Writing for Multimedia

Course Project

Develop a complete concept script for a complex Interactive Media Project

Course Description

This course examines the roles of copywriter and scriptwriter in interactive multimedia. Emphasis will be on writing opportunities in the multimedia industry, as well as on the process of interactive writing, such as establishing the premise, developing the treatment, and defining the audience.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a knowledge of interactive writing techniques for both copywriting and scriptwriting.
2. Demonstrate ability to generate ideas.
3. Develop a concept, a premise, a treatment, an outline, and a script for an original interactive project.

Topics Covered

• The Evolution of the Writer and the Medium - Overview
• Aristotle and How Narrative Influenced Writing
• Multimedia as a Multi-linear Environment and How the Writer Fits In
• Questioning Your Intent and Personal Philosophy as a Writer
• Determining the Essence of the Concept Script in Relation to Current Media
• Brainstorming and Concept Development
• Concept Treatment, Development and Design – Overview
• The Treatment
• Arranging Content
• The Flow Chart
• Examination of Specific Formats
• Outlining the Concept Script
• Concept Script Development
• Target Audience, Needs and Marketing Analysis
• Key Elements of the Concept Script
• The Message and the Medium
• Writing Content
• Editing Content
• Concept Script Rough Draft
• Writing the Rough Draft
• Editing the Rough Draft
• Terms and Concepts to Know
• Completing the Concept Script
• The Second Draft
• The Final Edit
• The Final Draft
• The Prototype
• Putting It All Together
• The Finished Product
• Final Script Submission
• Presenting the Prototype and Script to the Class
• Peer Critiquing
• Final Evaluation
• Final Thoughts

Software Utilized

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Word