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3-Week Screenwriting Summer Camp for Teens I

3-WEEK SCREENWRITING SUMMER CAMP FOR TEENS I

LEARN HOW TO WRITE A SHORT, FEATURE, OR TV SCREENPLAY AT NYFA

In NYFA’s three-week screenwriting camp for teens, students aged 14-17 are introduced to the craft and tools of dramatic film writing. Guided by industry professionals, it prepares students for every phase of storytelling: from pitching their ideas, to outlining their stories, to finally writing their screenplays.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The 3-Week Screenwriting Program is an intensive, hands-on course designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the craft and techniques of screenwriting. Over the course of three weeks, students will dive deeply into the core elements of screenwriting, from story structure and character development to script formatting and editing. Through a blend of lectures, writing exercises, film analysis, and workshops, students will gain the skills necessary to craft a compelling short screenplay or outline for a feature film.

Core Subjects

Students will engage in the following core subjects throughout the program:

Elements of Screenwriting: Students will be introduced to the foundational principles of screenwriting theory, including structure, character development, dialogue, and genre conventions. Through short lectures, interactive exercises, and screenings, students will learn how to create compelling narratives for the screen.
Film Analysis: This course allows students to watch and analyze a range of shorts and feature films. Through guided discussions with the instructor, students will explore film structure, character arcs, visual storytelling, and other essential elements of the craft, helping them refine their own screenwriting process.
Writing Workshop: In this hands-on session, students will practice core screenwriting techniques through short writing exercises. The workshop provides a collaborative space where students can receive feedback on their work and critique their peers’ scripts, further developing their writing abilities.
Open Writing Time: Dedicated time for students to work on their scripts in class. Students will have the opportunity to receive guidance from the instructor, make revisions, and refine their ideas with peer support.
Production Workshop: Designed to demystify filmmaking, this class gives students the opportunity to see how screenwriting concepts are translated onto film. Through instructor-guided exercises, students will shoot short scenes, gaining a better understanding of how their scripts come to life on set.
Genre Studies: In this course, students will engage with key film history and culture concepts, focusing on various genres, filmmaking styles, and critical film theory. By studying these concepts, students will deepen their understanding of the broader cinematic landscape, helping them find their own voice within the context of screenwriting.

Final Project

By the end of the program, each student will complete a final project in one of the following formats:

A second draft of a short screenplay (7-12 pages), refining their story and characters based on the feedback from peers and instructors.
An outline and treatment for a feature film, developing a more extensive treatment and understanding of the long-form screenwriting process.

This final project will showcase the student’s ability to craft a compelling narrative while also demonstrating a deep understanding of screenwriting techniques and storytelling conventions. By the end of the program, students will have a polished short script or a comprehensive feature film treatment, ready to continue their journey as screenwriters.

The 3-Week Screenwriting Program is designed to immerse students in the world of writing for film, providing both the technical tools and creative insights to help students develop the essential skills to bring their stories to the screen.

To learn more about NYFA’s teen summer camps, see the NYFA Camp Brochure.