DRAMATIC STRUCTURE: FILM & TELEVISION
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1)
2)
3)
To acquire a working knowledge of dramatic structure for film and television.
To analyze the underlying structure of other
To familiarize yourself with the professional practices of screenplay and television writing.
REQUIRED READING:
Screenwriting: The Sequence Approach by Paul Joseph Gulino
Writing the TV Drama Series by Pamela Douglas:
WEEK 1: Course Overview and Requirements. Why do we need structure? 3 act structure, 8
sequences.
ASSIGNMENT: Write a one - two sentence logline for an original screenplay.
READING: Screenwriting: The Sequence Approach (Gulino) pp. ix – 63.
WEEK 2: Class presentation of loglines. Three Act Structure history (plays) vs. Eight Sequences
(reels). Sequence Structure and Function; Character vs. Story; Theme; Act Breaks; Beat Sheets.
ASSIGNMENT: Using what we discussed in class, write a beat sheet for your chosen idea.
READING: Gulino, pp. 64 – 113.
WEEK 3: Discussion of sequences 1-2. Intro Characters/World; Call & Refusal of the Quest
ASSIGNMENT: Watch a CURRENT FILM and write a one-page breakdown of its structure, including
logline and eight sequences. (20 pts)
READING: Gulino, pp. 114-157.
WEEK 4: Discussion of sequences 3-4. Fun & Games; Complications leading to Midpoint.
Reading: Complete the reading of the last week.
WEEK 5: Discussion of Sequences 5-6. Enemies Close In; Low Point & Twist.
ASSIGNMENT: Write a 2 – 4 page expanded outline of your idea.
READING: Gulino, pp. 158 - 224
WEEK 6: Discussion of sequences 7-8. Plan of Attack; Final Fight & Coda.
READING: Gulino. Complete the reading of the last week.
WEEK 7: MIDTERM. After watching a feature-length film, you will write a 3 - 4 page critique of how
well it follows the eight sequences, using concrete examples that focus on character arc, structure,
and all the other elements we’ve discussed in class.
WEEK 8: TV Structure: 8 Sequences vs. TV Acts. Closed story vs. Open. Serial vs. Episodic. Genres;
Concepts; Formatting. Read actual scripts.
ASSIGNMENT: Pick a comedy AND a drama, and write a 1 –2 page beat sheet for each, identifying
the points we discussed in class.
READING: Douglas “Writing the TV Drama,” pp. xiii – 62.
Screening: Coupling
WEEK 9: In-depth TV structure. A, B, & C Stories and their function. Show vs. Season vs. Series
arcs. Breaking the story. Pilot vs. Episode. Cliffhanger endings.
ASSIGNMENT: Write a 1 –2 page pitch for an original TV show.
READING: Douglas pp. 63-102.
Screening: Full House
WEEK 10: Characters. TV vs. Film; How to Construct Great Characters. Flaws vs. Good qualities.
Cast vs. Guest Stars.
ASSIGNMENT: Choose three characters from TV shows currently on the air and write a 1 – 2 page
analysis of their construction.
READING: Douglas pp. 103 – 166.
Screening: Mad Men
WEEK 11: Spec writing. Picking your show; common spec mistakes. Writing for other voices.
Alternative TV options;Writing professionally. Pitching; meetings; spec scripts (TV vs. film). Agents
vs. Managers. Staffing; The Writer’s Room. Review of course material.
Reading: Douglas pp.166-243
Screening: Big Bang Theory
WEEK 12: Show bible. Characters, settings, camera, props, framing, lighting, color, space.
Reading: Douglas, continue from last week.
Screening: Curb Your Enthusiasm
WEEK 13: Review