Georgetown College. Georgetown University.

Though Stephen Della Fera has been interested in film for some time, it took coursework in screenwriting with Professor Glavin to inspire him professionally.(Photo: courtesy Stephen Della Fera)

By Kara Burritt

Georgetown English major Stephen Della Fera might not have uncovered his professional goals had it not been for Professor Glavin’s class offerings. During course registration for the fall semester of his junior year, Della Fera noticed Glavin’s introductory class in screenwriting and enrolled based on his interest in creative writing. Now a senior, he has taken all three of Glavin’s screenwriting courses and hopes to move to Hollywood after graduation.

Though Della Fera has always enjoyed film and television and has explored his creativity in ventures such as creating a website for his sister’s business, it took coursework in screenwriting to inspire him professionally. Analyzing the composition of films in the introductory class provided Della Fera with a foundation for Glavin’s other courses, as well as a new perspective on movies.

“There is a structure inherent to all American film, and it’s very intricate,” said Della Fera. “While it is tough to learn, once you pick it up you notice it in all films.”

Understanding the components that drive a plot, Della Fera continued his trajectory by taking Glavin’s "Intermediate Scriptwriting" course and is currently enrolled in the "Advanced Scriptwriting" tutorial. Meeting with Professor Glavin weekly, Della Fera is composing his own feature-length script.  

“It is definitely a good thing to have,” Della Fera said of his script. “And who knows, maybe I will come across someone who really likes it. For now it is just an exercise in a lot of ways.”

Della Fera previewed his professional future when he traveled to Hollywood last month through Georgetown Entertainment and Media Alliance’s externship program. After earning one of the limited spaces on the trip through an application process, Della Fera traveled to L.A. with other Georgetown students interested in the entertainment industry. There they met with various professionals in the field, many of whom are Georgetown graduates. The experience helped confirm Della Fera’s plan to seek a job in the industry, whether in production or writing, though he knows it will be competitive to secure even an entry-level position.

As Della Fera transitions to the beginnings of a career, his experiences as an undergraduate will continue to inform his work. He acknowledges drawing story and character ideas from his small hometown of Shawnee, Pennsylvania, and he credits Professor Glavin with encouraging him to excel.

“With most teachers you need to work hard to get an A; with him it’s not easy to get a C,” said Della Fera.

While this may turn off some students, Della Fera appreciated Glavin’s honest assessment of his work. He notes that Glavin’s hard-won praise has improved his screenwriting abilities and potential for success: “He pushes anyone who might be willing to do this to work even harder.”

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