____________________________________________
September 28, 2016
Welcome, writers!
I’m glad to see the new faces on campus and to hear about all the adventures of the SCRP majors off on co-op. As we move through the Autumn, I want you all to be aware of some events and news specific to the Screenwriting & Playwriting Program.
New courses
In the Winter term, you’ll have the opportunity to explore SCRP T280 Nano-budget Writing to help you navigate the tricky creative waters of the ultra-low-budget production world. You can also join Tom Quinn and I for the first Master Works class, an opportunity to do a focused, 1-credit analysis of a single work. In Winter, we’ll be teaching FMST 280 Master Works: Jaws.
The Writer’s Room Returns
The open format writer’s room has returned! Wednesday Evenings you’ll find me in the Audio Room, #026, with a pile of snacks and drinks, mellow jazz, and all kinds of writing tips, tricks, and discussions. If you’ve got a story to workshop, a question to ask, or just want to stop by and claim a table and do some writing of your own, this is the place. Did you know there will be a dedicated Writer’s Room in Ucross before the end of fall term. A swing space for story development, production meetings, or hanging out with other writers. Ucross #031 will be opening soon!
Faculty, Student, and Alumni News
Screenwriting & Playwriting recent grad Ryan Fleming made it to the second round of the Austin Film Festival’s Screenplay competition with his half-hour animated pilot script, Corporate Evil.
https://austinfilmfestival.com/submit/screenplay-and-teleplay-submissions/2016-sf-2rounders/
Haunt, an original TV Pilot written by Screenwriting & Playwriting Alum Madison Hughes is a finalist for the Greater Philadelphia Film Office’s “Set In Philadelphia” screenplay competition.
https://film.org/greater-philadelphia-filmmakers/sip-screenwriting-competition/
Matt Kaufhold, Screenwriting & Playwriting Interim Program Director, was the guest speaker at the inaugural Philadelphia event for the LA Blacklist, a professional organization devoted to connecting writers with entertainment industry professionals and decision leaders.
https://blcklst.com/
During the excitement of the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Tom Brennan, Screenwriting & Playwriting Alumni and Adjunct Professor, brought his NYC-based stand-up comedy and improv show, Electoral Dysfunction, to town for three nights at the Adrienne Theater. Current SCRP students Lexx Fusco, Amy Duggan, Allison Jasne, and Kaleb Stewart helped with the production, including a stand-up set by Stewart. The show also featured a guest appearance by SCRP Professor Bruce Graham as a panelist for the debate portion of the show!
http://billypenn.com/2016/07/26/a-hit-nyc-comedy-shows-in-philly-for-the-dnc-with-a-senator-as-a-guest/
Mandy Weger, Screenwriting & Playwriting alum, has been appointed Digital Marketing Manager for the Amazon Publishing team in Seattle.
Screenwriting & Playwriting Professor Bruce Graham’s plays received a total of six Barrymore Theatrical Award nominations this year. Winners will be announced Monday, October 24th at The Merriam Theater. This year’s nominations include Bruce’s plays, White Guy on the Bus, Stella and Lou, and Funnyman.
http://www.theatrephiladelphia.org/barrymore-awards
Screenwriting & Playwriting Alumni Chris Martin had two feature film spec scripts and a comedy tv pilot named as preliminary finalists in the Creative World Awards.
https://www.creativeworldawards.com/about-contest/
Jeff Stanley, Screenwriting & Playwriting Adjunct, served as a judge for the prestigious AMTRAK Residency Program which sponsors writers for long-distance rail travel while developing works for many divers media. Jeff was an inaugural recipient of the AMTRAK Residency in its initial year.
http://blog.amtrak.com/meet-writers-selected-2016-amtrak-residency-program/
____________________________________________
February 22, 2016
____________________________________________
October 6, 2015
____________________________________________
Feb. 23, 2015
Greetings, writers--
____________________________________________
Feb. 6, 2015
Greetings, everyone! I hope your term is treating you well. I have a few items which are both time sensitive and opportunities you might want to take advantage of.
