Writing the Short Screenplay
(Fall 2025)
Registration is open!
Student Age: 18+
Dates: October 1–November 19, 2025
Time: 1:00–3:30 PM
Session Length: 8 Classes, One Day/Week, Wednesdays
Location: JBFC Media Arts Lab
Size: 10 Students Max
Cost: $800
Camp and Course Policies at the Lab
Writing the Short Screenplay
Join us for this intensive, eight-week screenwriting and plot structure workshop with NYU Professor and screenwriter Rob Morton. We’ll explore three-act story structure and all aspects of the screenwriting craft including character, dialogue, sound design, and more. Over the first four weeks, writers will focus on a series of weekly script exercises to be read and discussed together in class. For the second half of class, writers will submit a 10-12 page short script for an in-depth class critique. Newcomers and experienced writers are welcome to join these weekly, productive screenwriting sessions. Writers will be expected to install screenwriting software on a laptop or PC, learn how to properly format their scripts, and upload their script files to share in class.
Course Dates:
October 1, October 8, October 15, October 22, October 29, November 5, November 12, and November 19
Instructor
Rob Morton
Rob Morton is an award-winning screenwriter and short film director with a focus on comedy and independent film. He joined the Jacob Burns Media Lab as a screenwriting instructor in the fall of 2012. He has also served on the screenwriting faculty at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts since 2008. He lives in Pleasantville with his wife and two daughters.
