"For this project, you are to write the first act of an original screenplay."I have attached four files. One file is instructions, one is the rubric, one is a helpful formatting guide, and the last is a student example. I give the writer freedom of any genre or style, as long as it fits format and criteria. Thank you.
Film Art_FIL3854_Colkitt_Screenplay Project_Instructions_2018.pdf FIL3854,FilmArt:InstructionsforFinalScreenplayCapstoneProject (worthupto20pointsor20%ofyourgrade) ------------------- Forthisproject,youaretowritethefirstactofanoriginalscreenplay.Youdonothaveto writeouttheentirescreenplayfromstarttofinish!Byanact,Imeanasubstantialbeginningor setupofthefilmcontainedinyourscreenplaythatestablishesyourmaincharacter(s),setsup thesettingorlocale,andgivesreadersanawarenessofthemainthesisorconflictofthefilmto beresolved(ornot)insubsequentacts. Thescreenplayconceptmustbecompletelyoriginal.Itcannotbeanadaptationfromabookor televisionshoworanyotherpreexistingmaterial.However,whileitisimportanttobecreative inthisproject,yourgradeswillnotbebasedonmysubjectiveappreciationordisapprovalof youroriginalideas.Instead,yourprojectassessmentisbaseduponhowwellyouseemto understandandapplythedifferentaspectsofmotionpictureproductioninyourscreenplay, andhowwellyoufollowtheinstructionsbelow.Inshort,yourgradeisnotdependentonyour creativewritingskills. Inmanyrespects,thisfinalcapstoneprojectisanevaluationofwhatyouhavelearnedabout filmfromtheclass.Yourscreenplayshoulddemonstratethatyouconsideredhowdialogue functionsinyourfilm,aswellasothertoolsofcinemasuchascinematography,theselectionof shotsandhowtheywillbeassembledintheeditingroom,andmise-en-scene(thesets, costumes,lighting,actors,etc.).Asyouhavehopefullylearnedfromthiscourse,filmsare comprisedofsomuchmorethanwhattheactorsaresayingon-screen.Ifallyourscreenplay providesisdialogue,thenitisnotreallyascreenplay. MostpeoplearecomfortablewiththetraditionalHollywoodmethodofstorytellingforthis projectbutyoucanapproachthisprojectfromanyangleyouwish.Wehaveexamined alternativegenresandavant-gardecinematicpracticesthatquestiontherulesandregulations ofHollywoodfilmmakingstrategies.Thesemethodsmaybeofmoreinteresttosomeofyou andyoucanexploretheminyourscreenplays. ------------------- Asthisisyourfinalcapstoneproject,itisimperativetouseterminology,vocabulary,and conceptsthatyouhavelearnedinthiscoursethroughoutyourscreenplay.Youarewritinga “shooting”script,nota“spec”script.Speculationor“spec”scriptsarescreenplayswrittenwith anintentionalvaguenessforsalespurposes.Theproductioninformationisnotincludedinthe specscreenplaysoproducersanddirectorscanfillitinastheyseefit.Incontrast,youare creatingaproductionor“shooting”script.Youarethewriteranddirectorforthisproject! Pleaseprovideallthecamerashotsandeditingtransitionsyouenvisionbetweenshotsand scenesaswellasinformationaboutmise-en-scene(costumes,sets,lighting,etc.).Ifthis informationisnotincluded,Icannotseeyourapplicationofwhatyouhavelearnedinclass.Let mebeclear:Thisisthemostimportantelementofyourproject. Furthermore,thescreenplaymustbeinscreenplayformat.Thereisaspecificformatting strategyforscreenplaysthatmustbefollowedtoreceivecreditfortheproject.Ihaveprovided examplesintheImportantDocumentsmoduleinCanvastohelpyoumirrorthisformat.WhileI donotexpectabsoluteperfectionwithspecificssuchasmarginsorexactplacementofpage elements,Idoneedtoseethatyouaretryingtomirrortheformat.Ifyousubmitsomething thatdoesnotevencloselyresembleascript,youwilllosepoints.Therearescreenplaysoftware applicationsoutthereforpurchasethatyoumayusebuttheyoftenwillnotallowyouto outputtoaworddocorPDFsobecareful!Iwillonlyacceptscriptsin.doc,.docx,or.pdf formats;nootherformatwillbegraded.However,beawarethatthereareseveralwaysto writescreenplaysinMicrosoftWord,includingtemplatesprovidedwithinthatprogram. Onefinalimportantrule:Screenplayprojectsmustbeatleast2,000words.Beforethisamount ofwritingmakesyoupanic,considerthefactthatapageofword-processedexpositorywriting whichtypicallycontains500words.Screenplaypagestypicallyholdanywherefromaslittleas 100wordsofdialogueorasmuchas300-pluswordsofdialogueanddescription.Inthe providedformattinginformation,youwillseethatthewritingofdialoguetakesupasignificant amountofspaceonapage. ------------------- Thisprojectwillbedifficult,sodonotprocrastinate!Youmustlearntheformattingandcome upwithoriginalmaterial,soitisnotagoodideatoleavethistotheendofclass.Therefore,I suggestyoustartwritingnow.IhaveplacedbothaformattingguideANDafewpagesofa samplescreenplayprojectwrittenforyouinCanvasundertheinstructionstogetyoustarted. Again,Iwillnotacceptalatescreenplay,sopleasedonotputyourselfinapositiontonot completethisprojectbythedeadline! ------------------- SeeRubricforGradingCriteria. ------------------- Final Screenplay Project -- Submission Criteria Ratings Pts 0 pts 5 pts 10 pts 3 pts 15 pts 15 pts Screenplay is a .doc, .doc.x, or.pdf document and content is accessible. 