It’s week seven—the big one—and your final scripts are due! There’s no discussion board this week so you can focus all your energy on revising, refining, and completing your screenplay. I’ve finished reading through your drafts and provided detailed feedback, especially on formatting, which is a crucial element in the industry. Along with your final script, don’t forget to submit your feedback journal reflecting on the suggestions you used or chose to skip. Keep pushing forward, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions—I’m here to help you cross the finish line strong!

Week six is here, which means you're in the home stretch! I’ve graded your rough drafts and kept formatting expectations flexible, but be prepared for a more detailed critique on your final drafts. This week, we’re diving into the importance of screenplay formatting—especially dialogue placement and action description—and how these elements serve the visual and collaborative nature of film. You'll also be writing coverage, a valuable industry skill used by agents and production companies to evaluate scripts. Use this week to give thoughtful feedback, revise intentionally, and prepare to elevate your work for the final push!

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.