This is a project I did during my studies at UMass Dartmouth. An 8-min long presentation on writing, the objective of the project was to create a self-sustaining visual speech. All of the animations were done manually.

2. In today’s business climate…
Everything needs to be done…
YESTERDA
Y

3. Speed and
efficiency
are as
vital
to a professional’s
success
as

4. Knowledge
Know-how
and

5. When it comes to computers…

6. Proficiency is no longer enough

7. Electronic Literacy is becoming as
and
vital
breathing
as
it should become as
natural
therefore

8. that will prepare them for today’s workplace.
Through integrating technologies and techniques,
college students can gain valuable skills and mindsets

9. It is of
to the student to be
great benefit
well versed in writing with computers
Computers and technology associated with them are
essential in maintaining a streamlined business practice

10. Having employees thatHaving employees that
havehave
but alsobut also
the ability to not only operatethe ability to not only operate
and multitask on computers,and multitask on computers,

11. their tasks to an
adapt moldandand
ever changing technology
is critical for business to thrive

12. With this in mind,
I think it would behoove the UMass administration to
Put More Emphasis
and Focus on
Screenwriting

13. they would enjoy it in
the process.
Going beyond this,
I believe that the students would not only
benefit greatly
from gaining such practical skills,

14. Why not make it fun and functional?
We,
require electronic literacy
the
student,

15. Proficiency is No Longer Enough
Presented by:
Kris O’Brien

16. In my experience, one of the greatest tools in creating a
symbiotic relationship with the computer was
Screenwriting.
I had to write a feature-length screenplay, approximately
100-110 pages, in one semester.
translate into real world success
This taught me several useful abilities that, I believe, can
beyond just that of screenwriting, but of any discipline.

17. Having to multitask on one project forHaving to multitask on one project for
months at a time, I was forced to focus mymonths at a time, I was forced to focus my
energy on one core idea, but become wellenergy on one core idea, but become well
versed inversed in
handling every detail
Using the computer as an extension of myUsing the computer as an extension of my
mind, I had to learn how to use themind, I had to learn how to use the
software necessary to manage my ideas.software necessary to manage my ideas.

18. Creating in terms of industry standards, I was just beginning to
hone a few of the skills that
I believe every student needs to have in
order to be successful in the work force
Detail-oriented multi-taskers are in high demand

19. One of the primary focuses of conquering the mind-
computer obstacle was mastering the industry standard
software for screenwriting,
It would only make sense for both students
and administration to want to develop
these skills.
Final Draft

20. Final Draft is a writing program designed by
screenwriters, for screenwriters. It was built with the
screenwriter in mind. It allows the writer to focus solely on
the creative portions of the process.
Utilizing tools and menus within the program allow for
seamless transition from screen to screen, idea to
idea. The ability to navigate and maximize Final Draft
was essential for me.

21. Mastering Final Draft was key in
my development as a serious
screenwriter because it allowed me
to streamline the creative process.
Without a program such as Final Draft,

22. are correct, bogging down the progression of the work
most of the screenwriter’s time would be spent on ensuring that
margins tabs and other formatting concerns
While comprehending format is necessary for the writer,
a program that formats for you is a
wonderful tool to have when in the work place.wonderful tool to have when in the work place.

23. Screenwriting with computers is becoming the only truly
viable way to create these days.
When time is limited, it is
pivotal to be proficient in such efficient technology.
This is a prime example of how computer literacy and
ability to seamlessly coexist with the computer can
enhance one’s writing.

24. While some are reluctant to acceptreluctant to accept
but the presentbut the present
the reality that writing with computers is not only the
future,future,

25. Moving in this direction, students need
We already have classes preparing students
for professional communication techniques.
As noted earlier, screenwriting
makes students write, think, and
prepare
in vastly different waysvastly different ways than in
conventional classes.
a variety of skills in multiple disciplines.

26. Diversifying
the student’s methodologies of learning and doing is
beneficial to all involved.
Graduates who get cutting edge jobs will
attract prospective students to the university
looking to emulate their success.
attract prospective students to the university

27. It’s a Win-Win

28. Screenwriting is one of many writing disciplines that
can teach students the benefits of writing with
computers.
They no longer need to feel
chained to the computer
seemingly
a slave to the
controls their
technology that
lives.

29. make the writer lazier,
Writing and Computers
should go
It doesn’t have to feel like computers
make the writer better.
they should
hand-in-hand.
Computers

30. enhance our abilities
Given time and experience,
we,
as humans,
can mold our
into extensions of
using them to
technology
ourselves,
instead of doing things for us.

31. lives
We
can
enhance
our
through
computers

32. Kris
An aspiring screenwriter
is a senior writing major at UMass Dartmouth
Final Draft
Writing with computers has been an arduous process, but he has come out of it
a better person…a better person…
, he has experience in using