This workshop focuses on two essential questions: how can I improve my script to get it to a level judged professional by professionals, and how can I develop the business skills to market myself and my material?

One of the most dangerous pitfalls for writers is the belief that their scripts have been fully realized, when in reality they remain obscure or not dramatized to their fullest potential. Failure in this area is perhaps the main reason so many screenplays get passed on by industry story analysts or "readers."

Workshop overview

This course takes you through an in-depth development process, asking the same questions that a good producer would: does the screenplay have the underpinnings of a compelling premise? Does your original vision shine through a masterful working of the three-act structure? Does your lead character's personal journey drive the story forward? Are there key turning points, a powerful scheme for the antagonist, and a number of other specific narrative elements which will catch the reader's eye? Over three intensive days, we’ll work and rework through these craft issues at a professional level. The end result is to learn how to make your script's key dramatic intentions come across as strongly as possible in the finished work, and at best, this process helps move your material to the next level at the right production company.

This year's speakers include Dan Dubiecki (producer of Up in the Air, Juno, Thank You for Smoking and Jennifer's Body), Pilar Alessandra, the director of the Los Angeles writing program "On the Page," and Liz Glotzer, who joined Castle Rock Entertainment at its inception, and was promoted to President of Castle Rock Entertainment in 1999. Pilar has worked as Senior Story Analyst for DreamWorks and Radar Pictures and has trained writers at ABC/Disney, MTV/Nickelodeon, the National Screen Institute, the Los Angeles Film School, The UCLA Writers Program and more.

Marketing your work

In the evenings, all us writers learn to take off our artistic writing hats and put on the hat of the business person that hides within. All of us possess the skills to market ourselves, we just need to be shown how.

 

Previous guests included Gary Goldstein (producer of PRETTY WOMAN, THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES and UNDER SIEGE), and Liz Glotzer, President of Castle Rock Entertainment (MICHAEL CLAYTON, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, BEST IN SHOW).

Participate or observe

There are two levels you can choose from to attend this seminar: Participant or Observer. The number of participants is limited to the first 20 that apply, and they should mail a one page synopsis in with their application. They need to agree to be open to criticism as the seminar’s panel determines which aspects of the material should remain intact, be embellished, or significantly changed. Observers attend all seminars and actively participate in discussions, but their work is not examined.

Download a detailed outline and speaker panel biographies of the most recent course.

 

Future dates of this program TBD.