UCLA Extension winter holiday closure: December 21 through January 1. Learn More

Ultimate Character Creation

SCRIPT X 464.5E

Create dynamic, richly drawn characters audiences will love in this practical workshop for writers looking for an edge.

What you can learn.

Identify what makes characters compelling and unforgettable
Dive into writing unlikeable characters and villains, and strong supporting characters
Focus on key scenes that reveal deep character traits
Learn to craft backstory, psychology, and motivation into each character you write

About this course:

Having a great story is crucial, but the key to selling your screenplay is character. You must have great characters. In this class, you learn how to create dynamic, exciting characters that audiences will love and actors will be dying to play (the real secret to selling and getting your screenplay made!). In this course, you analyze great movie characters, focusing on key scenes that make us fall in love with a character; examine unlikable characters, villains and supporting characters; also, dive into narrative function, character arc, backstory, psychology and motivation, personality and body language. Step by step, you build your characters through the use of weekly assignments, including exercises, worksheets, and scene writing, giving you the ultimate toolbox for creating truly great characters every time.

Winter 2025 Schedule

January 14 - March 18

Tuesday 6:00PM - 9:00PM PT

Available

See Details

Instructor: Donald H. Hewitt

401112

Fee:

$720.00

Live Online

Location: Remote Classroom

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Notes

This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.

Refund Deadline

No refunds after January 28, 2025

Course Requirements

Internet access required to retrieve course materials.

(Optional) SAVE THE CAT by SNYDER, BLAKE

ISBN 9781932907001

(Optional) CUT TO THE CHASE: WRITING FEATURE FILMS WITH THE PROS AT UCLA EXTENSION WRITERS' PROGRAM by VENIS, LINDA

ISBN 9781592408108

(Optional) Mastering Screenwriting : From Shorts to Features by Hewitt, Donald H.

ISBN 9781733150248

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PUBLIC SYLLABUS FOR THIS COURSE.

Schedule

Type

Date

Time

Location

Online

Tue Jan 14, 2025

6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT