Dear Seniors!
Welcome back! I hope you had a fun and relaxing Spring Break! We have NINE more weeks together. We will be experimenting with Screenplays and Teleplays - learning format, reading texts, watching sitcoms, and writing our very own scripts! There is a lot of play required in this unit - so come ready to have some fun and to try out something new and different!
In order to keep us on track - we will be using the online source - Script Frenzy. The website and link is below:
2012.ywp.scriptfrenzy.org/screenplay-formatting
This website offers boot camps, how-to instruction, entire scripts (Elf, Toy Story, etc...), and lots of other terrific resources for you to reference during our unit. We will be using our laptops in class and you will be able to use this website as a guide many times throughout each week. You should also bookmark this page at home - since you may come up with some great ideas outside of class...which I guarantee you will!
Here is what this week will look like. It is geared toward foundation, background, ideas, terminology, and an overall understanding of the Script Frenzy website.
Monday
* Writing Activity - In class you will write ONE - TWO pages. This will include dialogue and characters. It can be made up or it can be a real conversation you recently had or overheard. The idea is that we familiarize ourselves with how words sound in conversation. This may be difficult at first - but we are looking to merely try it out. This will be a credit/no credit activity. You may hate it and never use it again....or who knows...it may be an idea you want to explore once you get more comfortable with the genre.
Tuesday
* SWT - Your most recent worthwhile conversation. Include setting, location, and time
* Laptops - Get your laptop up and running while completing your SWT and go to the Script Frenzy website located at: 2012.ywp.scriptfrenzy.org/screenplay-formatting
* We will read through the NINE tips that might help you better understand your screenplay and make your first draft go a little more smoothly. We will take notes on important ideas and terms.
Weds
* SWT - Your most recent worthwhile conversation. Include setting, location, and time
* Laptops - Get your laptop up and running while completing your SWT and
revisit Script Frenzy. We will explore how to write for TV in NINE easy steps! We will take notes.
You can access this at: http://2012.ywp.scriptfrenzy.org/tv-writing
Thursday
* We will watch the documentary "Six Days to South Park" - we will learn from the best!
Please note that this does contain some profanity. If this is a problem for you - please let me know and we will find an alternative assignment.
* This documentary follows the entire process of brainstorming, writing, and collaborating an entire episode of the animated show "South Park" - here is the link:
http://www.southparkstudios.com/full-episodes/six-days-to-south-park
* We will take notes and answer some questions. You can and will use the advice and tips from these real world writers to help inspire and motivate your own writing endeavors.
Friday
* We will be joined by R. Preston Clark. Preston is not only the host of Lyrical Exchange and a terrific spoken word poet but he is also a tremendously talented screenwriter.
* Preston will have you engaging in some creative exercises to help you with possible ideas for your upcoming writing. This will be a great day with tons of awesome tips and advice! Do not miss it! Make sure to take notes, ask questions, and participate in discussion.
* Here is a link to Preston's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ronald.p.clark?fref=ts
Office Hours will be Wednesday after school. If you are concerned about this unit, your current grade in class, missing work, etc....please make sure to speak with me. Your last minute concerns will not be my concerns.
Please work hard - but most importantly...have fun! Come to class and be willing to try out some daring ideas. This is your time to really stretch yourself creatively.
Be good. Write on!
Samakosky
