Writing the Film or TV Adaptation

SCRIPT X 465.7E

Learn what makes a good adaptation for film or television as well as creative and practical methods for this unique and specific undertaking.

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What you can learn.

Compare current adaptations to their source material
Get insight into how to expand or condense a story or compress or expand time
Pay attention to how the script must turn the source medium into a compelling tale rooted in visual storytelling
Develop your own idea for an adaptation and experiment by adapting specific scenes to practice these craft techniques

About this course:

From Oppenheimer to Bridgerton, many great films and television series are adaptations. Adaptation is the craft of taking existing source material and creating a new work in another medium. Virtually every story -- from novels to newspaper columns to video games -- can be adapted into a story for film or TV! This course focuses on what makes a good adaptation and teaches both creative and practical methods for this very unique writing craft. From Killers of the Flower Moon to The Last of Us, you compare current films and TV series to their source material, then adapt scenes from a source of their choice to learn the creative process required to translate a story from another medium. You learn techniques and practical methods specific to adaptation, including how to extend or condense a story, compress and expand time, combine several characters into a composite and open up a story visually. Finally, you have the chance to develop your own idea for an adaptation. This unique craft is must for every writer’s toolkit!

Winter 2025 Schedule

January 9 - March 13

Thursday 4:00PM - 7:00PM PT

Available

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Instructor: Jacqueline Zambrano

401083

Fee:

$720.00

Live Online

Location: Remote Classroom

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Notes

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

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.

Refund Deadline

No refunds after January 23, 2025

Course Requirements

Internet access required to retrieve course materials.

(Optional) BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN by PROULX, ANNIE, MCMURTRY, LARRY, AND OSSANA, DIANA

ISBN 9780743294164

ART OF ADAPTATION by SEGER, LINDA

ISBN 9780805016260

(Optional) ADAPTATION : THE SHOOTING SCRIPT by KAUFMAN, CHARLIE AND MCKEE, ROBERT

ISBN 9781557045119

Schedule

Type

Date

Time

Location

Online

Thu Jan 9, 2025

4:00PM PT - 7:00PM PT