MEA 108 100% Online - Scriptwriting Fundamentals - 100% Online - Ron MIta
| Course: | Scriptwriting Fundamentals - 100% Online |
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| Professor: | Ron MIta |
| Email: | ron.mita@canyons.edu |
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Introduction
Ron Mita is the only professional screenwriting professor working at College of the Canyons.
Having graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a Master’s degree in screenwriting, Ron sold his first screenplay to Columbia Pictures in 1993 and has worked professionally as a screenwriter since then, with projects at Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Tri-Star Pictures, HBO, TNT, Warner Brothers, Screen Gems, Dreamworks, and CBS.
Ron has four produced films, the Animated feature film ROBOTS, at 20th Century Fox, S.W.A.T, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Ferrall at Columbia Pictures, and SNIPER II starring Tom Berenger at Tri-Star and 24 HOURS TO LIVE, starring Ethan Hawke which just left Netflix and can be seen on Amazon Prime.
Ron's films have earned in excess of $530,000,000 worldwide. In addition to screenwriting, Ron has taught writing and filmmaking at College of the Canyons since 2002.
Welcome To Screenwriting At COC
Course Description
Welcome to MEA 108 Scriptwriting 100% Online
This course is designed for anyone interested in learning how to write a screenplay as well as anyone working (or aspiring to work) in the entertainment industry. In our online course, you will learn story format, screenplay structure, and how to turn your ideas into screenplays. It is fast and fun and I have not found a single other online class anywhere that can compare to what we offer here (only here) at COC.
This class will be taught via prerecorded lectures on a variety of screenwriting topics that we will present to you as episodes. The lectures can be paused and restarted at your convenience and even downloaded. Students will be required to move at a metered pace so they can view all the materials with plenty of time to understand the concepts. The lectures will be presented like small TED talks with numerous visual aids as well as film clips and examples. Each lecture should be entertaining and enlightening.
Notes for each lecture will be available on the Canvas page, so all you need to do is watch the lectures, download the notes, and then complete the prompts and assignments so we can assess your progress.
Despite this being an online class, I will be available for office hours via Zoom, on the phone or by email to answer questions.
If you are thinking of writing a screenplay or perhaps you work in the film industry and seeking a better understanding of story structure and creativity, this is the class for you. You can take classes at schools that cost far more than COC and will receive far less. If you think you have the next big movie idea or even a small independent film this class is where it should start.
The most important part of taking a screenwriting course is the level of achievement and professional experience of the teacher. If you choose to take a screenwriting class elsewhere, ask the teacher these three questions:
1) Are you a member of the WGA (Writers' Guild of America)
2) Have you ever sold a feature screenplay?
3) Do you have produced movie credits?
The answer should be YES to all three questions. If not, then you can expect to be taught out of a book, which is a waste of your time.
If the instructor indicates they will be teaching you Blake Snyder's "BEAT SHEET" method, save yourself the cost of taking that class and just buy Blake's book for $15 on Amazon. Either way, you won't be learning anything good.
If you can't enroll in my class because it is closed, please reach out to me at ron.mita@canyons.edu and see if I can add you or wait a semester. It will be worth your time.
What to Expect in this Course
We know you are taking a screenwriting course because the material interests you and we’ve created a curriculum which will focus on lectures and visual examples rather than assigning you a book to read and making you draft essays about the material. The writing in this class is strictly related to screenwriting. No busywork, no essays, just screenplays, and materials related to screenwriting.
Movies and screenwriting are both pleasurable experiences, so you can expect that and more in this class. Think of this class as a journey that will take you to the gates of Hollywood and offer you glimpses of what is possible once you find your way inside.
This is the 16 week (full semester) version of MEA 108. Classwork consists of watching a lecture video about once a week. The lecture videos, (called Epsiodes) each cover a different topic and are required viewing.
Types of Assessments
The homework and assessments in this class consist mostly of writing prompts. You came here to learn screenwriting and that’s what we will ask you to do. In addition, there will be a short midterm and a final exam.
Textbook Information
I don’t teach from a textbook because that’s lazy. In addition, each lecture and each module comes with downloadable prewritten notes covering most of the material from the lectures.
Other Relevant Course Information
If this current semester offers both the 16 week and 8-week version of this class you should know the following before selecting: Both classes will teach the same material. The 16-week version of the class will have about 1 episode of required viewing per week along with an assignment. The 8-week version will have 2 episodes a week of required viewing and shorter deadlines for assignments. In this 16 week class most assignments allow for at least a week to be completed. Writing assignments have longer deadlines. This is the perfect pace for learning screenwriting. If you are serious about screenwriting, you may find the 16-week version of this class will allow you to have ample time to do optimal work.
Additional Resources
Canvas
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Online Education
Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC)
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)
College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.
Online Counseling
The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.
Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.
You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center
The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library
The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!
Last updated: 08/02/2024 Sub#: 390