The focus of this class is to understand character, dramatic structure and the special needs of dramatic writing with the goal of arriving at a cohesive script for a short dramatic film. Many short films use the three act structures of feature films, but because of their shorter length some use other strategies as well. The goal of the class is to understand structure in many forms in a way that it becomes not a deterrent to self-expression, but a vehicle to express one's story in the fullest and most powerful way. Topics covered in this class will include: screenplay form, the elements of drama, screenplay structure, character vs. characterization, plot development, conflict, story, pacing, foreshadowing, surprise, text, subtext, act structure, and visual storytelling. The class will be conducted as a writing workshop geared to the needs and interests of the students as they develop their scripts. Genres such as suspense, horror and comedy will be explored as dictated by the student’s work. Because this is a workshop, instruction will be generated by students’ work and students are expected to discuss their work and to participate in discussions of their fellow students work. Screenwriting as a craft and hopefully as an art is learned best through practice. The more the student experiences through the process of his or her own work, the more the student will take away from the class. This class is meant as a non-competitive workshop. It’s hoped that the student will finish the term with two completed screenplays and more confident regarding short film screenplay forms.