____________________________________________
Hi, everyone!
I hope you're enjoying your winter break and a little much-needed downtime after a hectic Fall term. Except the Seniors. No downtime for you. Keep writing and moving forward on your Senior Projects. In addition to my best wishes for a great holiday season, I wanted to pass along a few announcements about opportunities in the near future.
One is for a TV Internship Opportunity:
SPRING & SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: TV PRODUCTION INTERNSHIP: National TV show, Raw Travel TV has opening for 1 serious intern interested in learning hands on vid production 4 college credit. RawTravel@aimtvgroup.com (1/7)
The second is for the Nickelodeon Writing Program:
See www.nickwriting.com for additional details.
As always, please e-mail me if you have any questions, or feel free to stop by my office to share your thoughts about the Screenwriting & Playwriting Program.
Best,
Matt Kaufhold
____________________________________________
November 15th, 2014:
Week eight of the term has just completed and I hope you're all having a successful Fall Term! It's been a busy couple of weeks for the Screenwriting & Playwriting Program and I just wanted to update you with a couple of important news items.
Congratulations
SCRP Major Lexi Fusco was one of the winners of the Philly Pitch! Horror contest. Ten finalists received professional mentoring and had the opportunity to pitch to a panel of industry insiders. The event was in conjunction with the Philadelphia Film Festival.
Professor Bruce Graham just opened in Lost in Yonkers at the Bristol Riverside Theater. The play runs through November 30th. Break a leg, Prof!
Upcoming Events
CAB-Sponsored Playwriting Event -- Calling all playwrights, actors, and students interested in the world of theater alike! Melissa McBain, a self-produced, local playwright in PhillyFringe will be hosting a workshop: “From Outrage to Onstage: Turning Pain into Art,” on Tuesday, November 18th. This one-hour event will be taking place in the URBN Annex at 7:30pm, followed by an interactive Q&A session with Melissa. She sure knows how to provoke an audience with her craft, so be sure to catch her on the 18th!
New Classes For Winter
If you're looking for an interesting elective, try one of these on for size during next term:
SCRP 260 Writing Comics This course will introduce the student to the history, theory, language and disciplines of writing the American comic book and graphic novel. Students will be learn about comic script-writing formats, the collaborative relationship between writer and artist, and techniques to strengthen both their writing and critiquing abilities. Tuesdays, 9:30.
EAM 465-001 25747 Media & Entertainment Business II – This new undergraduate class is a follow-on elective to EAM 365 Media & Entertainment Business (but EAM 365 is not a prereq). The class will address some of the following advanced topics in the media industry, with a focus on TV and film: Programmatic ad buying, mergers & acquisitions, syndication, non-linear rights, business affairs, labor relations, audience research, ethics and specific career paths in media management. The syllabus is still in development, so the topics are subject to change. We will certainly talk about current trends and breaking industry news as warranted. Class meets MW 10AM-11:20AM. The class is limited to 15 students, but there are no prereqs and no other restrictions.
On The Horizon
SCRP will be proud to be host TV Producer and Writer Jeff Vlaming on campus during the spring term. Jeff's written for some of the coolest shows on TV, so keep your eye out for details on his visit. You want to be sure to get some time with him.
My Door...
...is always open. Come in and share your thoughts, questions, and concerns about the Screenwriting & Playwriting Program. Thanks to those of you who have already done so. Also, if you've had some great experience or success with your work, let me know and I'll do my best to publicize it to the Program, the Westphal College, and the University at large.
Good luck with the rest of your term and have a terrific holiday season.
September 28, 2016
Welcome, writers!
I’m glad to see the new faces on campus and to hear about all the adventures of the SCRP majors off on co-op. As we move through the Autumn, I want you all to be aware of some events and news specific to the Screenwriting & Playwriting Program.
New courses
In the Winter term, you’ll have the opportunity to explore SCRP T280 Nano-budget Writing to help you navigate the tricky creative waters of the ultra-low-budget production world. You can also join Tom Quinn and I for the first Master Works class, an opportunity to do a focused, 1-credit analysis of a single work. In Winter, we’ll be teaching FMST 280 Master Works: Jaws.
