Spring 2022 Graduate Courses
in Film and TV Writing

Location: 535 8th Avenue, Manhattan

Our spring 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, T elevision Writing, Directing and Producing. Classes in Manhattan unless otherwise noted.

Semester start 1/24, Spring break 3/14-20, Final day of class: 5/13  

Fulltime First Year = 12 credits per semester, Fulltime Second Year & after = 9 credits per semester

• Film Core Classes

  FLM 505.S60 (#52413) – Killer Films Advanced Master Class
  Tues, 5:20-8:10, 3 cr. Christine Vachon & Pamela Koffler

  In this course, students will be guided through a deeper dive examination of best-practices, a changing landscape, and strategies for selling their film, television, and/or digital content projects. The class is structured around marketing, distribution, financing, legal and post-production topics. It will include provocative in-class conversations with working industry professionals such as producers, agents, lawyers, financiers, production managers, marketing experts and distributors, and one-on-one mentoring from class instructors.. This course is offered once every two years and is highly recommended for students approaching or in their thesis semester. 

   

  FLM 505.S61 (#56327 ) - Film Mgmt I - (Mrktng and Dist)
  Every other Tuesday, 2:20-5:10, 1.5 cr. Simone Pero

  Whether you intend to create and run your own distribution, marketing, and outreach campaign or work with a distributor's P&A resources, this course covers the key elements of getting your independent artistic project out and into the world. This is a highly interactive and practical application class where students will work individually and collaboratively on building an executable marketing and distribution plan tailored to their own projects . Students will be required to choose their own project at the beginning of the semester to workshop, preparing it for financing, distribution and promotional releases. Students will explore the fundamentals of marketing and promotions, how visual images and words communicate messages, the strategic use of digital and social media, what makes a project attractive to potential buyers/audiences/supporters, and how to amass and manage resources against goals. Students will work on exercises designed to market film and media content by pitching, identifying audiences, devising offline and online marketing tactics, crafting outreach strategies, creating promotional materials, and plotting a schedule that maximizes funding, resources, and a variety of distribution outlets. This class prepares you to think like a marketer, offer practical application and feedback, and equips you with a critical piece of collateral to sell and promote your project. Assignments will be tailored to student projects, focusing on areas needed to develop, such as financing plans, audience building and engagement, creating promotional materials, strategic use of digital and social media marketing, all towards making a project attractive to potential financiers/buyers/audiences/support. Open to Film & TV Students with prior approval of class project. THIS COURSE IS TAKEN IN CONJUCTION WITH:

  FLM 505.S61 (#56327 )
  Every other Tuesday 2:20-5:10 (1.5 cr) Annette Handley Chandler - TAKEN IN CONJUNCTION with Marketing and Distribution.

  Creative Producing - How does a Creative Producer take a script from concept to a draft that is ready to shoot? In this workshop you will deconstruct excellent screenplays to understand why they work, identify the problems of marginal screenplays and strategies to improve them, examine short stories and novels to discover the spine of the story. You will learn how to effectively work with writers — which questions to ask to get your writer on track — and how to develop a pitch, because all Creative Producers have to know how to pitch to potential financiers. Measurable requirements will be:  Writing coverage of screenplays – identifying their elements, breaking down a novel and a short story for film, writing a treatment, and developing the pitch

   

  FLM 537.S60 (#52411) – PRODUCTION I
  Mon 5:20pm-8:10pm, 3 cr. – Jennie Allen 

  You will work from the scripts you developed in Fall. In the first weeks of the semester, you will attend workshops in casting, locations, budgeting, safety, and scheduling while doing all the necessary directorial preparation to bring your vision of the script to the screen. Then we launch into the production phase where you will present, discuss, and troubleshoot each other’s plans in class. Everyone must crew on each other’s films in NYC - expect to spend a fair amount of days on set. Experience is truly the best teacher and you will learn the most from working together outside of the classroom. We will screen rough cuts at the end of the semester. 

  FLM 536.S60 (#56331) Forms of TV Writing: Short Form/Sketch Comedy, Ethan T. Berlin
  9 Wednesdays, 6:30-9:20 pm, (2 cr) (1/26-3/30)

  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. OPEN TO FLM AND CWL STUDENTS.

