Hollywood.

Video Lectures

• Thinking like a Screenwriter (34 min)

2. Reverse Engineering Successful Scripts (32 min)

3. Building Your Story World (33 min)

4. Developing Your Characters (33 min)

5. Tone: The Screenwriter’s Lens (31 min)

• Plotting Your Story Beats (32 min)

7. Sentimental Return: Casablanca (32 min)

• The Tragic Sublime: The Godfather (32 min)

9. Romantic Satisfaction: When Harry Met Sally (31 min)

10. Suspense and Relief: Jaws (31 min)

11. Romantic Longing: Annie Hall (30 min)

12. Big Wonder: Star Wars (33 min)

13. Charm: The Princess Bride (31 min)

• Alienation Effect: Do The Right Thing (32 min)

• Redemption: Unforgiven (30 min)

16. Surreal Connection: Pulp Fiction (32 min)

17. Big Sympathy: Toy Story (32 min)

• Existential Meaning: Fargo (33 min)

19. Film Versus Television: MASH and MASH (32 min)

20. Writing A Television Pilot: Game of Thrones (32 min)

21. The Sitcom: The Simpsons (31 min)

22. The Procedural: CSI (33 min)

24. The Prime-Time Soap: Grey’s Anatomy (31 min)
25. Becoming a Screenwriter (34 min)