This accessible and informative textbook provides a guide to the craft of screenwriting with an emphasis on diverse perspectives, underrepresented groups and their screen stories. Readers will learn to master writing a feature-length screenplay in a framework that focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion.

With case studies to aid understanding, the book explores the screenwriting process in stages, explaining how to create a logline, as well as character bios, writing and choosing a genre, differentiating between writing a treatment, a synopsis, composing an outline, incorporating the formatting process and finally creating a scene and sequence. The techniques specific to screenwriting will also be covered in the text such as writing dialogue and action, establishing setting and time period and most importantly mastering the craft of visual storytelling. At the same time, the textbook introduces concepts of content choices that are diverse and inclusive, such as stereotypes vs. archetypes, intersectional characters, underrepresented groups and themes such as social justice, systemic racism, class conflict, gender inequity and climate change.

Due to its subject matter and inclusive approach, this textbook will be an essential guide for all aspiring and current screenwriters who want to successfully navigate and complement today’s developing industry.

Karla Rae Fuller is Professor in the School of Film and Television at Columbia College Chicago. She has taught in the Cinema Studies and Screenwriting areas in the undergraduate and MFA graduate programs. Prior to teaching at Columbia College Chicago, Ms. Fuller held the position of Director of Feature Film Evaluation at Vestron Inc., which produced the hit movie Dirty Dancing among others. She was a freelance script reader for New Line Cinema, Miramax and various other production companies.