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Concurrent Course
Writing (CTWR)
- http://cinema.usc.edu/writing
- D class assignments for undergraduates available in SCA; Phone: (213) 740-3303.
- YOU MUST ATTEND THE FIRST SESSION of each course or you may be replaced by a student on the waiting list, even if you are registered. If you do not register for a class for which you have D-clearance by the registration deadline, your D-clearance will EXPIRE. School of Cinematic Arts "R" courses change to "D" in the third week of classes, and require both instructor and departmental approval.
Writing a feature-length screenplay based on treatment developed in CTWR 206a. Includes a first draft and a polish.
- Prerequisite: CTWR 206a
- Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Writing for Screen and Television
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19157D | 060 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Friday | 7 of 7 | Janet Batchler | ONLINE | ||
19316D | 060 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Friday | 6 of 6 | Paul Foley | ONLINE | ||
19352D | 060 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Friday | 7 of 7 | Bob Tzudiker | ONLINE | PDF (203542 KB) |
Examination of the fundamental elements of a good story, and how to use those elements to develop new screenplay ideas. Recommended preparation: CTWR 106b.
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19358D | 060 | Lecture | 10:00-12:50pm | Wednesday | 9 of 9 | Sharon Greene | ONLINE | ||
19360D | 060 | Lecture | 10:00-12:50pm | Monday | 9 of 9 | Donald Bohlinger | ONLINE | ||
19422D | 060 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Wednesday | 9 of 9 | Jack Epps | ONLINE |
Introduction to writing compelling scenes, creating authentic characters, three-act structure and feature film outlining.
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19330R | 060 | Lecture | 4:00-6:50pm | Wednesday | 12 of 12 | Deborah Seibel | ONLINE | ||
19331R | 060 | Lecture | 4:00-6:50pm | Wednesday | 12 of 12 | Siavash Farahani | ONLINE | PDF (204241 KB) | |
19334R | 060 | Lecture | 4:00-6:50pm | Thursday | 12 of 12 | Robert Ramsey | ONLINE | PDF (145030 KB) | |
19337R | 060 | Lecture | 4:00-6:50pm | Tuesday | 12 of 12 | Jim Staahl | ONLINE | ||
19338R | 060 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Tuesday | 11 of 12 | Eric Freiser | ONLINE | ||
19339R | 060 | Lecture | 10:00-12:50pm | Thursday | 12 of 12 | Beverly Neufeld | ONLINE | Word (89088 KB) | |
19341R | 060 | Lecture | 10:00-12:50pm | Monday | 11 of 12 | Matthew Stevens | ONLINE | ||
19347R | 060 | Lecture | 10:00-12:50pm | Friday | 11 of 12 | Donald Hewitt | ONLINE | ||
19349R | 060 | Lecture | 10:00-12:50pm | Friday | 9 of 12 | Rick Parks | ONLINE |
An exploration of characters and story worlds as they relate to gaming with an emphasis on emotionally rich environments in interactive enetertainment. Recommended preparation: CTIN 488
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19168R | 060 | Lecture-Lab | 7:00-10:00pm | Thursday | 14 of 14 | Marianne Krawczyk | ONLINE | Word (16489 KB) |
In-depth analysis of the craft of writing prime-time episodic television. Examination of situation comedies and dramas through weekly screenings and lectures.
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19205R | 060 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Monday | 124 of 200 | Pamela Douglas | ONLINE |
Preparation of scripts for short films: form, structure, planning. Open only to Cinematic Arts Film and Television Production majors.
- Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19182D | 060 | Lecture | 10:00-12:50pm | Wednesday | 9 of 11 | Benita Garvin | ONLINE | PDF (348842 KB) | |
19183D | 060 | Lecture | 7:00-10:00pm | Wednesday | 11 of 11 | Lamont Ferrell | ONLINE | PDF (380899 KB) | |
19184D | 060 | Lecture | 10:00-12:50pm | Wednesday | 11 of 11 | Jim Staahl | ONLINE | ||
19185D | 060 | Lecture | 7:00-10:00pm | Tuesday | 11 of 12 | Vincent Robert | ONLINE | ||
19342D | 060 | Lecture | 10:00-12:50pm | Wednesday | 10 of 11 | Anne Postman | ONLINE | PDF (253670 KB) |
Students study story structure and develop several story outlines, write a short script for possible production, a feature film outline and first act. Recommended preparation: CTWR-416. Open only to Cinematic Arts Film and Television Production majors.
- Prerequisite: CTWR 413
- Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production, Cinema-Television
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19193R | 060 | Lecture | 10:00-12:50pm | Monday | 14 of 14 | David Weber | ONLINE | ||
19195R | 060 | Lecture | 10:00-12:50pm | Monday | 14 of 14 | Martin Daniel | ONLINE |
Creation of script with extensive workshopping of scenes in class leading to a first draft and revision as a final assignment.
