Capitalize on industry tends adapting current events into screen stories that sell
Learn to develop a coherent story structure for the screen from true events
Understand the difference between "based on" and "inspired by" stories
Develop an outline and beginning pages of your script
About this course:
Some of the best and most successful movies and series of all time are “Based on” or “Inspired by” true stories or events. These can be adapted from historical/true events, real people, true crime or non-fiction books. Popular examples include Titanic, The Social Network, Oppenheimer, Baby Reindeer, Inventing Anna, The Dropout and Dahmer, to name a few. However, real life doesn’t always lend to the coherent narrative and story structure necessary for these visual mediums. This workshop helps you adapt and craft a screen story that can emotionally engage an audience, even if they are unfamiliar with the subject. First, you identify whether a situation, event, or person is worthy of a film or TV adaptation. You are then guided to find the best genre and logline for your story and learn how to avoid the common pitfalls in adapting true stories. You also determine whether your story would be better suited as “Based on” or “Inspired by.” By the end of the course, you have an outline for your story and the beginning pages of your feature film or TV pilot script.
Winter 2025 Schedule
Date & Time
Details
Format
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Future Offering (Opens November 04, 2024 12:00:00 AM)
Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.
This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.
Refund Deadline
No refunds after January 22, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Contact Us
Speak to a student advisor. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.
We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience, including personalizing content and to store your content preferences. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies.
Read our privacy policy.