This manual serves as both a grammar of fundamental dramatic principles and a primer on screenwriting, aimed at preparing students to write full-length feature films through a structured exercise of crafting a screenplay for a seven-minute film. Detailed guidelines outline the process of creating short films, explaining each step, including character exploration, identifying a problem that drives character development, envisioning the struggle, pitching the story, preparing the treatment, writing the first draft, and revising for character, plot, visual elements, and audience engagement. Authored primarily by screenwriter Pavel Jech, a former Dean of FAMU, the text reflects his extensive teaching experience in the short form, with contributions from FAMU acting teacher Mary Angiolillo. This manual encourages beginning screenwriters to internalize the fundamentals presented and develop their unique filmmaking skills. By engaging with the structured approach, aspiring writers can cultivate the necessary tools to create their own distinctive films, ultimately enhancing their storytelling abilities and understanding of the cinematic medium.
