Dramatic Script

Part 1 - The Proposal

Date Due: Wednesday, September 6

 Dramatic Script Project

Over the semester, you will write an episode of a TV series. The project will consist of several parts.  Part 1 is a Proposal for your screenplay idea.

 For Wednesday, September 6: 

1. Choose an existing TV show of any genre (half-hour or hour long) for which you would like to write an episode.  When making your choice, consider storyline, characters, scenes, etc. If you have an original idea, you may use that instead.
2. Videotape an episode of the show for further study.
3. Write a brief description of the show. (One or two short paragraphs describing the “situation” of the show.)
4. List the characters in the show and include a brief description of each (One or two sentences.)
5. Choose two story ideas for episodes of your show. Keep them short and to the point. For each idea, write:
6. A “working title”
7. A “High Concept” for the episode.  (One or two sentences that will “sell” the episode.)
8. A brief summary of the storyline for that episode.

Example for Dramatic Script Proposal 

Will & Grace

Description:

Will Truman and Grace Adler are roommates in this adult comedy about two people who seem perfect for each other but can never actually find romance together because Will is gay and Grace is straight.

Will is a successful Manhattan lawyer, likable, handsome and charming, and he recently ended a long-term relationship. Grace is a beautiful self-employed interior designer who just left her fiancé at the altar. They both love French films, poker night with the guys and the home version of 'The $10,000 Pyramid.' Will and Grace have been friends forever, and though they're both looking for love, they long ago accepted the fact that there will be no romance between them. Despite the fact, or possibly because of it, they face life's ups and downs together, knowing they will always have each other to lean on.

Grace's work life is complicated by her unusual assistant, Karen Walker, a wealthy socialite who only bothers to show up at work because it keeps her 'down to earth,' and because she likes to tell Grace how to live her life. Will has another good friend in the outrageous Jack McFarland, a well-meaning but self-involved young man who comes with a complete set of emotional baggage.

Characters:

Will Truman is a successful Manhattan lawyer, likable, handsome and charming, who recently ended a long-term relationship.

Grace Adler is a beautiful self-employed interior designer who just left her fiancé at the altar.

Karen Walker, Grace’s assistant, is a wealthy socialite who only bothers to show up at work because it keeps her 'down to earth,' and because she likes to tell Grace how to live her life.

Jack McFarland, Will’s friend, is a well-meaning but self-involved young man who comes with a complete set of emotional baggage.

Story Ideas:

“HE'S COME UNDONE”

 High Concept: 

Grace dates Will’s therapist, causing him strange dreams. Jack tells Karen off about her treatment of Rosario

 Story Summary:
When Will finds out that Grace is dating his therapist, he believes it confirms his notion that Grace always has to be the center of attention. The whole issue causes Will to experience some strange dreams. Also, Jack stands up to Karen about how poorly she treats her maid, Rosario.

“OH DAD, POOR DAD, HE'S KEPT ME IN THE CLOSET AND I'M SO SAD”
 

High Concept:

Will’s father lies about his son’s homosexuality. Karen tries to connect Jack with his long lost father.

Story Summary:

Will's ideal relationship with his loving father sours when his dad prepares to accept an award at his company's dinner banquet but tries to dissuade his son from attending because he's told everyone that Will is married to Grace. Meanwhile, Karen plots to have Jack rendezvous with the man whom she thinks is the father he's never met.