The Writer’s Room Returns
The open format writer’s room has returned! Wednesday Evenings you’ll find me in the Audio Room, #026, with a pile of snacks and drinks, mellow jazz, and all kinds of writing tips, tricks, and discussions. If you’ve got a story to workshop, a question to ask, or just want to stop by and claim a table and do some writing of your own, this is the place. Did you know there will be a dedicated Writer’s Room in Ucross before the end of fall term. A swing space for story development, production meetings, or hanging out with other writers. Ucross #031 will be opening soon!
Faculty, Student, and Alumni News
Screenwriting & Playwriting recent grad Ryan Fleming made it to the second round of the Austin Film Festival’s Screenplay competition with his half-hour animated pilot script, Corporate Evil.
https://austinfilmfestival.com/submit/screenplay-and-teleplay-submissions/2016-sf-2rounders/
Haunt, an original TV Pilot written by Screenwriting & Playwriting Alum Madison Hughes is a finalist for the Greater Philadelphia Film Office’s “Set In Philadelphia” screenplay competition.
https://film.org/greater-philadelphia-filmmakers/sip-screenwriting-competition/
Matt Kaufhold, Screenwriting & Playwriting Interim Program Director, was the guest speaker at the inaugural Philadelphia event for the LA Blacklist, a professional organization devoted to connecting writers with entertainment industry professionals and decision leaders.
https://blcklst.com/
During the excitement of the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Tom Brennan, Screenwriting & Playwriting Alumni and Adjunct Professor, brought his NYC-based stand-up comedy and improv show, Electoral Dysfunction, to town for three nights at the Adrienne Theater. Current SCRP students Lexx Fusco, Amy Duggan, Allison Jasne, and Kaleb Stewart helped with the production, including a stand-up set by Stewart. The show also featured a guest appearance by SCRP Professor Bruce Graham as a panelist for the debate portion of the show!
http://billypenn.com/2016/07/26/a-hit-nyc-comedy-shows-in-philly-for-the-dnc-with-a-senator-as-a-guest/
Mandy Weger, Screenwriting & Playwriting alum, has been appointed Digital Marketing Manager for the Amazon Publishing team in Seattle.
Screenwriting & Playwriting Professor Bruce Graham’s plays received a total of six Barrymore Theatrical Award nominations this year. Winners will be announced Monday, October 24th at The Merriam Theater. This year’s nominations include Bruce’s plays, White Guy on the Bus, Stella and Lou, and Funnyman.
http://www.theatrephiladelphia.org/barrymore-awards
Screenwriting & Playwriting Alumni Chris Martin had two feature film spec scripts and a comedy tv pilot named as preliminary finalists in the Creative World Awards.
https://www.creativeworldawards.com/about-contest/
Jeff Stanley, Screenwriting & Playwriting Adjunct, served as a judge for the prestigious AMTRAK Residency Program which sponsors writers for long-distance rail travel while developing works for many divers media. Jeff was an inaugural recipient of the AMTRAK Residency in its initial year.
http://blog.amtrak.com/meet-writers-selected-2016-amtrak-residency-program/
____________________________________________
February 22, 2016
As old man Winter tosses his last hateful arctic breath our way, I want to share a few announcements that dare to dream that Spring is on her gentle way.
New Class Opportunities
SCRP 266 Graphic Novel Art & Industry
Interested in comics and graphic novels? Think you might want to write for them someday? Take a class in our new Graphic Novel Writing concentration. This class explores the history and business of the medium and is taught by industry publishing vet Rich Johnson.Please note: due to an incorrect Pre-req in the catalog, you need to fill out an override, but this class is available to anyone!
SCRP 290 Game Universe & Story
First in the sequence of courses for the new Narrative Game Writing concentration. Level up and turn your passion for gaming into a future career opportunity.
