With the help of Professor of German Brent Peterson, chair of the film studies program, and other faculty members, Catherine Tatge ‘72 has developed new screenwriting workshops, hosted by award-winning screenwriter Jim Berg.
After the success of Tatge’s Fall Term tutorial on filmmaking techniques, she asked the students what they would be most interested in pursuing further. It was not only the students of the LU Film Club who showed curiosity in screenwriting, but also faculty members of the English department.
The first workshop took place on Jan. 30, and focused mainly on the basics of filmmaking, structure of feature films and working on plot structure. The next workshop, on Feb. 6, will elaborate on 15- to 20-minute short films. On Feb. 13, the focus will be on even shorter, 2-5 minute films.
The workshops will take place at the Film House, 228 North Park Ave, behind the Conservatory of Music. Students do not need to sign up ahead of time or attend the workshops in a sequence. Tatge said, “There will be a quick preview in the beginning of the class, so that no one misses out on anything.”
After the workshops, the students will have a chance to interact with Berg. “If you are interested in any aspect of film or you are just interested in writing, it is a great opportunity to listen to a professional and ask him questions,” said senior Tom Coben, president of the Film Production Club.
The first workshop that took place on Jan. 30 was well-attended, not just by members of the film production club, but also by students from all backgrounds.
As a further development of the film program, she will be offering workshops on animation and general introduction to filmmaking Spring Term.