- Prerequisite: CTWR 415A
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19203R | 060 | Lecture | 4:00-6:50pm | Monday | 9 of 10 | Sean Hood | ONLINE | PDF (292628 KB) | |
19343R | 060 | Lecture | 4:00-6:50pm | Thursday | 8 of 10 | Lindsay Stidham | ONLINE |
b: Completion and revision of Senior Thesis project and introduction to motion picture industry procedures and practices through interaction with industry representatives. Open to B.F.A. Writing for Screen and Television students only.
- Prerequisite: CTWR 418A
- Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Writing for Screen and Television
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19207D | 060 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Tuesday | 7 of 7 | Donald Bohlinger | ONLINE |
Revision of original pilot script, writing of mid-season episode, and completion of bible for original dramatic series developed in first semester.
- Prerequisite: CTWR 419a
- Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Writing for Screen and Television
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19210D | 060 | Lecture | 7:00-10:00pm | Monday | 5 of 5 | Bret Vandenbos, Brandon Willer | ONLINE | ||
19430D | 060 | Lecture | 7:00-10:00pm | Wednesday | 5 of 5 | Bret Vandenbos, Brandon Willer | ONLINE |
Examination and creation of the world, characters, and concept for an original hour-long dramatic series. Writing an outline for an original dramatic pilot.
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19432R | 060 | Lecture | 10:00-12:50pm | Wednesday | 15 of 16 | Joe Peracchio | ONLINE |
Detailed investigation of specific comedy writers, comedy genres, and the works they've influenced. Lectures include screenings and visiting screenwriters.
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
More Than A Happy Ending: Shattering Romantic Comedy Tropes | |||||||||
19409R | 060 | Lecture | 7:00-10:00pm | Monday | 105 of 200 | Lindsay Stidham | ONLINE | PDF (1380721 MB) |
Detailed investigation of a specific screenwriter's style and the works they've influenced. Lectures include screenings and visiting screenwriters.
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Heroes Among Us: Adapting Stories from Life | |||||||||
19350R | 060 | Lecture | 7:00-10:00pm | Wednesday | 108 of 150 | Peter Robinson | ONLINE | PDF (1475160 MB) |
Detailed investigation of various television writers' styles, the worlds they have created, and the works they've influenced. Lectures include screenings and visiting television writers.
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
More Cowbell! Writing for Late Night Television | |||||||||
19410R | 060 | Lecture | 7:00-10:00pm | Tuesday | 111 of 150 | John Bowman | ONLINE | PDF (783047 KB) |
Preparation of proposals and scripts for different types of film or television programming: emphasis on conception, structure, characterization and format.
Section | Session | Units | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Writing the TV Movie | ||||||||||
19333R | 060 | 4.0 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Tuesday | 4 of 8 | Anne Postman | ONLINE |
Advanced workshop for writing an original half-hour comedy series, including a pilot script, summary of characters, and story lines for first season.
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19226R | 060 | Lecture | 7:00-10:00pm | Tuesday | 9 of 10 | Cameron Johnson | ONLINE |
An advanced workshop in which students create an original dramatic series, including a first script and a summary of characters and story lines. Prerequisite: CTWR-421 or CTWR-434.
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19227R | 060 | Lecture | 7:00-10:00pm | Wednesday | 10 of 10 | Alexa Alemanni | ONLINE | PDF (200583 KB) |
An advanced workshop in which an original hour-long television pilot will be rewritten with emphasis on character, world creation and future story lines. Prerequisite(s): CTWR 439. Recommended preparation: CTWR 411.
- Prerequisite: CTWR 439
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19332R | 060 | Lecture | 7:00-10:00pm | Tuesday | 6 of 8 | Yasemin Alammar | ONLINE |
An advanced workshop in which a feature length screenplay will be rewritten using a specific methodology that focuses on a macro to micro approach to revision.
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19155D | 060 | Lecture | 10:00-12:50pm | Tuesday | 8 of 8 (2 on waitlist) | David Howard | ONLINE | PDF (83094 KB) | |
19231D | 060 | Lecture | 4:00-6:50pm | Thursday | 8 of 8 (4 on waitlist) | Mark Shepherd | ONLINE |
Examination and analysis of various topics, issues, and resources pertaining to creative, legal, and business perspectives for writers in the entertainment industry.
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19336D | 060 | Lecture | 7:00-10:00pm | Thursday | 18 of 18 | Benjamin Hurwitz | ONLINE |
Staff writing and producing the original episodic drama, from development to post-production.