SCRP 353 TV Drama Practicum
Are you ready for the Writer's Room? Join the team that's writing the next episode of Off Campus, the half-hour, single-camera series produced by the Television Production Program. It's your chance to get your name on an Emmy-winning TV Series before you've even left Drexel. Please note: due to an incorrect pre-req in the catalog, you need to fill out an over-ride, but this class is open to everyone who has completed SCRP 270, Screenwriting I.
Writing Opportunities
Mighty Writers
This community-based organization runs writing workshops for West Philly youth to help them realize their goals of artistic expression. There is an opportunity for a small group of students who want to give back to the community to create a Screenplay or Stage Play writing workshop for all ages. You can make a real difference in someone's life. Contact me for more information.
Drexel Hyperloop
A group of Drexel students is competing in the SpaceX Hyperloop competition, to boost a test pod into space. They're looking for media makers and screenwriters to participate in the project. E-mail me if you're interested and I'll keep you posted as I have more information.
Special Events
Jeff Vlaming
I hope you all got a chance to talk with Jeff Vlaming at one of the many events he attended in February. One of the best opportunities you get from being in a large University is the special even programming we can provide. You get to brush up against industry leaders in all kinds of settings.
Zootopia Event
Digital Media is sponsoring an event with the directors of Disney's upcoming release, Zootopia. It's this Wednesday in Stein Auditorium at 3:00. It's your chance to get some behind-the-scenes info on what it's like to create an animated feature. Click the link to RSVP.
Please contact me or stop by my office if you have any questions about any of these opportunities. I promise more faculty and alumni news in my next blast during spring term. For now, bundle up and stay warm!
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October 6, 2015
Welcome, writers, to the post-Pope Fall Term! Exciting days are ahead for the Screenwriting & Playwriting Program and I’m going to do my best to share the most important stuff without clogging your in-boxes.
New courses
This year, the Writing For Comics & Graphic Novels and Narrative Game Writing concentrations have officially been added to the catalog. Comic Book and Game Writing classes will be offered as electives all year, so indulge your more adventurous side! In Spring Term, you’ll be able to explore Client-based Writing as a special topics class covering corporate communications and education scripting.
Faculty, Student, and Alumni News
You will all receive a comprehensive Cinema & Television Department Newsletter later this quarter, but I wanted to offer you a few highlights of what our Program Members have been up to outside of classes. Professor Graham opened three plays over the summer, collecting a bunch of award noms in the process. His commissioned play, Rizzo, opens this fall. Recent alum Bridgett Greenberg made the first cut at the Austin Film Festival with her Bob’s Burgers spec script. Chris Martin, class of 2014, made the final round of the NEXTV Writing & Pitch competition with her TV concept, The Rose Cartel. Be sure to check out the official newsletter when it arrives for the full listing and remember: send me all your news so I can publicize it for the program.
The Writer’s Room Returns
The open format writer’s room has returned! Monday Evenings you’ll find me in the Audio Room, #026, with a pile of snacks and drinks, mellow jazz, and all kinds of writing tips, tricks, and discussions. If you’ve got a story to workshop, a question to ask, or just want to stop by and claim a table and do some writing of your own, this is the place. Except on Columbus day. ‘Cause he was an explorer, not a writer.
Outside Contests & Opportunities
I’ll only list the two most recent things that came across my electronic desk, but just remember, I post all these things on the SCRP Program blog I maintain and you can always check there: drexelscrp.blogspot.com.
2016 BlueCat Screenplay Competition Regular Deadline Oct 15th
Every entry receives script analysis. Submit by 11:59 p.m. (PDT) October 15th to receive analysis by November 10th. Entry Fee: $50 Shorts | $65 Features | $35 Student Shorts. Submit: http://www.bluecatscreenplay.com/2016-call-for-entries
Broadcast Pioneers of PhiladelphiaCollege Student Symposium at KYW-TV, CBS 3If you are a student, tell your friends. If you are a professor, tell your students. Learn about getting that first job. Network to increase your chances. Find out what to do and what not to do. It's the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia's 14th Annual College Student Symposium and Pizza Lunch. It all takes place at CBS 3, KYW-TV. The date is Saturday morning, November 7, 2015 from 9 am to 12 noon. All the details are available on the Broadcast Pioneers website at:http://www.broadcastpioneers.com/symposium/index6.html
That's about it for now. If you ever have any questions about the Program or the events and opportunities available, just e-mail or stop by my office.