0 pts Full Marks Screenplay is submitted in .doc, .doc.x, or .pdf format and content is accessible: 1 pts Negative Marks (20 points) 1.) Screenplay is NOT submitted in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format AND/OR 2.) Content is inaccessible: Failure to meet these criteria will result in an automatic “0” for the assignment. Independent Concept and Creative Idea Screenplay contains content that is solely the student’s original work. It cannot be an adaptation from a book or television show or any other preexisting material. 5 to >4.5 pts Excellent Student has obviously thought about the storyline. The work is original, creative, and interesting. It does not have to be a perfect masterpiece, but is generally well thought out. 4.5 to >4 pts Good Student has thought about the storyline. The work is original. It need not be a masterpiece, but is generally thought out. 4 to >3.5 pts Fair Idea is thought out but seems like more effort could have been implemented. 3.5 to >0 pts Poor Idea is not well thought out. It seems derivative, definitely based on pre existing material, is last minute or rushed. 0 pts No Marks Idea is not an original work. First act of an original screenplay written A substantial beginning or setup of the film contained in the screenplay that establishes the main character(s), sets up the setting or locale, and gives readers an awareness of the main thesis or conflict of the film to be resolved (or not) in subsequent acts is included. 10 to >8 pts Full Marks A substantial beginning or setup of the film contained in the screenplay that establishes the main character(s), sets up the setting or locale, and gives readers an awareness of the main thesis or conflict of the film. 8 to >5 pts Good attempt at a full act A cursory beginning or setup of the film contained in the screenplay. Missing one of the following: establishes the main character(s), sets up the setting or locale, and gives readers an awareness of the main thesis or conflict of the film. 5 to >3 pts Partial Act Only a partial act is written in the screenplay. Missing two of the following: establishes the main character(s), sets up the setting or locale, and gives readers an awareness of the main thesis or conflict of the film. 3 to >0 pts Needs improvement Incomplete act is written. Missing or misses the mark with the following: establishes the main character(s), sets up the setting or locale, and gives readers an awareness of the main thesis or conflict of the film 0 pts No Marks Format: Title Page Included 3 to >0 pts Excellent Title Page Included and follows accurate format. 0 pts No Marks Missing title page Format: Screenplay displays consistent compliance with accepted screenplay formatting, including proper indents, margins, widths, and pagination. 15 to >13 pts Excellent Screenplay is fully compliant with accepted screenplay formatting. Each page has correct formatting included; there can be only a few minor issues present. 13 to >11 pts Good An attempt to create correct formatting but consistent distracting issues present. 11 to >9 pts Inconsistent format Screenplay is inconsistently compliant with accepted screenplay formatting. 9 to >8 pts Needs improvement Screenplay is inconsistently compliant with accepted screenplay formatting. Poor effort shown in trying to get the screenplay formatted correctly. 8 to >0 pts Poor Screenplay is decidedly NOT compliant with accepted screenplay formatting. 0 pts No Marks Completely off topic or unacceptable. Format/Content: Overall impression of Shooting Script vs. Spec Script Screenplay displays consistent compliance with correct “shooting” script format. Screenplay must include transitions, actions, parentheticals, and scene headings. 15 to >12 pts Full Marks Screenplay is fully compliant with correct “shooting” script format. Screenplay must include transitions, actions, parentheticals, and scene headings. 12 to >10 pts Good Screenplay is missing some transitions, actions, parentheticals, and scene headings. 10 to >8 pts Fair There needs to be more focus on including transitions, actions, parentheticals, descriptions and scene headings. 8 to >0 pts Poor Screenplay is minimally compliant with correct “shooting” script format. Contains few transitions or descriptions of miseenscene 0 pts No Marks Laura Colkitt Final Screenplay Project Rubric Criteria Ratings Pts 5 pts 5 pts 5 pts 5 pts 10 pts 5 pts 10 pts 5 pts 2 pts Content: Characters Highly Developed 5 to >4.5 pts Full Marks Well written descriptions of each character. 4.5 to >4 pts Good Most characters well introduced, but some issues present. 4 to >3.5 pts Fair Most characters introduced, but issues present. 3.5 to >0 pts Needs improvement Characters need much better introductions 0 pts No Marks Criteria is completely missing from screenplay. Content: Setting fully described 5 to >4.5 pts Full Marks Well formed descriptions of setting(s). 4.5 to >4 pts Good Setting is mentioned, but some issues present 4 to >3.5 pts Fair Setting is given cursory mention 3.5 to >0 pts Needs improvement Setting is hinted at but not developed 0 pts No Marks Criteria is completely missing from screenplay. Content: Dialogue is engaging 5 to >4.5 pts Full Marks Engaging and well thought out dialogue 4.5 to >4 pts Good Well thought out dialogue but two or more definite issues 4 to >3.5 pts Fair Some good aspects of dialogue but seemingly used as filler. 