
Week four marks a significant transition in the course from analyzing to actively writing your short films. It's crucial now to focus on proper screenplay formatting, which signals professionalism to producers, agents, and directors. If you haven't already, securing screenwriting software like Final Draft or Celtx is essential; these tools help ensure your script adheres to industry standards, where one page approximately equals one minute of screen time. Formatting helps predict production elements like timing and budget, based on a general efficiency rate of filming about five pages per day for professional crews.
This week, you'll start by writing a single scene from your outlined short film. Choose any scene—whether it’s the beginning, climax, or end—and begin exploring how your ideas translate onto the page. Additionally, continue engaging in the peer review process by posting your outline in the discussion board early, allowing ample time for feedback. Remember to include constructive critiques that highlight strengths, identify areas for improvement, and offer specific suggestions. Also, keep updating your feedback journal. If questions arise during your writing process, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance through various available channels. This week is about diving into the practical challenges of screenwriting, setting the stage for the intensive writing phase ahead.