Do you know how to handle time within your scripts?

Time is fundamentally a mystery and no more so than in a movie. Centuries can pass in a matter of cinematic minutes. Conversely a single moment can be stretched for pages. There are time ellipses. Scene transitions. And always a writer must be cognizant of and manage a story’s inner clock, giving each script its own unique pulse and pace, while avoiding the dreaded “episodic curse.”

That’s why I’m excited to be working with the content of the eighth and final Core class at Screenwriting Master Class. Core VIII: Time provides a theoretical and practical approach to managing all aspects of time in a screenplay.

In this two-week online class, there are six lectures:

Lecture 1: Present: Being in the Moment and Writing in the Moment

Lecture 2: Past: Backstory and Nonlinear Storytelling

Lecture 3: Future: Narrative Drive and Destiny

Lecture 4: Setup, Payoff and Callbacks

Lecture 5: Montage and Series of Scenes

Lecture 6: Flashback and Flashforward

In addition we have two teleconferences in which I will discuss the course content and screenwriting in general with class participants, online forum discussions, and two optional weekly writing exercises to allow writers to apply some of the ideas presented in class on their stories.

This is a brand new class and to my knowledge represents a comprehensive, coherent approach to the subject not available anywhere else.

The 2-week course begins Monday, October 17 and is a great opportunity not only to gain an understanding of the concept of time in relation to screenwriting, but also experience the quality content available in our Core curriculum. Having written 48 lectures this year (six for each of the eight Core courses), I can honestly say there is nothing comparable in terms of breadth, depth, coherency, and a blend of solid theory and practice that comes from over two decades working as a Hollywood screenwriter and educator.

As a special offer to GITS readers, there is a 10% discount. When you enroll, enter the code: Discount10.

For more information and to enroll in this exciting two-week online “Core VIII: Time” class, go here.

I look forward to the opportunity to work with you!