Mastering Your Story by Revising the Screenplay Course

Program Overview

This 11-week screenwriting course at UCLA Extension focuses on strengthening feature film screenplays, with an emphasis on visual storytelling, character development, and advanced structural critique. Led by instructor John Henry Davis, the program includes weekly workshops, instructor feedback, and guided peer critique. Students will analyze and revise their screenplays, focusing on creating powerful turning points and a compelling narrative arc.

Program Outline

Outline:

Content:

• Focuses on strengthening elements of the feature film screenplay derived from the principles taught in the Fundamentals of Story course.
• Every week, a segment of the screenplay is workshopped in class with feedback from the instructor and guided critique from class peers.
• Special attention is given to the tasks of making the work visual, as well as building unique characters through dialogue and behavior.
• Includes an advanced critique of structure, as well as an examination of selected elements of filmmaking.
• Students find the best way to build dramatic tension through each act, focusing on creating powerful turning points for the central characters.
• The crucial first ten pages, as well as final pages are analyzed and revised to find the best possible springboard and conclusion for the story, incorporating relevant dramatic questions.

Structure:

• 11-week course
• Meets on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM PT
• In-person at the UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood

Course Schedule:

| Date | Time | Location | |---|---|---| | April 6, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PT | UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood | | April 13, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PT | UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood | | April 20, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PT | UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood | | April 27, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PT | UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood | | May 4, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PT | UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood | | May 11, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PT | UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood | | May 18, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PT | UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood | | June 1, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PT | UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood | | June 8, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PT | UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood |

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Class workshops
• Instructor feedback
• Guided peer critique

Faculty:

• John Henry Davis

Unique Approaches:

• Focus on visual storytelling
• Emphasis on character development
• Advanced critique of structure