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Ideal for a new screenwriter, or for examining that 'work in progress',
or kick-starting that next project.
From First Page to Final Draft... and Beyond
Our workshops are small by design. Throughout each session, you will be encouraged and helped to create, develop and refine the building blocks and structure of your screenplay. By the end of the workshop, you will know your narrative approach is effective, and your central character has a compelling journey, both for you as you write, and for your future audience.
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Here's Your Schedule
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Day One
Together we'll explore the six critical questions to ask yourself before you begin writing. What they are, and how do they relate to each of your projects?
Meeting the Central Character. Who are your Central Characters, and why do we want to spend time with them?
Lunch/pondering/writing time.
The structure. From the opening scene to the birth of the conflict, and the start of the Central Character’s journey.
Referencing sequences from successful movies Brian and Keith analyze the Set-Up and Inciting Incident, Then, each participant suggests potential Set-Up scenes for their story, and share the vital moment that sends their protagonist on an exciting quest, whether it's for a ‘Holy Grail’ or ‘The Mending of a Broken Family’,
The day finishes analyzing the moment/incident/realization that ends Act one and begins Act Two sending the Central Character in a New Direction.
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Overnight ponderings and inspirations, but get some sleep because--
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Here we go again with...​
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Day Two
Together, we explore what your stories' New Direction might be. Then on to...
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In every well-written screenplay, the Central Character will come to the Midpoint: a moment where going forward seems full of physical or emotional peril, but going back is impossible. When we've explored the midpoints of two fine movies, we'll explore what that 'moment of truth' is for your Central Characters.
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Lunch/pondering/writing time
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From the opening sequence when the audience 'got hooked' they have been held suspended, waiting for this last sequence: the Reversal, where the Central Character is as far away from their goal as possible, the Climax where they fight for their desired outcome… and the aftermath, the Denouement.
First, Brian and Keith detail the compelling need for these sequences illustrated by effective sequences from successful movies, then, all explore what the Reversal, Climax and Denouement might look like in their movies.
And Beyond
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Imagine, after much sweat, self-doubt, and pulling your self up by the bootstraps...
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​There you have it. THE draft. The one you'll be excited for other people to read. So, what actions do you take to ensure you and your screenplay are ‘market-ready’?
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How do you test your belief in your screenplay?
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How do you attract a producer’s attention?
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What can you do to establish an ongoing relationship with producers?
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Anything else you want to ask us.
And so, home to write. Farewell. Stay in touch!
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Writing the Action Line
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When you submit your screenplay, somebody reads it… or at least the first five pages.
Even if your script goes on to have a fine story and great characters, if your action lines read ‘flat’, that’s probably all they’ll read. They won't get to the story.
Let Keith show you techniques that will enable you to write action lines that engage the reader right to the final page.
Max FIVE Participants. 1 Hour 30mins
$60
Next Session TBA
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First-Draft Blues?
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Finished your first draft, but...something’s not quite right? And after re-reading it, a solution just doesn’t seem clear?? Don’t delete files or rip up pages - help is at hand! Email Brian your screenplay in .pdf format, then reap the benefits of discussing your work with a professional screenwriter who’s read hundreds of scripts and worked with dozens of aspiring screenwriters. Brian will cast a fresh eye on your script and, with no preconceived ideas, discuss potential ways to achieve the story you want to tell...
Live via FB Messenger – approximately 30 minutes
$100