The Hooks That Sell and How to Pitch Them

The term high concept, used throughout the industry, is an idea with a strong hook that has broad audience appeal, and can be defined in one or two short sentences. Great stories have strong hooks. They compel the reader to turn the page, viewers to stay tuned to a channel, and movie goers to dig into their pockets. Is your story high concept? If it isn’t, then what are its’ strengths and best selling points?  Come to this workshop and learn the power of the pitch, how to define your logline, and how to sell yourself in a room.

Sssssh! The Character is Talking.

Dialogue is what a character says; subtext is where they hide their true feelings. A good writer allows them the cover up, and then lets their true motives peak through. These “vulnerable” moments almost always happen through conflict. It’s when we all let down our defenses. If we covered a name in a novel or script we should still know whose speaking. A character has a unique voice, rhythm, and point of view. As writers we need to listen to them, not manipulate them. We need to get our own voices out of the way and let them do the talking. This workshop will address character, conflict and the power of the spoken word.

FROM WORDS TO PICTURES
 
Each year an average of thirty novels are made into movies for the big screen. With the growing cable market Hollywood is looking more and more to authors for inspiration. These are not always best selling authors with big event books. More development people are reading today. Is your novel a movie? Find out what stories best lend themselves to adaptations. If your interest is writing with an eye towards celluloid, or you think you may already have something Hollywood might want, come and find out where your best shot is for this market. 

The Power Of Obstacles

In all good stories it is our job as writer's to place obstacles in the pathway of our protagonists. Obstacles create necessary conflict which force our characters to take action. It's not what they get; it's what they don't get which moves the story forward. As with our characters, the obstacles we meet along the way can push us to triumph.

How To Think In Pictures

The goal of a good story is to make it visually come alive in the readers head. For this to happen the writer needs to see in pictures. This workshop will discuss how to think in pictures and develop the "inner" eye.

The Good, Bad and Ugly About Writing For Hollywood

The film industry has two sides- the creative and the business. One cannot exist without the other. The screenwriter, especially new writers trying to break in, must know the "business." In this session we will discuss both sides and how when great material meets savvy sales can happen.

The Three Tools For Writing The Screenplay

Screenwriting is truly the art of less. It is told in fragments. What film writers choose to leave out is just as important as what they choose to leave in. In executing the screenplay, the writer has fewer tools which to work than the novelist. In this workshop we will discuss these tools and how they can effectively tell the story.

How To Write For Television

We were all raised watching television, but have you ever thought of writing for it? Topics will include the half-hour, one-hour episode, and made for television movie structure, restrictions of the medium and how to make them work for you, tools of the television writer, how to study television shoes, and the hooks that grab an audience. The goal is that you will never watch television in the same way again.

Developing The Screenplay From The Seed Of The Idea To The Finished Draft

Writing is a process, but where does the process begin? What are the necessary steps in developing a screenplay? Discussion will cover the basic 3-Act structure (setup, confrontation, and resolution), identifying the story's plot points, the seed of the idea, writing with pictures, stepping out scenes, and writing the first draft.

Writing The Spec Script That Hollywood Wants.

This workshop is designed for screenwriters and novelists interested in developing storylines and writing an adapting material for the Hollywood market. Learn to identify "high" concept vs. "soft" concept, what is hot, what is not, and the 3 "must haves" for all good screenplays.

How To Create Riveting Characters That Make Us Feel

Structure holds the story in place, but it is character, scene by scene, line by line, chapter by chapter, that drives the story forward. Weak characters are dependent on plot and serve only to connect the dots. Great characters talk to the, create vivid pictures and locations, and make and dialogue come to life. We know what drives them. Topics will include the interior and exterior life of the character, their personal, professional and private life, and identifying their compelling characteristic.

INVENTING GREAT STORIES
This workshop focuses on the creative process of the writer. Where do ideas come from? How do you recognize an idea that is worth developing?  What are the powerful elements of all good scripts? We will discuss what is commercial and has mass appeal, why some stories work and some don't, “high concept" vs. "soft concept," and the steps in developing the seed of an idea into a complex multidimensional story. Too often writers settle on mediocre ideas. Write the story that a producer or studio will want to buy.  In screenwriting-- your craft is crucial, but your story is King.

SCRIPTWRITERS BASIC TRAINING
Scriptwriting Essentials

This 4-day workshop is a hands-on experience covering the tools and basic essentials of screenplay writing for beginning writers and returning writers who want to polish their craft. Film and television structure, the needed steps in fleshing out the story line, and character development will be highlighted.  Writers will be given exercises in writing with pictures, writing action, creating effective narrative, choosing locales, and writing dialogue. Excerpts from screenplays and viewed videos will aid in the process. Learning the art of screenplay happens in reading, watching and writing. Come join us and do all three! 

SCREENWRITERS BOOT CAMP
Script Coaching

If you know the basics now is the time to kick into action! This class is for scriptwriters currently developing and working on screenplays, or who have had prior training in the screenwriting process. Writers will bring in their work which will be read in class and critiqued by the coach who will help them in the development process. There will be outside writing assignments, classroom exercises, excerpts of screenplays and videos for study, learning and practicing the good pitch, and how to market your script.

FROM FADE IN TO FADE OUT
This intensive workshop covers the basics of script writing--from the seed of the idea to the completed draft--and will benefit both new screenwriters who want to learn the basics and experienced writers who want to brush up and perfect their skills. Participants will be given writing exercises throughout the weekend, view film clips, read script excerpts and discuss portions of screenplays. Critiquing of exercises by the instructor will take place in class. Topics include structure, the power of concept, character development, writing effective dialogue, the rough draft, fighting your destructive inner critic, rewriting, and marketing your screenplay.