Tuesday, 1/21/14
Aim: Writing Log lines and treatments for your converted fairy tale
Daily Spark: What is one way that you can connect the message of your fairy Tale to everyday life?
Today, we are going to write log lines and treatments for our fairy tales – with a twist –
Make your fairytale happen in real life – same basic concept or message, but realistic instead of magical.
Review what a logline and treatment is
Write!
Tuesday, 1/14/14
Aim: Understanding Theme through Harold and Maude
Daily Spark: What are some of the topics touched on in Harold and Maude? What words come to mind when we think of the film?
Compile a list
What is the theme of Harold and Maude? How do you know?
What is theme?
The subject of a talk, a piece of writing, a person’s thoughts, or an exhibition; a topic; an idea that recurs in or pervades a work of art literature or film.
Are there any scenes in the film that do not elaborate on the theme?
Now, look at your screenplay – what is your theme? Does every scene touch upon the theme?
With a partner, read your fables. What are the themes? What films can you think of that have the same theme?
Thursday, 1/16/14
Aim: Understanding Theme in screenplays
Daily Spark: What is the theme in your screenplay (the one you handed in to me)?
Share
In pairs, share your fables with one another – come up with the theme.
Individually, fill out the three act structure worksheet for your fable. Do each of the main turning points connect back to the theme?
Share out
Questions on midterm
Monday, 1/6/14
HW: Read the next 15-30 pages of Harold and Maude http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/Harold-and-Maude.htm
Aim: Studying Character driven films through Harold and Maude
Daily Spark: What is one change you’ve seen in Harold so far?
As we watch, look for the second turning point. Continue to take note of what we learn about each character and how we learn it.
Discuss-
Questions to consider:
1. What about Maude allowed Harold to change?
2. Is Harold’s change permanent?
3. Why does the film end the way it does?
4. What is the theme?
(What the film says about a topic)
Wednesday, 1/8/13
Aim: Using Harold and Maude to think about character development
Daily Spark: We’ve said that every scene must move the plot forward. What does this mean to you?
Every scene should be, in some way, set up by the previous scene, and should move the story forward for both the plot and the development of the characters. This will in turn set up the next scene, until your screenplay reaches its climax. It’s a cause and effect relationship as you draw your audience in until they become hooked. You should be reviewing as you write.
Ask yourself:
If the answer to any of these questions is “I don’t know” or “NO,” remove the scene.
They pay off could be a revelation, a decision by one of your characters, or even a cliffhanger. Dramatic tension keeps the viewer involved. Plot twists are what keep things interesting; try to keep the audience somewhat off balance, because that’s what will keep them engaged. Your story shouldn’t just start, trundle along, and end exactly the way your audience expects it to.
The end of the each should have a finish that leaves things open to be resolved in the next scene, building towards the climax.
Let’s see an example:
Harold and Maude at the Amusement Park
Script
What’s different? Why were these things edited out, do you think?
Now it’s your turn – create a scene that ADDS to the story – or begins the sequal…
Using your knowledge of the characters Harold, his mother, and Maude…
Write a scene…
1. Scene after the ending scene
2. The following day
3. The following year
4. 5 years from the end
5. 10 years from now
Do this on loose leaf, trying as best as you can to create standardized screenplay format.
Friday, 1/10/14
Aim: Understanding moving the plot forward and theme through Harold and Maude
HW: Bring in a fable/fairy tale that you like or know well. Re-read it before you bring it in.
Daily Spark: Did Harold and Maude have to end the way it did? Why or why not?
Share out scripts – one from every time period:
Using your knowledge of the characters Harold, his mother, and Maude…
Write a scene…
1. Scene after the ending scene
2. The following day
3. The following year
4. 5 years from the end
5. 10 years from now
Do these work? Not?
What is the theme of Harold and Maude? How do you know?
What is theme?
The subject of a talk, a piece of writing, a person’s thoughts, or an exhibition; a topic; an idea that recurs in or pervades a work of art literature or film.
What words come to mind when we think of the film Harold and Maude?
What does the film say about this?
Thursday, 1/2/13
Aim: Studying Character driven films through Harold and Maude
Daily Spark: Write a short backstory for one of the three main characters.
As we watch, look for the second turning point. Continue to take note of what we learn about each character and how we learn it
Screen writing 2013-2014 