Scriptwriting - Getting to the End

Overview

Have you written part of a script and need to get to the end of the story? Have you written all of a script but need to redraft or reinvigorate it? Would you like to write better dialogue, more exciting plots, or bring your characters to life? Did you complete Scriptwriting for Beginners and now you want to know how to get to the end of your script? This is the second of two modules that provide students with a practical and theoretical guide to scriptwriting. Scriptwriting - Getting to the End will focus on the key elements to consider when developing the middle and the end of a script. We hope that on completion of the two modules, you will be on your way to developing a full-length script! It is possible to take Scriptwriting - Getting to the End as standalone, as, perhaps you have started working on a script and want to develop it further.

Programme  

1: Developing an idea in more depth and expanding on the concept, themes and other fundamentals so you can write a section of a script.

2 – 3: Developing story through character development with practical exercises, including exploring protagonists and antagonists, secondary characters, ensemble characters, complex characterisation.

4: Creating dialogue through characterisation and different types of dialogue for styles, genre and format including realistic and stylised dialogue. Script Outline submitted. Attend in-person teaching day.

5 – 7: An overview of structures in theatre, film, television and radio and various techniques for developing structure, so you can begin to develop a basic framework for your story.

8: An exploration of the fundamentals of a 'middle and end of a script', which will include examples from current scripts. A focus on dealing with specific problems such as writing sub plots, avoiding second act sags and concluding narratives satisfactorily.

Learning Outcomes 

On completion of this module, students should be able to:   

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the differing creative demands of various script mediums including radio, theatre, TV and film.
2. Adhere to various requirements and utilise more advanced techniques and themes to create the middle of a script, which is part of an overall structure.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of character development and how to use dialogue, effectively.
4. Evaluate your script draft and identify areas for redrafting and editing.

Assessments 

1. Written Assignment - Section of a script (1,800 Words; 80%)  
2. Written Assignment - Outline of a script (200 Words; 20%)  

Reading Suggestions 

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course.

Enquiry Requirements 

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What do I need?  

As this is an online course, you would need the following: 

• Internet access.
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit.
  
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.