Screenwriting Mini Course

Write Spirit Presents

Crafting a Beautiful, Worthy, and Commercial Movie Idea

Five 90-minute Live Zoom Sessions

Instructor: Barbara Nicolosi, PhD

Member, Writers Guild of America-West /Screenwriter, Fatima (2020) / Author, Notes to Screenwriters

Dates: October 22 – November 19 2024  on Sundays 6:00pm-7:30pm EST

Course Syllabus

Week I, October 22 – Movies and Stories and Why We Love Them

The kinds of movies. Stories as Imitation and yet “better than the real.” Stakes and conflict. Introducing the MSP.

Week II, October 29 – Scope, Genre, and Cinematic Quality

The parts of a commercial and worthy movie story proposal. Movie “size” and audience. “High concept” and visual style.

Week III – Creating Relatable Characters

Unique Style as Character and Characterization. Relatable and compelling as Paradox, Genius, Shadow, Arc of Transformation.

Week IV – Plot as Set-ups, Complications, and Pay Offs

The parts and nature of the beginning, middle, end. A-Story and B-Story. Building moments.

Week V – Arena, Theme and Spectacle

The world of the story. The “Big Idea” of the project. Imagery and the Complementary Fun factor.

Course textbook:  Notes to Screenwriters, by Nicolosi and Peterson. Textbook can be ordered here: https://www.amazon.com/Notes-Screenwriters-Advancing-Screenplay-Hollywood/dp/1615932135/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8Hollywood/dp/1615932135/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Enrollment fees:   CAI members:  $100 program fee per student. Non-members $115

or students can pay in two installments: $50 non refundable registration for members with remaining $50 due by October 22. $57.50 non-member with remaining $57.50 due by October 22nd)

Program fee includes a written analysis of each applicant’s final movie story proposal. 

If you'd like to become a member and receive discounts on this and future events, as well as being enrolled in the Mass Association please visit: https://www.catholicartinstitute.org/membership

Program participants are strongly encouraged to attend the live Zoom sessions, however, all presentations will be recorded and the Zoom link sent to participants to watch at their leisure.

For more information email: infowritespirit@gmail.com