Foundations of Screenwriting Craft

This unit introduces core screenwriting concepts and practices—including idea generation, the creative process, three-act structure, scene mechanics, formatting basics, and industry ethics—to establish foundational skills for aspiring screenwriters. Students examine cinematic devices and examples, learn drafting and revision strategies, and prepare a simple concept package to move into advanced development and production units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze differences between cinematic storytelling and other mediums and evaluate filmic devices (voice-over, split screen, POV, intercut, series of shots, musical elements) for their dramatic effect and suitability
• Apply three-act structure and standard screenplay formatting to produce a short scene sequence that includes an eye-opening opener, a developed middle, and a clear resolution
• Demonstrate concept-development skills by creating a logline, one-page treatment, character physical world description, and a basic concept package informed by primary research
• Evaluate ethical and business considerations in screenwriting, and apply drafting and revision strategies to produce a revision plan and professional packaging outline