- Prerequisite: CTWR 489A
Section | Session | Units | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19407D | 060 | 2.0 | Lecture | 9:00-11:50am | Wednesday | 5 of 6 | Anthony Jonas | ONLINE | ||
1:00-4:50pm | Wednesday | ONLINE |
Strengthening and deepening the ability to conceive and develop ideas that will lead to compelling, authentic, and personally meaningful films. Duplicates credit in CTWR 528.
- Concurrent enrollment: CTPR 507
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19280D | 037 | Lecture | 2:00-4:50pm | Tuesday | 12 of 12 | Mark Harris | ONLINE | Word (110654 KB) | |
19281D | 037 | Lecture | 2:00-4:50pm | Tuesday | 12 of 12 | Stephen Armour | ONLINE | ||
19282D | 037 | Lecture | 9:00-11:50am | Wednesday | 13 of 13 | Donald Hewitt | ONLINE | ||
19283D | 037 | Lecture | 2:00-4:50pm | Wednesday | 11 of 11 | Matthew Stevens | ONLINE | ||
19285D | 037 | Lecture | 2:00-4:50pm | Wednesday | 12 of 12 | Rick Parks | ONLINE |
Concurrent Course
CTPR 507: Production I (4.0 units)
The effective communication of ideas through the language of cinema; one directing exercise; two short HD projects; introductions to producing, directing, editing, cinematography, and sound.
- Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student, Doctoral Student
- Restriction: Registration open to the following school(s): School of Cinematic Arts
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
18791D | 921 | Lecture | 10:00-11:50am | Tuesday | 15 of 18 | Laura James | ONLINE | ||
10:00-12:50pm | Thursday | ONLINE | |||||||
18842D | 921 | Lab | 2:00-4:50pm | Mon, Wed | 15 of 18 | Susan Cartsonis, Laura James, Angelo Pacifici,Jonathan Dudkowski, Elizabeth Sweeney, Stephen Flick | ONLINE | ||
18792D | 921 | Lecture | 10:00-11:50am | Tuesday | 15 of 18 | Tim Kirkman | ONLINE | ||
3:00-5:50pm | Thursday | ONLINE | |||||||
18843D | 921 | Lab | 2:00-4:50pm | Mon, Wed | 15 of 18 | Susan Arnold,Tim Kirkman,Bonnie Blake,Bruce Green, Toi Juan Shannon, Suhail Kafity | ONLINE | ||
18793D | 921 | Lecture | 10:00-11:50am | Tuesday | 15 of 18 | James Savoca | ONLINE | PDF (305121 KB) | |
6:00-8:50pm | Wednesday | ONLINE | |||||||
18844D | 921 | Lab | 2:00-4:50pm | Tue, Thu | 15 of 18 | Susan Arnold,James Savoca, Jeremy Royce,Elizabeth Sweeney, Richard Burton, Nancy Forner | ONLINE | ||
18794D | 921 | Lecture | 10:00-11:50am | Tuesday | 15 of 18 | Rebekah McKendry | ONLINE | PDF (207500 KB) | |
6:00-8:50pm | Monday | ONLINE | |||||||
18845D | 921 | Lab | 3:00-5:50pm | Tue, Thu | 15 of 18 | Susan Cartsonis, Rebekah McKendry, Jeremy Royce,Jim Ruxin, Elizabeth Sweeney, Midge Costin | ONLINE |
Introduction to the fundamentals of storytelling with techniques and practices that work best for animated stories.
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19446R | 037 | Lecture | 10:00-12:50pm | Wednesday | 11 of 11 | Paul Foley | ONLINE |
Dramaturgy for the fiction and nonfiction work. Techniques for creating the original or adapted theatrical length script. b: Development of an outline and feature length, original script. Open to graduate screenwriting (CNTV) and dramatic writing (Theatre) students only.
- Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Writing for Screen and Television, Theatre (Dramatic Writing)
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19233D | 037 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Tuesday | 8 of 7 | Janet Batchler | ONLINE | ||
19234D | 037 | Lecture | 10:00-12:50pm | Tuesday | 6 of 6 | Mary Sweeney | ONLINE | ||
19235D | 037 | Lecture | 4:00-6:50pm | Tuesday | 5 of 6 | David Weber | ONLINE | ||
19236D | 037 | Lecture | 10:00-12:50pm | Tuesday | 6 of 6 | Thomas Abrams | ONLINE | ||
19237D | 037 | Lecture | 4:00-6:50pm | Tuesday | 7 of 7 | David Howard | ONLINE | Word (56832 KB) |
Comprehensive re-writing of second and third drafts of a feature screenplay leading to a polished and professional piece.
- Prerequisite: CTWR 515A
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19242D | 037 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Wednesday | 7 of 7 | Mary Sweeney | ONLINE | ||
19310D | 037 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Thursday | 4 of 4 | Howard Rodman | ONLINE |
Critical analysis of the structure of films from the classics to current award winners. Students will learn how to identify key story concepts and break down three act structure in finished films and scripts.
