Project by: Nate Simon (11th Grade)
Project Advisor: Stephen MacGillivray
Student(s)’s Advisor(s): Catherine/Jessica

My goal was to write a feature-length script based on an idea that I had. I wanted to take on this honors project because I write a lot of scripts, but I never outline and don’t begin writing with a solid outline. In this honors project, I hope to gain a better understanding of outlining and screenplay structure.

Below is a link to the screenplay in it’s most updated form:

Loading...

Taking too long?

Reload document

| Open in new tab

REFLECTIONS:

At the beginning of the trimester, I set out (with the help of Stephen) to complete at least the first draft of a feature-length screenplay that I had started writing back in November. By the end of the trimester, I had written the first draft and done two rounds of revisions. Throughout the trimester, Stephen and I developed an outline, beat sheet, character arcs, and more. Every week, I sent Stephen the new pages I had written and we met to talk about them. Some weeks it was 8 pages, some weeks it was 20.

I set out to really learn how to structure a screenplay. I’ve written a lot of feature-length scripts, but none have ever been outlined. I used to just sit down with an opening scene, a closing scene, and a character arc and start writing. For Lorem Ipsum, I wanted to experiment with beat sheets and carefully outlining every moment of the story. Of course, the product you see doesn’t match the beat sheet exactly, but it remains pretty faithful.

Throughout the course of this honors project, I really learned the inner-workings of a screenplay. Not just how a character arc works or how to effectively move a story but why these work the way they do. Why does an audience automatically root for the main character? Do you have to give them a reason to or do they root for them automatically?

================================================================

PROJECT PROPOSAL

Please write a description of the project you are proposing. Why do you want to take this on, and what do you hope to learn?

The project will be to write a feature-length script based on an idea that I had. I want to take on this honors project because I write a lot of scripts but I never outline and don’t begin writing with a solid outline. In this honors project, I hope to gain a better understanding of outlining and screenplay structure.

Critical thinking, creativity, citizenship and courage are essential LREI learning values. Explain how you’ll draw on at least one of these values to complete your proposed project?

This will draw on critical thinking and creativity because I have to be creative to write the script and it takes critical thinking to structure a screenplay.

What is your proposed outcome? How will you be able to demonstrate successful completion of this Project? How do you plan to share your learnings with the larger LREI community (e.g., exhibit of work, poster of learnings, performance, etc.)?

The proposed outcome will be a draft (maybe a second or third) of a full, feature screenplay. I can demonstrate the successful completion of this project by uploading the full screenplay to the blog post and have it be available for anyone to read. I could also send it to the lit mag.

Please provide a general outline that indicates your work plan for the trimester? What are some of the key project benchmarks (i.e., goals that will help to ensure that you finish the project)?

In the first few meetings (maybe the first two), we will be outlining. I will be talking to Stephen on outlining strategies and talking about screenplay structure and how to properly do it. Then, once the structure and outline are down, I will write with a page count for every week. Maybe 10 pages a week (as I’ve already written 20.)

When do you plan on meeting?
X-Block on Tuesdays