Cheers!
Matt Kaufhold
____________________________________________
April 13th, 2015
Hello, fellow writers!
Welcome to spring term. As the sun changes its angle in the sky, the pace of work increases in a mad rush just at the point when you want to be spending less and less time working. For freshman, you’re narrowing in on the end of your first year and looking forward to the only relaxing summer Drexel allows you to have. Some upperclassmen are eagerly anticipating the prospect of Drexel in LA, followed by co-op. Seniors are no doubt striving to shed the shackles of academia altogether.
As the mercury continues to rise, I wanted to draw a few things to your attention about upcoming Program-related events in the spring term before your schedules get too hectic.
The Writers’ Room is OPEN!
Monday evenings of spring term, you’ll find me in the Post Production Audio Studio #026. It’s an open-door workshop for anyone who wants to talk about writing. I envision this as an open-forum, free-form discussion about anything relating to writing, from particular story issues, to nuts-and-bolts questions, to profession-related questions, or just theoretical talk about the nature of art. Whatever you want to talk about. If we have yet to meet personally, stop by some night. I provide snacks and serve as an anchor. I’ll be there every week whether anyone ever shows up, working on one of the many writing projects I’ve currently got going. So, stop by, eat some Cheetos, stump the professor.
Spring Events Schedule
Have you noticed the pace of events is accelerating as we move into the spring? There’s always more going on now than at any time of the year, culminating in graduation in June. I urge you – as always – to take advantage of as many special events as you can while you’re on campus. Most are free and open to everyone. Here’s a sampling of near-term stuff just from our department:
WestPhest – Our own student film festival! Entries are due this week, so if you’ve made a film or helped to make a film, get your entries in ASAP and join us for the party and screening.
Lizzie Maguire with LIVE Director’s Commentary
Jim Fall appears live and dishes on his own film Wednesday, 6:30pm, in the URBN Annex. C’mon, you know this sounds fun.
Age of Adeline Director Q&A
Lee Toland Krieger will be available Thursday at 1:30 in the Small Screening Room to discuss the upcoming film.
Jeff Vlaming Visits
Screenwriter Jeff Vlaming (The x-Files, Battlestar Gallactica, Hannibal) will be on campus May 12th for master classes and a screening.
Faculty and Alumni in the World
Professor Abrams was just interviewed in the new book, They Teach That In College!? Discussing the ins and outs of a screenwriting degree.
Bruce Graham’s new TV show, The Good Witch, premiered to the highest original program ratings ever for the Hallmark Channel.
Jeff Stanley completed his prestigious Amtrak Residency. You can follow his cross-country adventure on his blog. He’ll also be a radio guest on this Friday’s edition of Coast To Coast AM. Tune in!
SCRP Alum Stephanie Ogrodnick just took over as Exhibitor Relations Central Coordinator for Lionsgate. Congratulations, Steph!
The SCRP Program is an exciting place to be right now and there are great things in store for the Program, current students, and alumni. Until I see you again, keep writing!
Cheers,
Matt Kaufhold
____________________________________________
Feb. 23, 2015
Greetings, writers--
As the end of winter approaches, at least on the calendar if not the thermometer, I'm writing to pass along some exciting news from the Program. While it may be hard to visualize the spring sun and its accompanying warmth, this spring term is shaping up to be the best ever from our program!
Spring Events - Save The Date
Finally, let me share some of the great news from SCRP Majors and Minors out in the real world.
Born and raised in the decidedly non-showbiz city of Minneapolis, Jeff Vlaming is a TV writer and producer and has worked on a wide variety of series throughout the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s including The X-Files, Xena: Warrior Princess, Battlestar Galactica, Northern Exposure, NCIS, Numb3rs, Reaper, Fringe, Teen Wolf, and Hannibal, currently on NBC. Vlaming has also worked with Microsoft Corporation, developing a cross-platform series as part of its forthcoming XBox game, Quantum Break.