   

  FLM 550.S60 (#52414) Teaching Practicum
  Thurs, 2:20-5:10 PM, 3 cr. – Karen Offitzer

  This is a weekly seminar in teaching at the University level, with special emphasis on teaching in the creative arts, specifically creative writing and filmmaking. Open to students in our Creative Writing, Film and TV Writing programs, this course plunges into the basics of pedagogy, exploring learning styles, discovering a teaching philosophy, designing syllabi for undergraduate courses, creating assignments and rubrics for grading assignments, and practicing these skills in a classroom setting. You’ll get hands-on experience and mentoring through visits to undergraduate classes and teaching opportunities, and will gain an understanding of what works best for helping undergraduate students learn. Particular focus will be on discussing issues that arise when teaching creative endeavors such as writing and filmmaking. OPEN TO FLM, TV AND CWL STUDENTS

   

  FLM 650.S60 (#52404), Screenwriting I
  Wed 5:20-8:10, 3 cr. – Lenny Crooks  

  In this course students develop a feature length screenplay idea. Screenings, screenplay readings, and analysis of feature film structure accompany writing exercises and assignments designed to help students develop their idea into a compelling, original story. Students leave with a prose treatment of their story from start to finish as well as the first 30 pages. Open to FLM and CWL students (with former knowledge of Final Draft and screenwriting)

   

  FLM 509.S60 (#52415) Cinematography 1 –   Shooting with Style –
  7 Saturdays 11-5 3cr. – Jordan Roberts

  As important as are story, script, casting and locations, all have to be captured properly…and you first have to learn how to use the equipment that does just that. This workshop will introduce you to the tools that you will have at your disposal to shoot your films. We will further cover set safety, proper handling of the gear, set protocol, the ins and outs of a professional level camera and lens kit, sound equipment, grip and lighting gear. This is the next step to help you create beautiful images that bring your stories to life. FLM ONLY, FULLY IN-PERSON CLASS. 

   

  FLM 508.S60 (#52412) EDITING THE GENRES (Editing 1)
  Tues 5:20-8:10 PM, 3 cr. – Jordan Roberts  

  Horror, comedy, drama and action. Four different genres, four different editing styles. This course will cover the methods on how to edit these very different pieces of material and why each and every cut that is made has a purpose. We will focus on both the tools of editing as well as the theory of it. Through analyzing film clips, class discussion and hands on lessons, we will break down the fundamental differences in these styles and delve into the process of constructing them. Working with Adobe Premiere Pro, students will have the opportunity to edit various scenes, which will range in style and tone. This course will get you thinking critically about all aspects of filmmaking, including blocking, framing, locations and shot selection, culminating in the edit of the end of the semester productions. Please note that additional class time will be arranged with instructor. FLM STUDENTS ONLY (This course will also be available in Summer).

   

  FLM 637.S60 (#52418) - PRODUCTION II
  Mon 5:20-8:10 3cr. – Perry Blackshear

  The primary goal of this flexible workshop is to foster students' individual visions while expanding the scope of their production knowledge and experience. Participants must bring a 5-12 page script to the first class. Classes will focus on directors’ preparation - both creative and practical. For the shoots, students will choose their collaborators and run their own sets. Please note that additional class time will be arranged with instructor. For FLM students.

   

  FLM 652.S60 (#52417) Screenwriting III Script Revision
  Thurs, 5:20-8:10, 3 cr. – Lenny Crooks

  Script Revision course is for students who have completed a narrative feature film script and who are prepared to subject the script to a rigorous health check by their peers. Each class will be a forum for critique and discussion with a view to assisting the presenting writer to redraft with renewed confidence. Later classes will focus on selected sequences or passages from redrafted scripts.

  Bottom line - Open to Second and Thesis Year FLM, TV, CWL students with a completed screenplay or with permission of the instructor.

   

  FLM 660.S65 (#56068) Acting for Directors-Shira-Lee Shalit, Magdalene Brandeis (3cr)
  Thursdays, 5:30-8:20PM

  For first year film and TV W students. Students will study the basics of acting techniques and directing actors, including casting, directing and working with professional actors on scenes that they choose. Each student will act, direct and support their classmates’ scenes.  

   

  FLM 690.T60 (#52409) Professional Internship – Interning on a Feature Film Brandeis/Koffler, 1-3 cr.

  Students work on Killer Films NYC-based production or other productions elsewhere. For FLM and TV students. Applications and contracts required.

   

  FLM 591.T60 (#56332), Independent Project, 1-4 credits TBD

  F LM 576.S60 (#54148), 1-6 credits, TBD

  FLM 691.V60 (#52405) THESIS PROJECT (1-3 cr.) Brandeis, Southampton.

  FLM 692.V60 (#52408) THESIS PAPER (1-3 cr.)  Brandeis, Southampton.

  Thesis projects are administered through Southampton and have a Southampton Component.

• TV Writing Core Classes

  FLM 536.S65 (#52401#) Pilot I – ORIGINAL SERIES (5 cr) Burkhardt - Tues, 5:20-8:10 PM plus 1-on-1

  Students build on the skills developed in the Fall semester to create a pilot script for an original series.  Working from the ground up, students begin by creating a series concept that has both a powerful emotional core and a story engine that can sustain multiple seasons.   Next, students create stories for their pilot episode and then move on to outlining scripts and writing scenes with dialogue, working toward their finished pilot script.  Paired with one-on-one advisement every other week. TV WRITING TRACK ONLY

   

  FLM 530.S65 (#53996) Topics in TV - TV Survey Class - (2 cr)
  MONDAYS, Time TBD - John David Coles and Matthew Penn.

