Advanced Storytelling Tools for Screenwriters: Study & Practice
A 10-Week Writing Workshop
With Michael Colleary
Format: Live online (ProPath Zoom) + weekly viewing and writing assignments
Schedule: Tuesdays, 6:00–8:00 PM Pacific Time, Oct 14 – Dec 16, 2025 (10 weeks)
Course Overview
This hands-on course explores practical narrative tools screenwriters use to create and sustain drama, heighten tension, and build complex, dynamic characters—applicable across genre and era.
Each week we’ll view an assigned film (outside of class), examine the various narrative tools used by the writers of those assigned films, and read the scripts (based on availability).
In a weekly two-hour Zoom call, we’ll discuss how to use the featured craft element in your own writing.
Note: This is a craft course, not film criticism, genre study, or film history. Our focus is the how of storytelling on the page and screen.
Learning Goals
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Identify the core storytelling principles used in the assigned films and discuss how to apply those principles to your own writing.
- Identify the narrative patterns prevalent in all feature screenplays and apply them to your own work.
- Integrate multiple narrative tools cohesively in an original short screenplay.
Materials
Screenplays (full or excerpts) for weekly study will be provided digitally. Please do not acquire scripts before our first session.
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Weekly Plan (subject to change)
Live Sessions: Tuesdays, 6:00–8:00 PM PT
Week 1–Oct 14, 2025
Overview of Screenwriting Tools
Introduction to the toolkit and how we’ll study, practice, and evaluate the narrative elements in the assigned films.
Week 2–Oct 21, 2025
Creating Dramatic Isolation — Film: Ten Little Indians
Physical, emotional, and social isolation as engines of behavior and plot.
Week 3–Oct 28, 2025
Multiple Perspectives — Film: Rashomon
Building “flexible reality” and purposeful ambiguity without confusing the audience.
Week 4–Nov 4, 2025
Specialized Relationships that Define Character — Film: Uncut Gems
Triangles, push-pull dynamics, and relationship turns that reveal arc.
Week 5–Nov 11, 2025
Closed Narrative & Controlled Information — Film: Rosemary’s Baby
Managing what the audience knows to produce tension, fear, and paranoia.
Week 6–Nov 18, 2025
Decisive Action (Part 1): Integrating Character & Plot — Film: Do the Right Thing
Scenes built around consequential decisions.
Week 7–Nov 25, 2025
Decisive Action (Part 2): Dramatic Transactions — Film: Precious
Deals, instructions, and agreements that move story and clarify stakes.
Week 8–Dec 2, 2025
Asymmetrical Storytelling — Film: Parasite
Harnessing ambiguity and subversion to challenge expectations.
Week 9–Dec 9, 2025
Mythic Descent Stories — Film: Godzilla Minus One
Pairing external journey with inner transformation.
Week 10–Dec 16, 2025
Integration Workshop — Film: Once Upon a Time in the West
Cohesive use of at least five tools; final project polish and peer feedback.
Final Project Due: Dec 16 by 11:59 PM PT.
Assignments & Feedback
Weekly Writing (Weeks 3–10):
Submit a 3–5 page original scene or short synopsis demonstrating the prior week’s tool.
- Format: Industry-standard screenplay (PDF).
- Due: Mondays by 12:00 PM PT (the day before class).
- Expect concise, actionable feedback focused on clarity, intent, and craft.
Final Project (Due Week 10):
A 7–10 page short screenplay showcasing practical mastery of at least five narrative tools discussed throughout the course
Classroom Culture & Content Advisory
We aim for a professional, supportive workshop space. Robust critique is welcome; disrespect, personal attacks, or disruptive behavior are not.
Course materials may depict physical, emotional, sexual, and verbal violence.
Please care for your well-being and communicate needs early; I’m happy to work with you on reasonable accommodations.
Privacy: Please do not record, stream, or publicly share class sessions, discussions, or materials.
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Workshop Cost: $249 for 10 weeks
Email info@propathscreenwriting.com to sign up!
