Fall 2020 Courses in Film, TV Writing and Creative Writing

Manhattan Location: 535 8th Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10018

Our fall schedule reflects the kind of courses we regularly offer. Program director and faculty are happy to speak to potential students about how to shape a degree from the courses we offer in Writing, TV Writing, Directing and Producing. Classes in Manhattan unless otherwise noted.

Film

HYBRID - FLM 500.S60 (#93521) - Master Class in Independent Film Production
Christine Vachon, Pamela Koffler, and Simone Pero
Tuesdays, 5:20-8:10 pm, 4 cr.

Master Classes focus on filmmaking as an art form and an industry. Creative and business sectors are at an intersection of unlimited potential, and students will learn how to tap into and exploit the shifting paradigms of filmmaking — or content-making — as practiced today. Students study the craft of script development, directing, and producing, and learn the realities of the independent film business from top industry professionals, including producers, casting agents, cinematographers, designers, actors, distributors, and lawyers, as well as distinguished filmmakers. This class is a core requirement for the MFA in Film.

HYBRID - FLM 501.S60 (#93523) - Film Tools: Safety, Shooting & Splicing
Jordan Roberts
Thursdays, 5:20-8:10 pm, 3 cr.

HYBRID - FLM 501.S61 (#9626) - Film Tools: Safety, Shooting & Splicing
Jordan Roberts
Thursdays, 9:20 am - 12:10 pm, 3 cr.

This HYBRID version of a course that was designed to be hands on will instead dive deep into some of the pillars of filmmaking without ever picking up a camera or turning on a light. To borrow a cliche expression; think of it as learning how to walk before learning how to run. We will study 3 key aspects: camera movement, lighting and editing and discuss how each is integral to make a scene or film memorable and successful. For the first few weeks we will do clip analysis highlighting camera movement and lighting, and how they elevate scenes to another level. We will discuss the differences, effectiveness and execution of both. In the final few weeks we will dive into Adobe Premiere Pro and learn how to use the software as well as begin analyzing clips for their editing techniques. Students will then have the opportunity to cut a few scenes to not only hone their software chops, but implement the techniques discussed. At the conclusion of the semester, students will have a firm understanding of these pillars of cinema and will be well prepared for the Spring production semester where equipment will be introduced.

HYBRID - FLM 525.S60 (#93525) - Topics in Film, Screenwriting: The Short
Jennie Allen
Mondays, 5:20-8:10 pm, 3 cr.

HYBRID - FLM 525.S61 (#96205) - Topics in Film, Screenwriting: The Short
Jennie Allen
Mondays, 9:20 am - 12:10 pm, 3 cr.

Students will study short film forms and dramatic storytelling principles but the focus of this class is on practice. The main fuel for each class will be student work. Students write and revise short film scripts, provide and receive peer feedback, and reflect upon the process. Students leave with three scripts, two of which have been through at least one revision. For FLM students, this includes the film they will shoot in Spring. TV Writers may take this course.

HYBRID - FLM 526.S60 (#95618) - Topics in TV Writing
Scott Burkhardt
Mondays, 5:20-8:10 pm, 3 cr.

Students learn how to write a spec script or pilot. A “spec” is a script for a TV show that is currently on the air where the writer creates original stories for a show’s existing characters. Students will learn how to brainstorm story ideas, structure an outline and write scenes with dialogue, all in a constructive, supportive workshop atmosphere. The class covers both half-hour comedies and one-hour dramas. In addition, the class will watch, deconstruct and discuss a wide variety of TV shows in order to better understand how a successful episode is built. All the basics of TV writing are covered and the workshop is designed to closely mirror a professional writers room on a prime-time series.

HYBRID - FLM 550.S60 (#93527) - Teaching Practicum
Karen Offitzer
Thursdays, 2:20-5:10 pm, 3 cr.

Required course for those seeking future employment as an instructor at the undergraduate level. This course plunges into the basics of pedagogy, including designing assignments, sequencing them, grading them, and creating syllabi for writing, directing, film analysis and producing courses. You’ll get hands-on experience creating lesson plans and conducting lectures, seminars and workshops, and will gain a preliminary overview of pedagogy on your way to devising your own. Most importantly, you’ll ask and ask again, “What is teachable about writing/filmmaking, and who am I to teach it?” (You need permission of the director and at least 6 program credits under your belt to take this class.)
Please note that additional class time will be arranged with instructor.