  The class covers how episodic TV has evolved over the decades in terms of story, character, themes, tone and diversity.  The entry point will be the director’s lens, exploring how the directors engage their unique sensibilities in a format that has been created by others, but also examining the interplay between writing and directing and the changing relationships in those positions. The class will look at the history of episodic, starting with Playhouse 90 and ranging forward to HOUSE OF CARDS focusing on key style transitions. The instructors  have worked as  directors and producers on over 100 series and will deconstruct a number of shows, using their scripts, notes, schedules and rough cuts.  Finally, guests will include writers and actors with whom they have worked, including Andre Braugher and Michael Kelly, and show runners of LAW AND ORDER, THE WEST WING, and more recently THE SINNER and THE RIGHT STUFF. Open to TV Writing students. Priority to first years. 

   

  FLM 526.S65 (#56330) Topics in TV - Mastering New Media - (2 credits) - James Kriz
  MONDAYS 5:20-8:10

  This class will introduce students to a variety of New Media storytelling methods: Each student will develop a piece of original IP, adapting it into a work of flash fiction, then a fiction podcast pilot, and lastly a web series pilot. Lectures will be combined with workshopping, as students gain experience pitching, writing, and adapting, under the guidance of an experienced writer whose New Media work has reached over 130 million viewers.

   

  Film/TV 650.S65 (#52403) SCREENWRITING I
  Weds, 5:20-8:10 PM 3cr - Jennie Allen

  The aim of this workshop is to learn the craft of feature film screenwriting through developing a story idea, analyzing produced feature films and scripts, and critique of student work.  We look at character and character arcs, premise, structure, sequences, and scope.  Assignments guide students through developing a feature screenplay idea into a completed treatment or outline and first act. 

   

  FLM 652.S65 (#52402) – Screenwriting III –  TV Pilot III + 1 on 1 – (5 cr) Kingsberg
  Thurs, 5:20-8:10

  The capstone  pilot course of the MFA program. Each student creates an original TV series for which they write the pilot episode.  Paired with one-on-one conferences every other Wednesdays between 2-4:30pm. 5 Credits. TV WRITING STUDENTS ONLY

   

  FLM 660.S65 (#56068) Acting for Directors-Shira-Lee Shalit, Magdalene Brandeis (3cr)
  Thursdays, 5:30-8:20PM

  For first year film and TV W students. Students will study the basics of acting techniques and directing actors, including casting, directing and working with professional actors on scenes that they choose. Each student will act, direct and support their classmates’ scenes.  

   

  FLM 691.V66 (#56334)– TV – Revision/Thesis – Jennewein - (3cr)
  Wednesdays 5:20-8:10

    Students workshop and revise one or more TV scripts. This can include any spec or pilot previously written in the MFA program.  The goal is to revise and polish at least one script to include in the student’s professional portfolio.  3 Credits . TV WRITING STUDENTS ONLY. Thesis projects are administered through Southampton and have a Southampton Component.

                                                       

  FLM 526.S66 (#56329) – Forms of TV Writing - Web series
  Mon 5:20-8:10 (3 cr), Kris Lefcoe        

  Capstone class. Each student writes, directs and produces a micro pilot for a webseries. The goal of the class is to shepherd students through the creation of a fully realized, screenable 5-minute story/concept-launching pilot for their own original digital series. Modeled after the tight schedule of real-life film and television production, students will be expected to meet strict deadlines in each phase of pitching, writing, scheduling, prep, shoot and post-production.                          

       

  FLM 692.V65 (#52407) Thesis – Kingsberg/Burkhardt – (3cr)  Date TBD

  Will include two one-on-one meetings with your thesis advisor.  Most work will be done between meetings and prior to final presentation.  The goal is to polish ONE SCRIPT so it is as "Industry Ready" as possible.  In addition, students will pitch a new series idea and come up with enough about the series concept and pilot stories so that when they graduate, they will have something ready to work on while starting their careers.  In addition, there will be a final review involving a panel that includes a second (and possibly third) reader.   TV Writing students who have fulfilled all other core requirements only.  May not be paired with more than one other class.  Times TBD.

   

  FLM 690.T60 (#52409) Professional Internship – Interning on a Feature Film Brandeis/Koffler

  Students work on Killer Films NYC-based production or other productions elsewhere. For FLM and TV students. Application and contracts required.

   

  FLM 591.T65 (#56333),Independent Project, 1-4 credits TBD

  F LM 576.S65 (#54149),  1-6 credits, TBD

  FLM 691.V65 (#52406) Thesis 1-3 credits