Go Into The Story: The Quest

I’ve been stewing over two issues for some time now. I think I may have come up with something to address them both.

First ever since Tom Benedek and I launched Screenwriting Master Class, I have been trying to figure out a way to open up that experience to as many people as possible. Based upon the curriculum we have created and the positive feedback from writers who have participated in classes there, I believe SMC is unique among online educational resources. But the courses do cost money. And every time someone emails me to say, “I wish I could take a class, but I just don’t have the resources,” that gnaws at me.

The second issue: How to create an alternate route into Hollywood for aspiring screenwriters, especially those of you who are outsiders [no industry connections]. I was a complete outsider to the movie business when I broke in, so my sensitivity to this issue is real and longstanding. Moreover it seems like every day I interface with someone who, lacking connections in Hollywood, expresses frustration about not knowing how to go about getting their foot in the door.

I have kicked around a lot of ideas over the last year, then a few months ago, I hit on something that struck me as being either brilliant — or totally nuts.

I did due diligence and consulted with many people inside the industry as well as writers who have taken classes with me, and every single one of them thought it was a great idea.

So next Monday, I will be announcing Go Into The Story: The Quest.

Bottom line: I will be looking to work with up to four writers in a 24-week Screenwriting Master Class intensive in which they will learn my comprehensive theoretical approach to the craft, then put that knowledge to use prepping and writing a full-length screenplay.

The cost? Nothing.

That’s right, a 6-month deep immersion in screenwriting theory and scriptwriting workshop where you end up with an original screenplay with me as your mentor for the entire process, and you don’t have to spend even a dime.

And if at the end of the process you have written a great script… you will have direct access to industry insiders.

Plus this little twist: Every single person who applies, even those who do not get selected for The Quest, will win something.

That’s the tease. Full details here on Monday, May 21.

Two things:

(1) Start getting your very best story concepts together. They have to be mainstream. They have to be commercial. And they have to be quality loglines.

(2) Do not contact me about The Quest before next Monday. I have nothing more to say at this point, so if you do email me about it, I simply won’t respond to your inquiry.

This is one of those ideas that feels entirely counterintuitive, but also smack dab in the middle of what I call the ‘spirit of the spec.’ Who knows. Hopefully we can create another way for aspiring screenwriters to break into the business.

Any of you out there interested?

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