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Q.
Why Choose Ultimate Screenwriting?
Other
writing instructors teach theory and priciples, while
my exclusive course provides a road map that you can
apply to every script you write. I also discovered
Seven (7) Booster Rockets that help successful films
mainatain audience interest. If you dont' have
a compelling second act - you don't have a movie.
Q.
What’s the Course Schedule?
Ultimate
Screenwriting is a 7-week course with each class
lasting 3-hours.
(See
Class Schedule below.)
Q.
Why Should An Actor Consider This Class?
Friends
in the industry tell me that actors often write very
entertaining scripts with rich characters and great
dialogue, but professional readers ultimately pass on
the projects because they lack proper screenplay structure.
In Ultimate Screenwriting, you will learn
this structure: The Seven (7) major plot points. The
Seven (7) Booster Rockets in Act II. Plus, you will learn the
most important question every writer must answer by
the end of Act I.
Q.
What Will Directors and Others Get Out of This Class?
Everyone
has an idea for a screenplay, even your aunt Edna back
in Des Moines. By teaching you the basics in a
simple, straightforward style, I will help you get that
idea out of your head and onto the page. To reinforce
these principles and help you overcome procrastination,
my in-class writing assignments put the “fun” back into
fundamentals.
Q.
Is This a Beginner’s Course?
Although
the lessons are geared toward beginning writers (i.e.
format, structure and character development), many students
take the class to help them with scripts they are presently
writing. I don’t want people to make the same
mistakes I made (which have been plentiful), so I have
tried to create the writing course I wish I could have
taken when I first started writing.
Q.
Do I Need to Buy a Textbook for the Class?
Yes.
“Save the Cat” by Blake Snyder. You can
order it through Amazon or almost any bookstore. His
other “Cat” books are certainly recommended, but be
sure to buy the original. It is considered the
top writing book on the market today, because it is
full of powerful inside information -- and it is easy
to read. Although my lessons follow the chapters in
this book, additional insight will be presented from
other writing gurus, and students will receive a list
of additional books to read at the end of the course.
Q.
Will There be Homework?
Of
course, but please don’t tell me your dog ate it, because
your homework will usually be a continuation of an in-class
assignment. The key to writing is writing. I
know this can intimidate some people, so I have structured
the course to help you overcome procrastination. (Don’t
worry. Nobody will be placed in irons if they
fail to finish their homework assignment. However,
I do reserve the right to use tar and feathers.)
Q.
What’s the Number One Reason to Take This Class?
It’s
a great way to spend an evening and meet new
friends. Plus, the instructor (moi) is a lot of
fun, and a heck of a nice guy.
Week
#1: Coming Up With Great Ideas
Learn
how to write a one (1) sentence logline that entice
producers, agents and others to read your script. Plus,
discover a few tricks on how to come up with ideas that
make people say, “Holy #%@$! I wish I had thought
of that!”
Week
#2: Developing Memorable Characters
In
order to attach A-List Talent, you need to create dynamic
characters, plus worthy adversaries that truly challenge
your hero. In the second class, you will learn
how to develop character that audiences remember and
admire for generations.
Week
#3: Structure: How to Write a Basic Outline
Poor
structure is the main reason scripts get rejected. You
will learn how to write a basic outline (or beat sheet)
that lists the seven (7) major plot points that every
studio reader expects to see in your screenplay.
Week
#4: Unraveling The Mystery of the Second Act
The
second act is the toughest part of any screenplay, this
course solves the challange and makes your writing
more compelling. You will learn the importance
of the 'B' Story and how it relates to your hero, how
to use set pieces, and the importance of well placed
setups and pay-offs.
Week
#5: Creating Powerful Scenes
Powerful
scenes keep your story moving. In this class,
you will learn the key elements of writing a scene,
plus a few tricks such as foreshadowing and payoffs
to prevent your second act from getting bogged down.
You will also learn how to write a treatment,
which is basically a “road map of your script” that
helps you: a) plot out all the twists and turns; b)
keep your story focused; c) make your job a helluva
lot easier when you actually start writing your script.
Week
#6: Writing Snapping Dialogue
Now
that you’ve learned the basics, you can finally start
writing the actual script. In this class, you
will learn how to write snappy dialogue and clear, concise
descriptions so your script will be “an easy read” for
producers and other potential buyers.
Week
#7: Finishing Your Masterpiece
Writing
is rewriting. This is the difference between a
script that ends up on the screen and a script that
ends up in the trash. You will learn professional
level tricks that can transform a decent script into
a great final draft -- so you can sell it!
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