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19252D | 037 | Lecture | 2:00-5:50pm | Thursday | 29 of 30 | Irving Belateche | ONLINE | ||
19449R | 037 | Lecture | 9:00-12:50pm | Friday | 67 of 90 | Thomas Abrams | TBA & ONLINE |
A series of exercises written and discussed for interactive experiences.
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19253R | 037 | Lecture | 2:00-4:50pm | Friday | 15 of 15 | Maureen Yeager | ONLINE |
Part B -- writing the series bible and mid-season episode -- is part two of the television thesis course. Students develop their original series further by writing the bible for the series and the mid-season episode which is reflective of storylines, characters and settings developed in part A of the course. Open to M.F.A. Writing for Screen and Television students only.
- Prerequisite: CTWR 519A
- Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Writing for Screen and Television
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19246D | 037 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Tuesday | 4 of 5 | David Balkan | ONLINE | ||
19247D | 037 | Lecture | 6:00-8:50pm | Wednesday | 6 of 6 | Ligiah Villalobos | ONLINE | PDF (183063 KB) | |
19319D | 037 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Thursday | 6 of 6 | Barbara Nance | ONLINE | PDF (348515 KB) |
Introduction to formal elements of the screenplay through lectures and the workshopping of a complete first draft of a feature-length script. Prerequisite: CTAN 536 or CTWR 505 or CTWR 518. Recommended preparation: CTWR 516.
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19305R | 037 | Lecture | 4:00-6:50pm | Monday | 10 of 10 | Aaron Benay | ONLINE | PDF (94320 KB) | |
19307R | 037 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Wednesday | 8 of 10 | Vincent Robert | ONLINE | ||
19378R | 037 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Monday | 9 of 10 | Robert Ramsey | ONLINE | PDF (113070 KB) |
Development of an original half-hour comedy series; writing of the pilot episode and series bible. Prerequisite: CTWR 514a. Open only to master students in Theatre (Dramatic Writing) and Writing for Screen and Television.
- Prerequisite: CTWR 514a
- Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Theatre (Dramatic Writing), Writing for Screen and Television
- Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19322D | 037 | Lecture | 1:00-3:50pm | Friday | 8 of 8 (1 on waitlist) | Chris Marcil | ONLINE | ||
19324D | 037 | Lecture | 4:00-6:50pm | Wednesday | 5 of 6 | F.J. Pratt | ONLINE | PDF (251141 KB) |
Development of an original one hour drama series; writing of the pilot episode and series bible. Prerequisite: CTWR 514a. Open only to master students in Theatre (Dramatic Writing) and Writing for Screen and Television.
- Prerequisite: CTWR 514a
- Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Theatre (Dramatic Writing), Writing for Screen and Television
- Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19327D | 037 | Lecture | 7:00-10:00pm | Wednesday | 7 of 7 | Aaron Thomas | ONLINE | ||
19328D | 037 | Lecture | 4:00-6:50pm | Wednesday | 7 of 7 (1 on waitlist) | Pamela Douglas | ONLINE | ||
19447D | 037 | Lecture | 7:00-10:00pm | Thursday | 7 of 7 (1 on waitlist) | Kate Powers | ONLINE | PDF (161086 KB) |
Advanced television writing, emphasizing the rewrite of a first draft pilot script and series bible for an hour-long television series.
- Prerequisite: CTWR 539
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19380R | 037 | Lecture | 7:00-10:00pm | Tuesday | 4 of 8 | Dara Creasey | ONLINE | PDF (101749 KB) |
Development and pitching of ideas for motion pictures, episodic and television pilots. Reducing ideas to basic components; enhancing verbal presentation skills.
Section | Session | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19296D | 037 | Lecture | 7:00-10:00pm | Tuesday | 14 of 14 (3 on waitlist) | Trey Callaway | ONLINE |
Seminar in directing actors for film; emphasis on demonstration and laboratory exercises, script analysis, and study and character motivations.
Section | Session | Units | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19369D | 037 | 2.0 | Lecture | 9:00-12:50pm | Friday | 15 of 16 | Wendy Phillips | ONLINE | PDF (83633 KB) | |
19383D | 037 | 2.0 | Lecture | 9:00-12:50pm | Thursday | 14 of 14 | Wendy Phillips | ONLINE | PDF (83432 KB) |
Detailed investigation of new or emerging aspects of cinema; special subjects offered by visiting faculty; experimental subjects.
Section | Session | Units | Type | Time | Days | Registered | Instructor | Location | Syllabus | Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
From Staff Writer to Showrunner | ||||||||||
19403R | 037 | 2.0 | Lecture | 7:00-10:00pm | Monday | 8 of 25 | Brian Peterson |