Benita (Bonnie) Garvin

• Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering students to voice their ideas.
• Provide an inclusive and engaging classroom
• Cultivate and nurture an expansive world view through film and television

I nurture new writers, helping them develop their ideas into fully realized screenplays. I start with the basics, from how to use Final Draft, to completing a first draft of a script by the end of the semester. I create a supportive, inclusive environment that allows students to feel safe expressing themselves in class and in their writing. Working in Europe and the States enables me to provide a more expansive palette to explore ideas. The class is designed as a workshop, allowing students to learn from one another and how to give and receive feedback. We'll explore the differences between television and film scripts. In addition to story structure, students will learn the differences between a short and full-length. how to create conflict through actions as well as dialogue, text, and subtext, and the difference between plot vs. story.

Students will learn how to give and receive feedback. They'll discover the benefit of participating in a critical analysis of each other’s work. I create an environment that's supportive, with an “ear” for understanding and interpreting notes. The goal is to always help improve each other’s work.

Taught the elements of writing screenplays and guided students in developing their ideas into fully realized stories.