Refining Structure and Industry Prep

This unit guides students through mid-to-late stage screenwriting: deepening Act II and Act III beats, refining outlines, drafting sample scenes for film, TV, and web formats, and shaping exposition, tone, and conflict. It also addresses collaboration, critique-driven revision, adaptation, and professional practices—polishing materials for readers, protecting work, and preparing to approach representation—so learners are ready for the final unit focused on production and portfolio completion.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze Act II and Act III structure and techniques (including salting the wound, time clock, rises in stakes, and creative exposition) to identify necessary adjustments in tone, conflict, and pacing within a supplied screenplay excerpt
• Apply outlining and adaptation strategies to produce a revised outline and two sample scenes (one for film or TV and one for a web series), demonstrating appropriate tone, character-driven conflict, and format conventions
• Demonstrate revision and polishing skills by incorporating peer critique and editorial feedback to create a clean draft section that improves clarity, character voice, and scene transitions
• Evaluate professional readiness by assembling a query/packet checklist, explaining steps to protect work (basic rights and registration practices), and creating a targeted approach plan for contacting agents or managers