screenWRITING COURSES

For anyone just beginning to think about dramatic writing, signing up for a screenwriting course is a good place to start. I offer semester-long courses at local universities, as well as one-off half-day and full-day courses for large and small groups through film festivals, arts agencies, and generally whenever there seems to be enough interest.

​Whether it's a college class or just a 6-hour intensive, these courses cover everything you need to know to get started. And yes, that includes the nuts and bolts of story structure, plot, dialogue and formatting. But more importantly, we explore what makes a great story to you and why you are the only one who can write the best version of it. The emphasis is always on finding your unique voice as a writer.

Because here's a dirty little secret about writing for the screen: No one really cares about plot. When someone says they just saw this great movie or series, or they have a great idea for a movie or series, our first instinct is to ask: What's it about? And then they usually stumble through a plot summary that bores us both. But 9 times out 10 that plot summary starts with, “It’s about this woman…” or “It’s about this guy…” or “This group of people…” In other words, they’re answering who it’s about, not what.

​That’s because we know instinctively that great stories aren’t about plot, they’re about people. What do they want? What do they really need? What’s in their way? And how do they succeed or fail at those wants and needs? Great characters drive great stories. And part of writing great characters is discovering your truth, exploring what you want to say about the human condition.

If a screenwriting course seems like the right place to start for you - or you are interested in organizing a course for your organization or school - hit the contact button to find out more. Courses can be arranged for in-person instruction or entirely online.