The School of Screenwriting and Playwriting at Hollywood State University is a dynamic and comprehensive center for learning the art and craft of writing for various media, including film, television, theater, and emerging platforms. The school is composed of four departments, each focused on a specific aspect of the writing process, working together to provide students with a well-rounded education and practical experience in the field of storytelling.

 

Department of Feature Film Writing

• Focuses on the art and craft of writing feature-length screenplays for the movie industry

• Covers areas such as story structure, character development, dialogue, and visual storytelling

• Provides students with hands-on experience in developing and pitching original feature film ideas

• Emphasizes the importance of understanding the business side of the film industry, including the role of agents, producers, and studios in the development process

 

Department of Television Writing

• Concentrates on the unique challenges and opportunities of writing for television and streaming platforms

• Covers areas such as episodic storytelling, series development, writing for different genres, and creating compelling characters and story arcs

•  Provides students with hands-on experience in writing spec scripts, pilots, and episodes for existing shows

•  Emphasizes the importance of understanding the collaborative nature of television production and the role of the writer's room in the creative process

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Department of Playwriting

• Focuses on the art and craft of writing for the stage, including plays, musicals, and experimental theater

• Covers areas such as dramatic structure, dialogue, character development, and writing for specific audiences and venues

• Provides students with opportunities to develop and showcase their work through staged readings, workshops, and full productions

• Emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique dynamics of live theater and the collaborative process of working with directors, actors, and designers

 

Department of Adaptation and Transmedia Writing

• Concentrates on the art and craft of adapting existing works, such as novels, comics, and

         real-life events, into screenplays and other media

• Covers areas such as identifying and securing intellectual property rights, condensing and expanding source material, and creating compelling adaptations that stand on their own merits

• Provides students with hands-on experience in developing and pitching adaptation projects across various media, including film, television, podcasts, and interactive experiences

• Emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of working with existing IP and the role of the writer in the larger transmedia landscape

 

The School of Screenwriting and Playwriting places a strong emphasis on nurturing each student's unique voice and perspective while also providing them with a solid foundation in the fundamentals of storytelling and the business of writing. Students have access to a wide range of resources, including industry-standard software, professional-grade production facilities, and a network of established writers, producers, and executives.

 

The school also hosts regular workshops, master classes, and networking events, providing students with opportunities to learn from and connect with top professionals in the field. These events help students stay current with the latest trends and best practices in the industry and provide valuable insights into the business side of the writing profession.

 

Graduates of the School of Screenwriting and Playwriting are well-prepared to pursue a wide range of career paths in the entertainment industry, including writing for film, television, theater, and emerging media. With a strong foundation in the art and craft of storytelling and a deep understanding of the business of writing, graduates are poised to make a significant impact in the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment and media.