Precollege Programs: Writing for Film

Grades 9–12

Explore writing a dramatic story for the screen, develop an understanding of the art and craft of writing screenplays for film, television and/or video games. Learn the fundamentals of formatting and the basics of dramatic story structure - revealing character, writing dialogue, genre, and use of story suspense - all essential to the professional writer. Use industry standard software to create a short screenplay to be shared on the final day of the program.

Typical Day 

• Each day begins with a mini-lesson on a different element of screenwriting.
• We will then break into groups and apply what we have learned in a short script exercise.
• Around 11:30 we will break for lunch. Lunch break will be with their Teaching Assistants, and is usually eaten outside to enjoy the beautiful Purchase College campus.
• After lunch, we will have a workshop where everyone will work on their scripts where they can ask questions and help from the instructor.
• At the end of the day ,we will present our ideas/scripts to each other and workshop them. Students will offer feedback to each other as well as constructive criticism for the works in progress which will be guided by the instructor.

Topics:

• Anatomy & format of a screenplay
• Character Development
• Plot Structure
• Theme
• Conflicts
• World building

Program Details

YTH 9520 / Writing for Film
Session III: (1 week) July 28 - August 1, 2025     
Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 3:30 pm (5 sessions)                   
$750 for the first registration                                                          $675 for the second registration in the family, Purchase College employees, and alumni, Broadview families, Pepsi employees and early registrations (paid in full by May 2, 2025)

Register Now
Empire State Arts Scholarship Information

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Interested in Undergraduate Theatre Programs at Purchase College?

Check out the acting BFA program (recently chosen as a top 25 Acting College by Backstage), the theatre and performance BA program, and the theatre design/technology BFA program in the Conservatory of Theatre Arts.