Discipline: Broadcasting Technology (Film/Television) Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Film/Television 68


COURSE DESCRIPTION
68 Story Development Process in the Entertainment Industry Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
An overview of the process involved in developing and pitching story ideas and scripts to studios, production companies and networks for production consideration. Includes an introduction to key individuals involved in the process, from agents to producers to creative executives, as well as the process involved in generating and developing story ideas appropriate for commercial development. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Overview of the process involved in developing and pitching story ideas and scripts to studios, production companies and networks for production consideration.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Describe the process involved in identifying story ideas and 
      preparing them for submission to studios, production companies 
      and networks.

2.   Identify and describe the functions of the key individuals and 
      decision makers involved in the development process.

3.   Read, analyze and synopsize a screenplay.

4.   Write development notes on a screenplay.

5.   Identify the characteristics of a screenplay or script that contribute 
      to its viability as a commercial product.

6.   Develop original story ideas utilizing the idea format.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. Story development process
    1. Function of story development in the entertainment industry
    2. Key Individuals and decision makers in the development process – identify typical titles, responsibilities in the story development process and interrelationships with other production personnel
      1. Studio executive
      2. Creative executive
      3. Agent and manager
      4. Producer
      5. Writer
    3. Types of production companies
    4. Production company hierarchy
  2. The Story Department of production companies and studios
    1. Responsibilities of the Story Department
    2. Script coverage defined with examples
  3. Steps in the story development process from idea to commercial product
  4. Generating story ideas
    1. Brainstorming techniques
    2. Assessing commercial viability
    3. Developing ideas and concepts
    4. Components of an idea format
  5. Evaluating material from other sources
  6. Pitching an idea
    1. Developing and organizing your pitch
      1. Idea form
      2. Genre, hook, theme
      3. Character
      4. Pitching a story in 15 minutes or less
    2. Working with writers
      1. Writing coverage
      2. Writing development notes
    3. Tracking material
      1. Watching and critiquing current films each week
      2. Developing contacts through networking
  7. Important resources
    1. Internet Movie Database
    2. Hollywood Creative Directory Online
    3. Daily Variety
    4. The Hollywood Reporter
    5. Done Deals
    6. Hollywood Literary Sales

Students are also assigned reading, writing and other outside assignments equivalent to two hours per one hour lecture.
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Present face-to-face or online class lectures/presentations in order to introduce key concepts and content.
  • Engage in discussions in order to give students an opportunity to exchange ideas, examine different views, demonstrate their synthesis of key concepts and content and share personal experience.
  • Assign individual and small group exercises that give students an opportunity to demonstrate their comprehension of content by applying content knowledge to real and simulated projects.  Projects may include generating story ideas, developing story ideas, writing coverage and preparing development notes.
  • Assign movies for students to watch in order to demonstrate key concepts and to serve as the basis for exercises in writing coverage and critiquing movies.
  • Distribute handouts that include content information and/or examples from current resources such as periodicals, websites, and industry journals.
  • Invite guest presenters from the entertainment industry who can share industry experience with students.
  • Assign internet exploration of resources to build students’ ability to identify and evaluate credible resources that can aid in the story development process. 
     

 
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Written assignments designed to give students practice in generating, developing and revising story ideas.
  • Oral presentations and/or written presentations designed to give students practice in developing an effective pitch for story ideas
  • Examinations are designed to assess students’ comprehension of key concepts, definitions, roles and responsibilities, and processes involved in story development.
  • Final examination that assesses students’ comprehension of content and application of concepts. 
  • Online discussions that demonstrate students’ ability to formulate responses to  questions from the lecture.
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Edwards, Rona and Skerbelis, Monika. I Liked It, Didn’t Love It (Screenplay Development from the Inside Out). Lone Eagle Publishing, 2005.
  • Strunk, William and White, E.B.. The Elements of Style. 4 ed. Longman Publisher, 2000.
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