I'm coordinating Jeff's visit with the English Department's Week of Writing special event and he will be anchoring a panel discussion on the role of the screenwriter in the shifting media landscape. For that panel, I'm also bringing in Indie Filmmaker and Screenwriter Keir Politz and TV Producer/Development Exec Wil Surratt of MY Entertainment.
Jeff will visit also classes and conduct an evening screening, hopefully an episode from the upcoming season of Hannibal.
SCRP Senior Show - June 11.
Plan to join your fellow classmates at the first-ever SCRP Senior Show, featuring selected readings from their works by a table of professional actors.
I'll be sending more info out on both these events in the coming weeks - stay tuned!
Opportunities
The Week of Writing Contest is ready for your submissions. Five categories and CASH prizes. Enter NOW!
The Nina Henderson Challenge - for those of you who have an entrepreneurial bent. On Monday, March 2 from 6-8PM, Nina Henderson, Westphal College alumna and benefactor of The Henderson Business Plan Challenge will be on campus to discuss how Westphal students can harness their creative and business skills to develop long-term success in the real world. Nina will respond to questions during her talk, and will remain on hand during the reception to speak with students and hear their thoughts. Join us for Nina’s comments and the reception that will follow.
Production Workshop Scripts Needed! Do you have a short, producible script sitting in a drawer? Would you like a team to produce it and put your name on it? Get it to me or Professor Karin Kelly for consideration as a script in that class.
The Fine Print
You may not realize that a lot of work goes on behind the curtains in the SCRP Program. You may not actually want to know, so you can skim to the next paragraph. However, a few weeks ago, the faculty of the program met for a retreat to talk over the curriculum and operations of the program as we move forward towards the next academic year. If you have any particular thoughts on how to improve the program or our courses, please feel free to shoot me an e-mail or come by and talk with me about your ideas. As new courses and initiatives become available, I'll be sure to share them with you.
Alums in Action
Class of 2005 alum & adjunct instructor Tom Brennan joined the editorial staff of Valiant Entertainment after seven years with Marvel Comics. He also joined the faculty of Gotham Writers Workshop where he's teaching courses on comic books, graphic novels and blogging. His hit political comedy talk show Electoral Dysfunction was renewed for a third season at The Peoples Improv Theater in New York City.
Alex Igabashian, FMVD Major, SCRP Minor, recently received a NDSM Tree House Artist-in-Residence grant in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Alex and his co-director, Emily Mkrtichian, are editing their film Traversed: A Visual Journey Through Armenia. The film captures the sites, sounds, and mindset of the people they connected with in Armenia.
Deborah Yarchun reports Strange Sun Theater in NYC is reading her full-length play GREAT WHITE at 5 pm on Sunday, March 1st (http://www.
If you've got news to share, or stories from co-ops or films you've worked on, let me know so I can share the news with everyone.
As always, e-mail me with any questions or concerns about the program.
____________________________________________
Feb. 6, 2015
Greetings, everyone! I hope your term is treating you well. I have a few items which are both time sensitive and opportunities you might want to take advantage of.
The first is a scholarship which you might consider applying for:
The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia are offering
TWENTY SCHOLARSHIPS
Just 10 days remain for undergraduates in communications and associated fields to apply online for the Broadcast Pioneers scholarships. It should only take 5 minutes or so to do this. This year, we will offer twenty $1,000 scholarships. Deadline is Sunday, February 15, 2015.
Students can apply by going to our website (http://www.broadcastpioneers.com) or click on this link:
http://www.broadcastpioneers.com/scholarships/index.html
For those of you who may be yearning to travel, this summer writing program has an informational meeting coming up:
Drexel in Ireland: Cork Summer Writing Workshops
Come to an info session for the Cork Summer Writing Workshops program on Tuesday, February 10 at 2 pm in Korman 111F. The study abroad program runs June 19 - July 18 and features workshops in Fiction, Nonfiction, Script-writing, and Acting, as well as seminars in Literature, Theatre, and Film. Earn credits in Cork! For more information, contactstudyabroad@drexel.edu
I'll be sending out more general SCRP Program information next week, including some announcements about special events in the spring.
