The second course in our screenwriting program guides students through the complete process of writing a script. It focuses on developing an idea from its initial concept through research, planning, and drafting, using both structured and free-form creative methods.

​

The classes combine theory with hands-on practice. Before the course begins, students who wish to enroll are advised to submit, along with their registration, a synopsis (a rough outline or summary of an idea they want to develop during the course). The synopsis should be a minimum of one paragraph and a maximum of one page.

​

During the course, students work with structured development techniques as well as free creative approaches. Participants are expected to complete homework exercises and share their writing with the group in order to receive constructive feedback and make steady progress on their scripts.

​

The course is based on an extensive bibliography and includes free, detailed notes. Each lesson lasts three hours and takes place every two weeks. The first part of each session focuses on relevant theory, while the remainder is dedicated to sharing student work and providing peer feedback. In-class exercises are conducted using guided writing prompts.

​

Students who have completed the First Course are encouraged to enroll. Those who have not attended Course 1 may still register if they wish to develop an idea. Prior knowledge of basic screenwriting principles is helpful but not required.

​

To get a sample of the course material, click here for the FREE SCREENWRITING GUIDE which includes the syllabus for Lesson 2 of the First Course.

​

The course is taught by Alex Barj (also known as Anastasia Bartzoulianou), screenwriter of the award-winning short film The Noir Project, directed by Gregory Vardarinos. The film has won eight awards at five film festivals in Greece, including Best Screenplay at the Athens International Digital Film Festival.

​

This seminar is open to the general public—no prior specialized knowledge is required. All you need is a love for cinema, a personal computer with internet access, and a free open-source word processor. 

​

To secure a place, a €20 deposit is required; this amount will be deducted from the total tuition fee. The course will begin once the minimum number of students has been reached.

​​​

For registration and more information contact:
+30 693 6463 673

or email:

alex@write-for-the-screen.com

​

For script consulting visit this page.

​

~~~

​

Course 2 - Curriculum

​

Lesson 1: The initial idea - From the initial concept to research and planning. Collecting story elements and learning techniques for combining them into a coherent foundation.

​

• Raw ideas. Emotional connection to an idea. Originality and instincts.

• Commercial and artistic value of an idea.

• The stratagem of banality and lack of responsibility.

• What is constructive feedback and how to offer it during lessons.

​

Lesson 2: Drama - What drama is and how to approach it. Introduction to character and plot development. Dramatic structure and conflict.

​

• What is drama and how to approach it.

• Introduction to character and plot development.

• What is the process of approaching a script.

• Structure of drama: Conflict.

• The status perspective stratagem/power plays.

​

Lesson 3: Structure - Understanding scenes and sequences, and how they form the overall structure of a script. How to build effective scenes. Purpose, tension, progression, and visual storytelling.

​

• What is a scene, a sequence, and the structure of a script.

• The failure stratagem: The audacity of failure and the law of quantity.

​

Lesson 4: Theme - Exploring theme and meaning. How theme emerges through character, action, and structure.

​

• Theme as conceptual thinking.

• The challenge and pitfalls of writing around a theme.

• Exploring and combining themes. Practical tools for theme development.

• The compass logline and understanding how use it.

• The fictional case technique.

​

Lesson 5: Worldbuilding

​

• The imaginary world.

• The ordinary world and the world of the story.

• Practical tools for the creation of worldbuilding. 

• Mind-mapping. Clustering. Free association technique and automatic writing.

​

Lesson 6: Characters - Character creation and development. Goals, motivation, internal conflict, and character arcs.

​

• Character development. What it is and how to approach it.

• Intuitive/investigative/focused development.

• Character profiling. Integrated character development.

• Practical tools for developing your characters.

​

Lesson 7: Plot - Building the plot step by step. Turning points, escalation, and maintaining narrative momentum.

​

• Plot and plot points. Detailed explanation of plot twists, reversals, etc.

• Practical tools for creating a plot. File cards, excel sheets, etc.

• Structural flexibility. The technique of clarifying the problem.

​

Lesson 8: The audiovisual medium

​

• Visual/conceptual thinking. Working with music and sound.

• Writing, editing, proofreading and formatting a script.

• Identifying weaknesses, strengthening structure, character, and dialogue.

​

Lesson 9: The first draft

​

• Working with dreams and emotions. The emotional structure.

• Editing your material and creating a first draft.

• Detailed feedback and notes from a professional script consultant. How it works.

​

Lesson 10: The final draft - Finalizing the script. Preparing a complete draft and evaluating the overall work.

​

• The Reversibility Technique.

• Working with rhythm, sub-text and the psychology of the viewer.

• Editing the first draft and the path to your final draft. Re-writing techniques.