Storytelling Through Screenwriting (Write Your First Script!)

Completed by 4 learners

Ages 14-18

Self-Paced Course

Help your student bring their stories to life! This course dives into writing for media while sharpening their narrative fiction skills. They'll craft plots using The Hero's Journey, a storytelling framework coined by Joseph Campbell.

Michele Mathis-Shiflett M.S.

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(2 reviews)

1 pre-recorded lesson

8 weeks of teacher support

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1 year of access to the content

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About Learning Overview Schedule Teacher Reviews

What’s included

0 pre-recorded lessons

8 weeks

of teacher support

1 year access

to the content

Class Experience

** Students will complete an original micro short script.**

Whether your student wants to learn to write screenplays for TV, Film, or digital media, you must first learn the plot points of a story and how to mold that story into a blueprint, the script. This coursework will also help your student write narrative fiction in short or long form. Plot points are based on universal mythology, The Hero's Journey, coined by Joseph Cambell.

Lesson One: Premise- We will discuss what an original premise means in the screenwriting/ literary world and how to develop.
Character- We will learn how to develop complex characters and how to introspect for character building.

Lesson Two: Structure
Components of the 3-Act Story Structure and 5 major plot points.
Plot: What is plot? What are the major plot points in a story?
We will discuss each plot point in-depth as well as brainstorm your own plot points, so you understand how to use them correctly and effectively in every story you write.

Lesson Three: Plot Points continued
Outlining: Students will learn how to outline the story using the plot points created.

Lesson 4: Putting your story together.
Students will learn how to take their project from an outline to a short script. I will also give examples of how short scripts can adapt to more extended work pieces.

The class will consist of a lecture, video, & script analysis. Your student may not watch movies the same again as 90%, and the top-grossing films utilize The Hero's Journey framework.

Learning Goals

Students will learn the fundamentals of screenwriting and story plot points based on the Hero's Journey.

Other Details

Parental Guidance

All movies referenced and discussed in class will not exceed PG-13 rating. Students are responsible for their own content.

Supply List

PDF's provided by instructor.

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Michele Mathis-Shiflett M.S.

Joined July, 2020

5.0

2reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Learn from an optioned screenwriter!  About ten years ago, I discovered screenwriting and what started as a hobby quickly turned into a dedicated pursuit to learn everything I could on scriptwriting.  Besides reading nearly every book on the subject, I completed UCLA's Screenwriting Professional Program and two subsequent mentorships with two established screenwriters. I'm currently shopping three scripts and have written and directed two short films. I have a story optioned and is currently in development; I have also placed or advanced in several script competitions including the highly regarded Nicholl's Fellowship, Stowe Story Lab, Scriptapalooza and Nashville Film Festival. Additionally, my Master's Degree in Psychology also uniquely allows me to mentor students to use their own perspective and intuition to create a unique distinctive voice.  To learn more visit michelemathis.com