Writing for Film, Television & Games

Program Overview

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The Writing for Film, Television & Games program at Vancouver Film School is a 12-month intensive program that equips students with the skills to become professional screenwriters. Through hands-on training, students develop feature film scripts, TV pilots, and specialize in their chosen medium. The program emphasizes storytelling, scriptwriting techniques, and industry connections, preparing graduates for entry-level positions in the film, television, and game industries.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This intensive 12-month program equips students with the knowledge and skills to become professional screenwriters in the film, television, and game industries. The program emphasizes a hands-on approach, guiding students through the development of their own feature film script and TV pilot.

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Objectives:

• Develop strong storytelling skills through comprehensive training in visual storytelling, structure, character development, format, and genre.
• Create professional-quality scripts across multiple platforms, showcasing talent and potential to employers.
• Build a strong portfolio of work to enhance career prospects and attract industry opportunities.
• Benefit from a supportive learning environment with access to industry connections and mentorship opportunities.

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Outline:

The program unfolds across six terms, each focusing on specific aspects of scriptwriting:

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Term 1:

Fundamentals of Story and Character:

• Explores the core principles of visual storytelling, including structure, character development, genre analysis, and format exploration.
• Introduces the basics of scriptwriting and provides practical exercises to refine storytelling abilities.

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Term 2:

Feature Film Development:

• Dives deeper into the elements of feature film storytelling, focusing on plot structure, character arcs, and world-building.
• Provides guidance and feedback for students to develop the first draft of their feature film screenplay.

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Term 3:

Feature and TV Script Workshop:

• Offers personalized workshops and critiques on students' feature film and television pilot scripts.
• Guides students through the revision process, enhancing their storytelling and scriptwriting skills.

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Term 4:

Specialization:

• Students choose to specialize in either Film, Television, or Games writing for their final project.
• Focuses on industry-specific scriptwriting techniques and practices for the chosen medium.

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Term 5:

Electives:

• Offers elective courses in various writing formats, including:
• Writing for Comics
• Writing for Video Games
• Writing for Commercials
• Allows students to explore their writing interests and develop additional skills.

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Term 6:

Completion:

• Students finalize their chosen final project, be it a feature film script or a television pilot.
• Receives intensive feedback and undergoes final script polishing during intensive workshops.

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Assessment:

• Ongoing evaluation through script assignments, in-class exercises, and workshops.
• Final project assessment based on script quality, storytelling techniques, and adherence to industry standards.
• Faculty provide comprehensive feedback throughout the program to enhance learning and development.

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Teaching:

• Experienced and industry-connected faculty with extensive real-world experience in respective fields.
• Emphasis on personalized feedback and guidance through workshops, one-on-one consultations, and group critiques.
• A dynamic learning environment that promotes collaboration, creative exploration, and open communication.

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Careers:

• Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in the film, television, and game industries as:
• Screenwriters
• Script Editors
• Storyboard Artists
• Script Assistants
• Game Writers
• The program helps students build a strong portfolio and industry connections, which enhances their career prospects.
• Alumni success stories showcase the global recognition and career achievements of VFS Writing for Film, Television & Games graduates.

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Other:

• The program is offered twice a year, with start dates in August and January.
• International students are welcome, and the program provides support with visa applications and immigration assistance.
• Located in Vancouver, Canada, the program offers access to a vibrant city with a thriving film and television industry.
• Applicants can contact VFS advisors for personalized consultation and guidance throughout the application process.