3.5 to >0 pts Needs improvement Dialogue is low quality and used mostly for filler in the assignment. 0 pts No Marks Criteria is completely missing from screenplay. Content: Sounds (other than dialogue) 5 to >3 pts Full Marks Includes mention of some other sounds within the screenplay more than once 3 to >0 pts Fair Hints at other sounds but does not fully include them in screenplay 0 pts No Marks Criteria is not even suggested in screenplay Content: Camera Directions 10 to >9 pts Full Marks Demonstrates mastery via inclusion of different camera angles/directions 9 to >8 pts Good Includes some vocabulary demonstrating knowledge but at least one issue present 8 to >7 pts Fair Includes cursory understanding of this criteria 7 to >0 pts Needs Improvement Criteria is either not addressed or included superficially. 0 pts No Marks Does not include this criteria at all. Content: Miseenscene 5 to >4 pts Excellent Engaging and well thought out mise en scene included 4 to >3 pts Good Well thought out mise en scene included but two or more definite issues 3 to >2 pts Fair Some parts of script include mise en scene but overall it is missing. 2 to >0 pts Needs improvement Miseenscene is just hinted at, but not explicitly included 0 pts No Marks Criteria completely missing from screenplay Capstone Assignment Demonstrates mastery of materials, concepts, and vocabulary learned about film from the class. 10 to >9 pts Excellent Excellent use of concepts from class, demonstrates mastery 9 to >8 pts Good Good use of concepts from class, some areas could be improved 8 to >6 pts Fair Uses some vocabulary from class but is lacking in content 6 to >0 pts Poor Shows some mastery but needs improvement 0 pts No Marks No mastery of subject is shown at all Overall Quality Screenplay is written clearly, free of spelling and grammatical errors. 5 to >4.5 pts Excellent Excellent quality and/or effort displayed. Screenplay is written clearly, free of spelling and grammatical errors. 4.5 to >4 pts Good Good quality/effort. Screenplay is written clearly, free of spelling and grammatical errors. 4 to >3.5 pts Fair Student displays effort. Screenplay is mostly written clearly, free of spelling and grammatical errors. 3.5 to >0 pts Needs Improvement Completes assignments minimum. Screenplay has some spelling and grammatical errors. 0 pts No Marks Not acceptable level for college Word Count Included Word count is included and accurate. 2 pts Full Marks 2,000 word MINIMUM 0 pts Word count is missing Total Points: 100 Criteria Ratings Pts 0 pts Word Count Meets Minimum 2,000 word MINIMUM (Every 50 words below minimum 1 point is subtracted i.e. 1900 words is 2 points; 1600 words = 8 points) 0 pts Full Marks 2,000 word MINIMUM 1 pts Negative Marks Word count is grossly inaccurate (10 points + the penalties below) OR Every 50 words below minimum 1 point is subtracted i.e. 1900 words is 2 points; 1600 words = 8 points. How to Write a Screenplay: A Guide to Screenwriting How to Write a Screenplay: A Guide to Screenwriting By The Writers Store It's easy to feel intimidated by the thought of writing your first screenplay. The rules! The formatting! The binding! Don't let the seemingly endless parade of screenwriting elements scare you away from writing your first script. Since a familiarity with the basics of the craft is half the battle, The Writers Store has created this handy overview to help you get up to speed on screenwriting fundamentals. Combine that with the right software, books and supplies, and you'll be ready to type FADE IN before you know it. Sample Screenplay Page How to Write a Screenplay: A Guide to Screenwriting http://www.writersstore.com/how-to-write-a-screenplay-a-guide... 1 of 6 9/25/10 3:15 PM What is a Screenplay? In the most basic terms, a screenplay is a 90-120 page document written in Courier 12pt font on 8 1/2" x 11" bright white three-hole punched paper. Wondering why Courier font is used? It's a timing issue. One formatted script page in Courier font equals roughly one minute of screen time. That's why the average page count of a screenplay should come in between 90 and 120 pages. Comedies tend to be on the shorter side (90 pages, or 1 ! hours) while Dramas run longer (120 pages, or 2 hours). A screenplay can be an original piece, or based on a true story or previously written piece, like a novel, stage play or newspaper article. At its heart, a screenplay is a blueprint for the film it will one day become. Professionals on the set including the producer, director, set designer and actors all translate the How to Write a Screenplay: A Guide to Screenwriting http://www.writersstore.com/how-to-write-a-screenplay-a-guide... 