News

Conference and Workshop with Author and Screenwriter Tom Lutz
Santo Domingo, September 5, 2008

On September 2 and 3, 2008, the Global Media Arts Institute (GMAI), an initiative of Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE), organized a conference and workshop on scriptwriting with Author, Screenwriter and Director of the MFA in Creative Writing and Writing for Performance at the University of California, Riverside, Dr. Tom Lutz.

During the conference which took place September 2, the acclaimed writer presented the Dominican Republic’s community of aspiring authors and screenwriters with an overview of the development of Creative Writing as a Discipline an the keys to creating scripts that contribute to existing works artistically and culturally and are also commercially viable.

Lutz described the evolution of the discipline of creative writing from its inception as an art form in Germany during the late 19th century, to the emergence of Modern Language and Literature Departments within universities throughout the United States. He referred to the important role Wilhelm von Humboldt’s reforms played in the development of modern US pedagogy and learning methodologies, a move away from memorization of knowledge and towards critical thinking. Lutz also informed conference participants on the fundamentals of successful scriptwriting, placing particular emphasis on:

• Treatments
• Character development and complexity
• Plot construction
• Scene structure
• Need to show characters making decisions under pressure
• The Hollywood Film 3 Act Structure
• How to interpret and respond to notetaker’s observations
• Page number requirements
• When and how novels should be converted into screenplays

On September 3, the Director of the MFA in Creative Writing and Writing for Performance met with up-and-coming screenwriters to answer particular questions and provide them with important information on the MFA program at University of California, Riverside. Lutz also discussed the scholarship opportunities open to Dominican students interested in obtaining a MFA in Creative Writing and Writing for Performance at the University being offered by the Dominican Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology and the University of California, Riverside. A large number of participants demonstrated interest in applying to the program.

Subsequently, on September 4, Dr. Lutz met with Dominican Secretary of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Ligia Amada Melo, to sign an agreement between the University of California, Riverside and the Dominican Secretary of Higher Education, Science and Technology concerning scholarships for Dominican students interested in the MFA in Creating Writing and Writing for Performance Program. Scholarship opportunities will be available to students beginning spring 2009. Numerous representatives from the press and other media outlets attended the signing. GFDD, FUNGLODE, GMAI and the Consulate of the Dominican Republic in California played an important role in facilitating the development of this agreement.

During his visit to the Dominican Republic, Tom Lutz also met with Franklin García Fermín and Omar Narpier, Rector and Director of the Film School, respectively, at Universidad Autonoma Santo Domingo to acquire a better understanding on how screenwriting is taught at the University. President Leonel Fernández also convened with Dr. Lutz, during which he commended the author and screenwriter for his keen interest in helping to advance the country’s film industry in the critical area of scriptwriting. The President and Lutz additionally discussed other possible ways by which to expand creative writing instruction in the Dominican Republic.

Tom Lutz is an Author, Screenwriter, and the Director of the MFA in Creative Writing and Writing for Performance at the University of California, Riverside. An expert in literature, music, art and cultural history and theory, he has written articles for The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and The Chicago Tribune. His latest book, Doing Nothing: A History of Loafers, Loungers, Slackers and Bums in America, explores and assesses the history of American work ethic.

GMAI is dedicated to providing up-and-coming professionals in the television and film industry with comprehensive instruction in the latest trends in audiovisual production, as part of its overall mission to expand the multimedia industry of the Dominican Republic. The Institute seeks to play a key role in the development of a highly qualified Dominican audiovisual industry that significantly contributes to the economic development, competitiveness and modernization of the nation.

GMAI regularly offers introductory, intermediate and advanced courses. It also organizes events that promote greater understanding of the media arts, such as conferences, screenings and interviews with filmmakers.

See biography

Related link:
www.creativewriting.ucr.edu
www.seescyt.gov.do
www.uasd.edu.do