Writing scenes come naturally to many of us especially when we have an outline of what we are aiming to accomplish. Scenes require us to describe setting, introduce characters, establish tone, and achieve a list of other key elements. We are tasked with making the words in each scene exciting and engaging with a few precious moments - urging the reader to keep turning the page and for the audience to keep watching. The words that we use should guide the reader and allow our voices to shine through our work. Understanding the importance of the words you use is imperative to how well your script ultimately translates to the screen.

Scenes are a building block to the narrative of your story. Without well-written scenes, the foundation of your story will crumble. It is important to examine each scene of your story and analyze what ways it can be enhanced so that it really adds to the overarching points you are trying to get across as a writer. This comes with proper execution of infusing your own personality and authentic voice in a way that uniquely connects with your readers. Although this can be difficult, there’s no need to run away from this challenge. We have the tools and resources to help your words spring off the page instead.

Steve Desmond is an established award-winning and represented screenwriter who wrote the thriller feature ON YOUR DOORSTEP that sold to Treehouse Pictures which has worked with incredibly talented actors like Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan, and Henry Cavill and he also created the horror feature, TWISTED AVENUE, which made 2015 Hit List honoring the best spec screenplays of the year. His successful portfolio of films continues with his current project, MONSTERS, that won the Comic-Con International Film Festival for Best Horror/Suspense Film and Best Overall Film and has been accepted into over forty film festivals. Steve’s well-renowned success has landed him amazing representation with APA who is connected to partners such as the Global Production Network, The Gotham Group, that produced projects such as THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES and THE MAZE RUNNER franchise, and Eclipse Law Firm which has represented projects like NARCOS, KING KONG, WATCHMEN, and YOUNG ROCK.

Steve will instruct you how to effectively craft the scene descriptions of your story to make them truly come to life. After providing you with the critical Do’s and Don’ts when writing scenes, Steve will show you how to guide your reader on an exciting journey, set your tone so that readers can feel the words on the page, and craft character introductions that leave memorable impressions with your audience. He will also discuss directing on the page, rewriting scene descriptions, and the importance of reading scripts. Steve will provide you with several resourceful writing exercises that will help you generate ideas for your own prose writing. You will walk away from this session with your words leaping off the page!

Steve is beyond excited to share his tools and expertise with members of the Stage 32 community.

• The Do’s and Don’ts
  • What can you do with scene description? And what are the red flags to stay away from?
• Guiding Your Reader
  • Scene description serves as your guide through the story. We’ll explore how to take your readers on a more exciting ride.
• Setting your Tone
  • Using scene description to make your script funnier, creepier, or more suspenseful. Someone shouldn’t just read your script. They should feel it.
• Crafting Character Intros
  • Making a great first impression with every major character before they utter a single word.
• Directing on the Page
  • The visual style of the movie begins with the writing. We’ll explore how to frame your camera angles, without ever using the word “camera.”
• Rewriting Scene Description
  • We’ll discuss tips on how to improve your descriptive writing with each new draft.
• The Importance of Reading Scripts
  • We’ll examine great scenes and how their prose writing sets them apart.
• Writing Exercises
  • I’ll leave you with some ideas to help jumpstart your own prose writing.
• Live Q & A with Steve!

All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how to effectively craft the scene descriptions of your story to make them truly come to life.

All levels of directors (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how to effectively craft the scene descriptions of your story to make them truly come to life.

Producers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) who want to learn how to effectively craft the scene descriptions of your story to make them truly come to life.

Actors who want to learn how to effectively craft the scene descriptions of your story to make them truly come to life.