2 of 6 9/25/10 3:15 PM screenwriter's vision using their individual talents. Since the creation of a film is ultimately a collaborative art, the screenwriter must be aware of each person's role and as such, the script should reflect the writer's knowledge. For example, it's crucial to remember that film is primarily a visual medium. As a screenwriter, you must show what's happening in a story, rather than tell. A 2-page inner monologue may work well for a novel, but is the kiss of death in a script. The very nature of screenwriting is based on how to show a story on a screen, and pivotal moments can be conveyed through something as simple as a look on an actor's face. The First Page of a Screenplay While screenplay formatting software such as Final Draft, Movie Magic Screenwriter, Movie Outline and Montage frees you from having to learn the nitty-gritty of margins and indents, it's good to have a grasp of the general spacing standards. The top, bottom and right margins of a screenplay are 1". The left margin is 1.5". The extra half-inch of white space to the left of a script page allows for binding with brads, yet still imparts a feeling of vertical balance of the text on the page. The entire document should be single-spaced. The very first item on the first page should be the words FADE IN:. Note: the first page is never numbered. Subsequent page numbers appear in the upper right hand corner, 0.5" from the top of the page, flush right to the margin. Screenplay Elements Below is a list of items (with definitions) that make up the format of a screenplay, along with indenting information. Again, screenplay software will automatically format all these elements, but a screenwriter must have a working knowledge of the definitions to know when to use each one. Scene Heading Indent: Left: 0.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 6.0" A scene heading is a one-line description of the location and time of day of a scene, also known as a "slugline." It should always be in CAPS. Example: EXT. WRITERS STORE - DAY reveals that the action takes place outside The Writers Store during the daytime. Subheader Indent: Left: 0.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 6.0" When a new scene heading is not necessary, but some distinction needs to be made in the action, you can use a subheader. But be sure to use these sparingly, as a script full of subheaders is generally frowned upon. A good example is when there are a series of quick cuts between two locations, you would use the term INTERCUT and the scene locations. Action Indent: Left: 0.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 6.0" The narrative description of the events of a scene, written in the present tense. Also less commonly known as direction, visual exposition, blackstuff, description or scene direction. Remember - only things that can be seen and heard should be included in the action. Character Indent: Left: 2.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 4.0" When a character is introduced, his name should be capitalized within the action. For example: The door opens and in walks LIAM, a thirty-something hipster with attitude to spare. A character's name is CAPPED and always listed above his lines of dialogue. Minor characters may be listed without names, for example "TAXI DRIVER" or "CUSTOMER." Dialogue Indent: Left: 1.0" Right: 1.5" Width: 3.5" Lines of speech for each character. Dialogue format is used anytime a character is heard speaking, even for off-screen and voice-overs. Parenthetical Indent: Left: 1.5" Right: 2.0" Width: 2.5" A parenthetical is direction for the character, that is either attitude or action-oriented. With roots in the playwriting genre, today, parentheticals are used very rarely, and only if absolutely necessary. Why? Two reasons. First, if you need to use a parenthetical to convey what's going on with your dialogue, then it probably just needs a good re-write. Second, it's the director's job to instruct an actor on how to deliver a line, and everyone knows not to encroach on the director's turf! Extension Placed after the character's name, in parentheses An abbreviated technical note placed after the character's name to indicate how the voice will be heard onscreen, for example, if the character is speaking as a voice-over, it would appear as LIAM (V.O.). How to Write a Screenplay: A Guide to Screenwriting http://www.writersstore.com/how-to-write-a-screenplay-a-guide... 3 of 6 9/25/10 3:15 PM Transition Indent: Left: 4.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 2.0" Transitions are film editing instructions, and generally only appear in a shooting script. Transition verbiage includes: CUT TO: DISSOLVE TO: SMASH CUT: QUICK CUT: FADE TO: As a spec script writer, you should avoid using a transition unless there is no other way to indicate a story element. For example, you might need to use DISSOLVE TO: to indicate that a large amount of time has passed. Shot Indent: Left: 0.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 6.0" A shot tells the reader the focal point within a scene has changed. Like a transition, there's rarely a time when a