As always, e-mail me if you have any questions.
Cheers,
Matt Kaufhold
____________________________________________
Hi, everyone!
I hope you're enjoying your winter break and a little much-needed downtime after a hectic Fall term. Except the Seniors. No downtime for you. Keep writing and moving forward on your Senior Projects. In addition to my best wishes for a great holiday season, I wanted to pass along a few announcements about opportunities in the near future.
One is for a TV Internship Opportunity:
SPRING & SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: TV PRODUCTION INTERNSHIP: National TV show, Raw Travel TV has opening for 1 serious intern interested in learning hands on vid production 4 college credit. RawTravel@aimtvgroup.com (1/7)
The second is for the Nickelodeon Writing Program:
See www.nickwriting.com for additional details.
As always, please e-mail me if you have any questions, or feel free to stop by my office to share your thoughts about the Screenwriting & Playwriting Program.
Best,
Matt Kaufhold
____________________________________________
November 15th, 2014:
Week eight of the term has just completed and I hope you're all having a successful Fall Term! It's been a busy couple of weeks for the Screenwriting & Playwriting Program and I just wanted to update you with a couple of important news items.
Congratulations
SCRP Major Lexi Fusco was one of the winners of the Philly Pitch! Horror contest. Ten finalists received professional mentoring and had the opportunity to pitch to a panel of industry insiders. The event was in conjunction with the Philadelphia Film Festival.
Professor Bruce Graham just opened in Lost in Yonkers at the Bristol Riverside Theater. The play runs through November 30th. Break a leg, Prof!
Upcoming Events
CAB-Sponsored Playwriting Event -- Calling all playwrights, actors, and students interested in the world of theater alike! Melissa McBain, a self-produced, local playwright in PhillyFringe will be hosting a workshop: “From Outrage to Onstage: Turning Pain into Art,” on Tuesday, November 18th. This one-hour event will be taking place in the URBN Annex at 7:30pm, followed by an interactive Q&A session with Melissa. She sure knows how to provoke an audience with her craft, so be sure to catch her on the 18th!
New Classes For Winter
If you're looking for an interesting elective, try one of these on for size during next term:
SCRP 260 Writing Comics This course will introduce the student to the history, theory, language and disciplines of writing the American comic book and graphic novel. Students will be learn about comic script-writing formats, the collaborative relationship between writer and artist, and techniques to strengthen both their writing and critiquing abilities. Tuesdays, 9:30.
EAM 465-001 25747 Media & Entertainment Business II – This new undergraduate class is a follow-on elective to EAM 365 Media & Entertainment Business (but EAM 365 is not a prereq). The class will address some of the following advanced topics in the media industry, with a focus on TV and film: Programmatic ad buying, mergers & acquisitions, syndication, non-linear rights, business affairs, labor relations, audience research, ethics and specific career paths in media management. The syllabus is still in development, so the topics are subject to change. We will certainly talk about current trends and breaking industry news as warranted. Class meets MW 10AM-11:20AM. The class is limited to 15 students, but there are no prereqs and no other restrictions.
On The Horizon
SCRP will be proud to be host TV Producer and Writer Jeff Vlaming on campus during the spring term. Jeff's written for some of the coolest shows on TV, so keep your eye out for details on his visit. You want to be sure to get some time with him.
My Door...
...is always open. Come in and share your thoughts, questions, and concerns about the Screenwriting & Playwriting Program. Thanks to those of you who have already done so. Also, if you've had some great experience or success with your work, let me know and I'll do my best to publicize it to the Program, the Westphal College, and the University at large.
Good luck with the rest of your term and have a terrific holiday season.
