Begins Tuesday, November 7th, 2023

In this course, we will explore and discuss the ways in which analyzing film can lead to breakthroughs in the plot, structure, and narrative voice of your novel-in-progress.

Whether you are in the early stages of drafting, such as working on an in-depth outline, or you are revising a completed manuscript for clarity, coherence, and depth of character development, dissecting the works of four master storytellers can assist in making your own stories snap together in myriad, illuminating ways.

Class will meet on Tuesday nights on Zoom for discussion. At each meeting, the instructor will provide questions to guide your viewing of each film. Students will then view the film and take notes on their own time. The Zoom sessions will be recorded, and can be made available for students unable to attend live.

Students will leave the workshop with drafts or outlines that are more developed and coherent. From week to week, Samantha will provide questions that students can answer informally while viewing, including some asking how the film/storytelling elements may have helped them see their own work more clearly and/or develop certain aspects further.

THE FILMS:

• ABOUT ELLY (2009), written and directed by Asghar Farhadi (plot, conflict, tension)
• KNIVES OUT (2019), written and directed by Rian Johnson (plot, characterization)    
• THE FAREWELL (2019), written and directed by Lulu Wang (dialogue, symbolism)    
  
• MOONLIGHT (2016), written and directed by Barry Jenkins (coming-of-age narrative structure, plot)

COURSE TAKEAWAYS:

• Characters that are more richly developed, with sharper motivations.
• Plots that are more structurally sound, with less meandering, and pacing that will keep a reader engaged.
• A clearer, more consistent narrative voice and well-chosen moments of dialogue.

COURSE OUTLINE:

• Week 1: Introductions and goals for the workshop; introduction of the first film, with Samantha's guided viewing questions.    
• Week 2: Plot, conflict, tension
• Week 3: Plot, characterization    
• Week 4: Dialogue, symbolism   
  
• Week 5: Coming-of-age narrative structure, plot
  

ONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:

This class meets weekly via Zoom and will also have an online classroom in Wet Ink. Come prepared for a super fun class with live interaction on Zoom each week and plenty of writing, movie watching, and talking!

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.