Reeling with words.

BACKGROUND MATERIAL

The writing process is an essential component of the movie industry. Because students have a strong interest in films, we invite you to use this issue of Writing to engage students in developing the skeleton of a short film or an advertisement through activities such as brainstorming, storyboarding, and screenplay writing.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

Which movies are nominated for best original screenplay in this year's Academy Awards? Which films have won in past years? Engage students in a discussion of what makes a good screenplay.

WRITING PROMPTS

* Write a Logline. After your students have read "Fade In" (page 14), have them come up with loglines for short movies they'd like to write. Then invite each student to write one scene from the movie in script format and share it with the class for comment. After revising, each student can take the scene from page to screen, getting classmates to play the parts. Motivated students can then go on to write the full script, shoot it, and post it on YouTube.

* Create an Adaptation. Invite students who want to shoot a scene but have trouble coming up with a story to write an adaptation of a scene from a novel you are studying in class. The Catcher in the Rye would be an excellent choice--just don't let J. D. Salinger catch anyone adapting his book; he hates Hollywood and has refused to sell the rights.