____________________________________________
September 18th, 2014:
Welcome to campus for the start of the fall term! Whether you’re an incoming freshman arriving at Drexel for the first time, or at the start of your Senior Project, I think this is going to be an exciting year for Screenwriting & Playwriting and the entire Cinema & Television Department. Because no one needs any more e-mail in their lives, I’ll try to keep these blasts to a minimum during the year, but they will always contain important information about the program, our alumni, or job opportunities.
Allow me a quick second to introduce myself to those of you that I have yet to meet personally. I’m Matt Kaufhold, and this summer I took over the SCRP Program as the new Program Director. Professor Abrams returns to teaching full time, so, have no fear, you’ll still be seeing him and have the opportunity to take classes with him. He just gets to dodge all the administrative bullets, which are now aimed at me. So if you’ve got questions or issues, come see me. Actually, come see me before, just to say hi and let me know who you are.
One of the things you’ll find in these kinds of e-mail is information about new and upcoming course offerings. Look for more specific information around registration periods, but there are some important developments on the horizon for the SCRP Program. Two new concentrations are being implemented: Writing for Comics and Graphic Novels; and Writing for Narrative Video Games. Look for classes in those specific disciplines to begin to go live over the course of the next year. If you ever have questions about any course offerings, please reach out to any faculty member.
I’ll also be sending you periodic information about Screenwriting Contests and Fellowship/internship opportunities. Below are a couple of announcements that came across my feed in the last month or so.
Volunteer and Internship Opportunities at MiND TV!
Join the team this fall to help develop an exciting new media project at MiND TV. This is a research and concept development opportunity for interns and volunteers. You will work independently and in teams to develop treatments for productions, animations, scripts for character commentary and more. Be prepared to present ideas to organization leadership for critique and give input on your peer’s ideas as well. Volunteer your time or get Internship credit for your college requirement.
Fulbright – NatGeo Digital Storytelling Fellowship
Funding for one academic year of overseas travel and digital storytelling in up to three countries on a globally significant theme. U.S. Citizens. Seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students. Any field of study.
Additional fellowship opportunities exist for country-specific studies in Germany and Scandinavia. See me for particular interests.
The Acadia University Theatre Company’s 22nd Annual International MiniFest
A student-run festival, is coming up soon and we are looking for original, never-before-seen one act plays to stage. This would provide an excellent opportunity for your students to see their plays performed, by other university students.
If you would be willing to inform your students of this opportunity, we would be happy to consider them for our festival.
For submission guidelines, please visit http://theatre.acadiau.ca/minifest.html
Submission Deadline: Wednesday, October 15th, 2014
Submit scripts online at: http://theatre.acadiau.ca/minifestsubmissions.html
WRITERS GUILD INITIATIVE ANNOUNCES YEAR VII OF
THE MICHAEL COLLYER MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP IN SCREENWRITING
The Writers Guild Initiative is now in the seventh year of the Michael Collyer Memorial Fellowship, to be awarded in conjunction with the King Family Foundation. The purpose of the fellowship is to provide screenwriting students with the opportunity to develop an original screenplay to assist in transitioning into the professional world of screenwriting. Each year, one graduating undergraduate senior with an interest in, and talent for, screenwriting as a profession will be awarded a $10,000 fellowship to work on a specific project, mentored by a member of the WGAE.
If you have any questions or want more information about any of these opportunities, please let me know. Also, you can find full listings of information on the page I maintain on my general blog site: http://drexelscrp.blogspot.com/p/internship-clearing-house.html
Finally (I know, can you believe how long this e-mail is?) I will occasionally answer that burning question, “What will I do after I graduate?” by updating you on news from the alumni world. Over the summer, three of our recent grads, and one of our current students, put up two separate Fringe Festival plays as writers, directors, and producers. Congratulations to Ae$op and Nightmares in Neverland and these SCRP-ers: Charlotte Dow, Sean Peasnall, Carl Roa, and Brian Clores!
That’s all for now. I’m looking forward to seeing all of you in the next few weeks.
Cheers,
Matt Kaufhold
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