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"Who's Got a Movie Idea? Write Your First Movie Script"
How many kids can say they have written a movie script? In this self-paced course, students learn, step-by-step how to write their first short movie from an accomplished actor and writer.
Class Experience
US Grade 7 - 12
Beginner Level
Do you have a movie idea? In this step-by-step, self-paced class, learn everything from writing a logline to writing an outline as well as how to build characters and structure as you write your very first short film and receive evaluations and guidance along the way from an accomplished actor and writer.
18 lessons//8 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1The Journey to ScreenwritingThe journey from actor to screenwriterLesson 2What Makes a Great MovieWhat makes a good movie from an industry filmmakerLesson 3The "What If"Using the "What If" to spark your imaginationLesson 4What Is Your "What If?"Creating YOUR movie idea using the "What If"Week 2Lesson 5The LoglineTurning the "What If" into the line that summarizes your movieLesson 6Leonard Talks the "Logline"How the "What If" becomes a LoglineWeek 3Lesson 7Finding the Main CharactersLearning to identify the main character in LoglinesLesson 8A Closer Look at Main CharactersIdentifying main character traits on screenLesson 9What Your Main Character WantsExploring the motivations of main charactersLesson 10The Main Character's ObstaclesLearning how obstacles add to the conflict in moviesWeek 4Lesson 11Character BiosHow to build your main charactersWeek 5Lesson 12The FormatHow movies SHOW more than tell through formattingLesson 13Leonard Talks The FormatShowing examples of formatting from real movie scriptsWeek 6Lesson 14Time for StructureLearning the various types of movie structures for your scriptLesson 15Writing DialogueLearning when, where, why and how to write dialogueWeek 7Lesson 16Writing Your OutlineLearning the importance of a movie outline and how to write itWeek 8Lesson 17Adding a Little MagicLearning about the use of flashbacks, dream sequences and montagesLesson 18It's Time to Write!Final tips to help you write your best movie script
This class is taught in English.
- Students will learn the mechanics of writing a movie script while also discovering new ways in which to watch movies.
With scripts registered with the Writer's Guild of America and a distinguished career as an actor and voice actor (member of both SAG-AFTRA and AEA) I have been seen and heard on TV and film. In addition to being a leading national voice over coach, I taught a summer kids Film/TV production camp from 2011 to 2018 while also teaching several masterclasses at institutions. In 2021 my play "Apostle of Freedom" debuted at the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center and in 2022, my production company produced a short film and two of my movie scripts are being considered for major Hollywood productions. Additionally, I was a tenured writer with Demand Media from 2008 to 2010.
2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Homework
Frequency: 7 or more throughout the classFeedback: includedDetails: Instructor will provide written assessments along the way.Assessment
Frequency: 7 or more throughout the classDetails:
Microsoft Word or Outschool-approved software such as Google Docs. Final Draft Pro free-trial should be viewed by parents before enrolling students (this is not required)
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Parental advisory for three films mentioned in the course: Project X, Kings of Summer, and Eighth Grade are Rated R and not necessary viewings for the couse. Limited violence in my short film "Freedom's Eve" in Module 8
Joined June, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hello future screenwriters, How many kids can say that have written a movie script? What if you wrote the next Disney Pixar's "Bao" or " the next global smash like "Star Wars." In the world of movies, there is no such thing as the unthinkable....
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Self-Paced Class
$25
weekly or $200 for all content18 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Choose your start date
Ages: 12-18
