Screenwriting 101
Method of Instruction: Onsite or Online
Language: English
Course Duration: 60 Hours
Establishment: Cestar Collège, Campus LaSalle
Course Description
Do you have a great idea for a film but struggle with how to format it correctly? Have you always wanted to complete that feature-length screenplay but couldn’t get past the first act? Completing a script in any genre to the industry-level standard and understand how to work through your plot points to keep your story moving forward are simple enough concepts that anyone can learn.
In Screenwriting 101, students would spend 10 weeks learning how to format and structure a feature-length screenplay, using industry standards and structural guidelines from award winning filmmaker Chris Bavota. He will guide them through the concepts and techniques he uses everyday to complete a feature-length screenplay, including how to develop strong character arcs, forward moving plot points, realistic dialogue and exciting action blocks.
By the end of this course, you will have gained all the skills necessary to draft a full feature length screenplay that will excite and engage your audience.
Course Schedule and Duration
The following sections are available for registrations:
Section A – Wednesdays and Thursdays - 3pm to 9pm
Term: Winter 2024 - January 10 to February 8, 2024
Duration: 60 hours
Delivery method: On-Line or in Person
Section B – Wednesdays and Thursdays - 3pm to 9pm
Term: Winter 2024 - February 14 to March 14, 2024
Duration: 60 hours
Delivery method: On-Line or in Person
Section C – Wednesdays and Thursdays - 3pm to 9pm
Term: Winter 2024 - March 20 to April 18, 2024
Duration: 60 hours
Delivery method: On-Line or in Person
Method of Learning
Hybrid Learning - A combination of online and onsite training tailored according to your needs to help you get the education you need at your own convenience
Course Prerequisites and Admission
This is a beginner level course and is well suited for anybody interested in screenplay writing
Required Materials
Laptop or access to a computer, a camera or cellphone with a camera.
Tech Requirements for Attending Cestar Online Classes
Minimum Requirements
- A strong uninterrupted broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE) connection with a minimum 600kbps bandwidth (up/down).
- A Laptop/Desktop computer equipped with a single core processor (at least 1 GHZ processing speed) or a smartphone/tablet with equivalent processing capabilities
- Good speakers/earphones to listen to the classes
- Browser - IE7+, Safari 5+, Firefox, Chrome
- Operating System - Windows XP, Mac OS 10.6, Linux distro based on 3.0 kernel, Android 5.0, iOS 10
Cestar Recommendations
- A strong uninterrupted broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE) connection with a minimum 1.5Mbps bandwidth (up/down). You can also connect to the internet directly using your ethernet cable to improve your experience.
- Laptop/Desktop computer equipped with a dual core processor with at least 2 GHZ processing speed and a 4 GB RAM
- High Quality speakers/earphones to listen to the classes
- Browser & Operating System - We recommend using the latest version of the browser and operating system for an optimal online classroom experience.
Course Outline
What you will learn?
- Basics of Screenplay writing
- Establishing a scene and making it interesting
- Developing strong character arcs and adding depth to your characters
- Identifying plot points that move the story forward
- Generate dialogue that is realistic and engaging
- Add exciting action blocks that will help move your story forward
- Tie all loose ends together and create a taut and appealing screenplay
Instructors
Chris Bavota
Chris Bavota is an industrious and highly creative filmmaker with over a decade of experience ranging from the art department to the editing suite, and everything in between. Independently minded, he has a strong understanding of budgetary restrictions and approaching problems with innovative solutions. With proficiency in Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve, Chris has worked as an editor since the time before non-linear software existed. He is goal-oriented and a supportive team player with solid skills in management and production coordinating. Throughout his award-winning career, he has shared his experience through workshops, industry panels and classes, teaching students all across Canada with a focus on filmmaking, communication, project management and multimedia.
Registration
Learn Screenwriting directly from an acclaimed filmmaker. Sign up today!
This short course is being offered at