ENTER LATE, EXIT EARLY: WRITING EFFECTIVE SCENES FOR FILM AND TV
Ages 16-29
Fall 2023, Johns Hopkins Homewood
In this dramatic writing workshop, student fellows will explore scene design for large and small screens, emphasizing lean, purposeful storytelling in which every story beat counts. As a group they’ll develop scene ideas, then each write a 3-page draft. They’ll consider concept, characterization, situation, dramatic arc, and dialogue. Getting their scripts “on their feet,” they’ll experiment with how bodies in space communicate; how and what settings, décor, and props may communicate; and when to enter and exit the action, gradually distilling down to the essence, a 1 ½-page script that includes only the most necessary and dynamic components. They’ll also address in discussion how to realize their scripts as high-impact, low-budget productions. Written work will be shared at a public exhibition and on the program website. Limited to 9 student fellows.
Marc Unger's career as an actor, writer, comedian, and filmmaker spans nearly 30 years. He's headlined many of the top comedy clubs in the country and guest-starred on the Emmy winning TV shows Friends and Veep. His latest project is the award-winning series Thespian, available on Amazon and YouTube.
Rex (Youjian) Xiao is a student at Johns Hopkins University majoring in film studies and writing. He uses storytelling to explore himself, the people around him, and the world.
