School of Media & Design

Our Program

This one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides students with the knowledge, writing experience and hands-on skills necessary to become scriptwriters in the ever-expanding fields of film, theatre, television, broadcast, and non-broadcast video and new media.

While enhancing scriptwriting skills under close tutelage and guidance by professionals, students also have an opportunity to see their work move from page to stage and from page to screen. Along with a historical overview of film and media, students also learn how to market their skills and work with relevant industries.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Have good oral and written communication skills.
• Are self-motivated and well-organized.
• Can work independently and meet deadlines.

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Your Career

Graduates may have career opportunities as writers for broadcast and
non-broadcast video, new media, theatre and film. Upon completion of the program, students understand the markets and techniques that enable them to further their careers. Students also have mastered basic production skills which enable them to work effectively in and with production crews. Students possess an extensive professional-quality portfolio.

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Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Level: 01		Hours
SCR1516	Film and Media in Canada In this course, students study the evolution of the film, television, radio, theatre and new media industries in Canada. The class analyzes trends, genres, the needs of different media, and past, and current issues to gain a deeper understanding of scriptwriting in Canada and the role of the writer in these quickly evolving industries.	45.0
SCR1518	Writing for the Stage I This course introduces students to the fundamental elements of writing for the stage, including plot, structure, conflict, character development and dialogue. Students explore different genres including dramatic and comedic styles, and develop material for staged readings as part of "The Hothouse Play Reading Series" in Level 02.	45.0
SCR1519	Writing for VIdeo and New Media I This course introduces students to writing scripts for non-broadcast video, Public Service Announcements and new media. Students become familiar with the terminology, current advances of the technology and their impact on writers in these constantly evolving fields. Using needs analysis and audience profiles for "real-world" clients students apply what they learn to plan videos and/or PSAs, and write effective and appropriate online content. Supervised laboratory time is included.	45.0
SCR1529	Production Projects I This course is, in essence, supervised laboratory and individual conference time for students to work, under guidance, on the many projects underway in each class. In addition, students have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with scriptwriting software. Students work individually and in groups, and analyze scripts and films for presentation. Because one component of the program as a whole is designed to develop video production skills, students also edit, analyze and present feedback on fellow students' work.	45.0
SCR1530	Screenwriting I This course focuses on the fundamental screenwriting principles, including format, style and philosophy. The course covers all dramatic elements and technical demands of this medium including short and feature length screen writing, treatments, outlines and pitches. Students develop a story, proposal, and treatment, as well as writing an Act I for one full-length screenplay and/or short films to be written (and re-written) in Level 02. They also prepare to pitch to industry professionals in Level 02.	75.0
SCR1533	Writing for Broadcast I This course primarily introduces students to writing for television. Students become familiar with television and radio scriptwriting and production practices for a variety of broadcast genres.	60.0

Level: 02		Hours
SCR1517	Business Practices This course focuses on the understanding of the scriptwriting industry as a whole, from licensing deals to taxes, from working in collaboration to copyright, from festivals to grants, from the page to the pitch. Students are introduced to a variety of industry professionals and, thereby, to required industry standards. Students learn business practices to help them succeed as a freelance writer, including honing and presenting a writer's portfolio, effective networking techniques and professional comportment. Prerequisites: SCR1516 and SCR1519 and SCR1529 and SCR1530 and SCR1533	45.0
SCR1528	Production Projects II In this course, students perfect their portfolios through a combination of supervised laboratory time, meetings with industry professionals and collaborative teamwork, as well as individual conferences with the professor. Prerequisites: SCR1519 and SCR1529 and SCR1530 and SCR1533	45.0
SCR1540	Screenwriting II Students continue to hone their craft and understanding of the technical demands of this genre, and to further understand and employ visual storytelling abilities. All students are expected to complete at least one draft of a screenplay and to further develop pitching techniques, culminating in pitch sessions with industry professionals. The course includes supervised laboratory time. Prerequisites: SCR1530	60.0
SCR1543	Writing for Broadcast II This course expands upon knowledge gained in Level 01, engaging students in writing for a variety of television genres, including animation and documentary. Students learn to write treatments, pitch bibles and scripts. This course includes supervised laboratory time as well as two hours a week of online activity. Prerequisites: SCR1533	60.0
SCR1544	Writing for the Stage II Students see their work evolve from the page to the stage, and learn how to edit and rewrite scripts using standard theatre formats. Focus is on showcasing students' writing during Hothouse, a series of staged readings by local actors, open to the public. The course includes mandatory time outside of scheduled classes for rehearsals and Hothouse performances. Prerequisites: SCR1518	45.0
SCR1547	Writing for VIdeo and New Media II This course has an emphasis on the Internet and interactive multimedia and continues work on non-broadcast videos. Students learn to write and rewrite informational and promotional scripts for education, government and corporate markets. Students experience the process of developing such scripts beginning with a client needs analysis and a statement of purpose, through to a finished product for their writer's portfolio. Prerequisites: SCR1519	30.0
SCR1549	Field Placement To make an efficient transition from college to freelance writing, students are given the opportunity to work in a media, production, theatre or communications environment. The course prepares students to secure and be successful in their field placements. Discussions of decorum and expected conduct in the workplace are covered. Students are encouraged to network and improve their communication skills at their placements to help them find and sustain employment in their field. While on field placement, students are supervised and evaluated by employers in conjunction with a faculty advisor.	40.0

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Fees & Expenses

Approximate Program Costs

Tuition/Fees: $ 4,821
Books/Supplies: $ 375
Incidental Fees: $ 153
Total: $ 5,349



Tuition Fees listed are in effect for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Tuition Fees: $2,042.82 per term.

Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *

Incidental Fees: $85 in Level 01 and $67.60 in Level 02.

Student Activity/Sports Fee: $190.50 per term.

Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.

Health Services Fee: $10 per term.

Health Plan Fee: $114.50 paid once annually. **

A $35 graduation fee is payable in the final term.

A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.

International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $3,600 per term.

* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/services/it_fee.htm

** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the
request. This request will have to be made annually.

Books and supplies cost approximately $375 per year. Supplies can be purchased directly from Algonquin's New Technology Store.

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Admission Requirements  2012/20132011/2012

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Application Information

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements via:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Applications are available online at ontariocolleges.ca. A $95 application fee must accompany the application form.

Applications for Fall Term, Winter Term and Spring Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

Note: International applicants applying from out-of-country may obtain an "International Student Application Form" and instructions by logging onto algonquincollege.com/international/programs_courses/apply.htm or by contacting the International Client Service Officer at the address shown below.

For further information on the admissions process, please contact:

Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
K2G 1V8
Phone: 613-727-0002 or 1-800-565-4723
Fax: 613-727-7632
Email: askalgonquin@algonquincollege.com

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Additional Information

For more information, please contact Lynn Tarzwell, Program Coordinator, at 613-727-4723 ext. 7888 or Lynn.Tarzwell@algonquincollege.com.

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