Saturday Hot Links

Screenwriting Master Class tip of the week: It is perhaps the single most valuable course I have created: Prep: From Concept To Outline. A unique 6 week online workshop, it combines screenwriting theory with writing practices, all grounded in decades of experience working in the front lines of Hollywood’s movie and TV business. In this class, not only do you develop one of your original stories from idea to outline, you learn an approach to prep-writing.

Why is this important? Because if you have any serious aspirations to succeed as a Hollywood writer, you need to have your act together when it comes to ‘breaking’ a story. Turnaround time is short. When you land an OWA (Open Writing Assignment), you have 10–12 weeks to deliver a completed draft. If you work in TV, it’s considerably less.

This is why most movie writers and all TV writers do the hard work of wrangling a story during the prep phase.

In Prep: From Concept To Outline, you will:

Learn a time-tested series of steps tied to plot and character development that provides a clear path through the often confusing story preparation process.
Workshop your story through written assignments that make it possible for you to build your story step by step, resulting in a thorough guide to write your script.

One lecture, written by me, posted each week.
Forum Q&As moderated by me.
Weekly workshop writing assignments with my extensive feedback along with class observations.
A weekly live teleconference between myself and class members.

Here are some of the many testimonials from writers who have taken Prep: From Concept To Outline:

“This has been an outstanding class. I’ve taken a few from other sources and most don’t live up to their promises (they shall remain nameless). But here, I’ve learned so much and gotten way more than my money’s worth.” — Daniel O’Donahue

“I went into Scott’s Prep class doubting I’d ever finish a script; I came out with the tools, confidence and inspiration to power through a complete first draft in just a few months. Amazing. And the class was so much fun! Scott’s got a great sense of humor and is a brilliant teacher — devoted, generous, encouraging, and kind. As an accomplished screenwriter himself, Scott’s notes are creative and insightful, and his advice about the industry is practical and authentic, informed by his own experience.” — Jessica Sada

“From Concept to Outline is a course I wish I had known about a couple of years ago. I would recommend this whole-heartedly for anyone who is about to embark on their first script or ANY script. This lays the foundation stone to your story. I now have the tools to give myself the best possible chance of succeeding and can use them over and over again.” — Camilla Castree

I limit enrollment in my writing workshops to ensure I have enough time for each participant, so the time to sign up is now. The workshop begins March 2 and you can sign up here.

If you have any questions or would like a copy of the syllabus, email me.

Learn the value of breaking your story in prep. Make outlines your friend. Discover a host of ways to develop your characters and see how they can lead you into and through the story development process.

Enroll in my next session of Prep: From Concept To Outline.

And don’t forget: My 1-week Handling Exposition class begins Monday, February 16. Go here to enroll.

I look forward to the opportunity to work with you!

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