HYBRID - FLM 638.S60 (#93529) - Directing I: Principles of Directing
Perry Blackshear
Wednesdays, 5:20-8:10 pm, 3 cr.

EMPHASIS ON THEORY - How do directors decide where to put the camera? How do shots tell a story, create meaning, and make an audience feel something? Students will study and practice script analysis, shot progression, composition, and staging. There will be several assigned directing exercises shot outside of class and workshopped in class; students must shoot and edit their own exercises. The focus is on narrative storytelling but there will be room for interpretation and experimentation. The final exercise will be a three-minute short film.

** SAG PAPERWORK AND PRE PRODUCTION WOVEN IN

HYBRID - FLM 639.S60 (#93534) - Directing II: Advanced Directing
Perry Blackshear
Tuesdays, 5:20-8:10 pm, 3 cr.

EMPHASIS ON THEORY AND PREPRODUCTION - Students will practice using more complicated staging, camera movement, and working with time in this workshop. They will practice their craft by directing several exercises. Experimentation will be encouraged. Advanced Directing will give students the skills they need for the Spring Advanced Production course, and students may begin working out ideas for the films they will make in that course. Prerequisite: Directing I.

HYBRID - FLM 652.S60 (#93546) - Advanced Screenwriting
Annette Handley Chandler
Tuesdays, 5:20 pm, 3 cr.

This advanced screenwriting workshop is designed to guide students as they complete and revise their feature length screenplays. Students are expected to have clear goals for their work, which must be approved by the instructor. Workshops will serve to clarify story, theme and script with a focus on dramatic structure, character development and arc, creating visual and emotional impact, scene construction and juxtaposition, building momentum, dialogue and universal theme. Students will be expected to present their work in class and participate in constructive criticism of the work of classmates. We will also deconstruct films and award-winning screenplays to deepen our understanding of story and craft.

HYBRID – FLM 650.S60 (#95619) ADVANCED PARTY
Lenny Crooks
Tuesdays, 8:20-11:10 pm, 3 cr.

The Advance Party challenges all you know about screenwriting as you progress from a blank page to a short form screenplay. We start with a character - each student creates a single character and learns how to describe their character in an authentic way. If the class size is 10 then there will emerge 10 characters and you will choose which of these characters will interact with your own.We then focus on the natural story as an essential element in this organic approach to screenwriting. As we progress, each of your stories will evolve, not out of traditional plot driven characterization but out of the characters' authentic actions and reactions to situations created by you.

HYBRID - FLM 651.S60 (#93531) - Screenwriting Workshop II
Lenny Crooks
Wednesdays, 5:20-8:10 pm, 3 cr.

This course will build on introductory screenwriting skills and elements. It will offer a more intensive study of the screenwriting craft especially character, scene construction, scene sequence/juxtaposition and dialogue. Rigorous class sessions will consist of group readings and open critiques. The objective of this course will be to structure and write or rewrite a full-length feature screenplay. Intermediate to Advanced Screenwriters. Prerequisite: Screenwriting I, the first act of a screenplay, or instructor’s permission.

HYBRID - FLM 690.T01 (#93511) - Professional Internship
Koffler/Brandeis
1-3 cr.

Students work on Killer Films NYC-based production. Administered through Southampton.

HYBRID - FLM 691.V01 (#93512) - Thesis Project
Magdalene Brandeis, 3 cr.

HYBRID - FLM 692.V01 (#93513) - Thesis Paper
Magdalene Brandeis, 3 cr.

Your thesis is both a calling card for your creative work and a practical dry-run for the complicated process of production. This is a safe space to fail and learn from the multitude of changes, compromises and setbacks you will undoubtedly incur. We will develop your story and find the best possible path toward a polished screenplay or production. The semester will be spent designing plan A, but preparing for plan B, C and D.

TV Writing

FIRST YEAR:

HYBRID - CWL 500.S65 (#93522) - Intro. Grad Studies: The Spec
Alan Kingsberg
Thursdays, 5:20-8:10 pm, 4 cr.

Students learn how to write a spec script for a TV show that is currently on the air. A “spec” is a script where the writer creates original stories for a show’s existing characters. A great spec is a key part in learning to create the portfolio needed to get a job as a television writer. Students will learn how to brainstorm story ideas, structure an outline and write scenes with dialogue, all in a constructive, supportive workshop atmosphere. The class covers both half-hour comedies and one-hour dramas. In addition, the class will watch, deconstruct and discuss a wide variety of TV shows in order to better understand how a successful episode is built. All the basics of TV writing are covered and the workshop is designed to closely mirror a professional writers room on a prime-time series. This class is paired with one-on-one advisement every other week.

HYBRID - FLM 536.S66 (#93526) - Forms of TV: Spec Writing Conference
Alan Kingsberg
Wednesdays, 2:00-4:30 pm, 1 cr.

Students meet individually with the professor to advance their spec scripts, first focusing on story then outline and finally scenes. Assignments due at each conference. Paired with #96621.

HYBRID - FLM 525.S65 (#93514) - Topics in Film: TV Guest Series
Alan Kingsberg
Mondays, 7:30-9:30 pm, 1 cr.

A moderated guest series featuring in-depth discussions with TV writers and producers about their scripts, series and careers. Meets four times during the Fall semester.

HYBRID - FLM 526.S65 (#93507) - Topics in TV Writing: Showrunner
Michael Rauch
Days TBD, 1 cr.

In a writers room environment, students form teams to pitch and break stories under the supervision of a showrunner. Working as a cohesive group, the class builds a complete episode for an ongoing series.

HYBRID - FLM 536.S65 (#95620) - Forms of TV Writing: Short Form/Sketch Comedy
Ethan T. Berlin
9 Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30 pm, 2 cr.

Taught by a veteran comedy writer, this workshop covers the fundamentals of late night and sketch writing in the style of SNL, The Late Show, Full Frontal, and The Daily Show. Structured like a comedy writers' room, students learn to pitch jokes and sketches live in front of other writers. Students also gain experience working on a sketch or late night packet.

SECOND YEAR:

HYBRID - FLM 651.S65 (#93532) - Advanced Pilot
Jim Jennwein
Wednesdays, 5:20-8:10 pm, 3 cr.

Students build on the skills developed in their first year to create a new series concept that has a strong story engine and a powerful emotional or comedic core – a concept that can generate compelling episodes over multiple seasons. Next, students create stories for their pilot episode, outline and write scenes working toward finishing at least one pilot script. Prerequisite classes: Spec and Pilot.

HYBRID - FLM 652.S60 (#93546) - Advanced Screenwriting
Annette Handley Chandler
Tuesdays, 5:20 pm, 3 cr.

HYBRID - FLM 526.S66 (#93508) - Topics in TV: Limited Series, Business of TV
Adam Yaffe, Stephen Gates
Thursdays, 5:20-8:10 pm, 4 cr.

During the first half of the semester, the class works as a group to plot out a season of a limited series based on a true event. This includes building story and character arcs across a season, breaking individual episodes and writing scenes. Led by Adam Yaffe.

During the second half of the semester, this workshop, taught by professional manager Stephen Gates, covers the business of TV including how pilots are sold and TV series set up. How do you get hired in a writers room? Learn about agents and managers, pitching and pitch documents. Design a strategy to launch your career and manage your brand.

HYBRID - FLM 692.V05 (#93535) - Thesis for TV
For TV Writers who have fulfilled all class reqs
3 cr.
Each student polishes one pilot script, preferably their “showpiece” or best script, the one that will be the jewel in their writing portfolio. In addition, each student prepares a pitch for a new series, including series concept, and primary stories. This pitch becomes the project they can develop after graduation. At semesters end, there will be with a thesis review panel to critique and discuss the final work.

HYBRID - FLM 652.S65 (#93547) Advanced Revision
Scott Burkhardt
Open to students who have completed all pilot classes and Revision. This class can be in linked to thesis or will be offered to those who want to postpone thesis until the Spring semester.

Courses