I am Patrick OConnell - in Albuquerque NM - and am reintroducing myself- as I realize that I am the ZERO in the expression " From Zero to Hero" This quick request to one and all(I previously asked folks in my network for a reco too) - So here goes - As I am just starting out in writing for TV/movies- I would appreciate any recommendation concerning one of the classes to start with----- At $399 per class- I will have to choose only one- Which one is the one you would start with? -- I uploaded my logline- synopsis - and in the videos and reels link- I uploaded an mp4 of a video trailer I made- for my "Chronicles of Soto Voce- SV is for Soto Voce)-
So that being said - I immediately I see where I have SO MUCH to learn about how to write a screenplay that truly sizzles and will get an agent even to read the first sentence. I feel so overwhelmed- Maybe Someone can suggest one- just ONE- of the classes to get me off of square one.
Thank you all - in advance- This will be a long and arduous journey - I know full well- but I love writing fantasy fiction - and I have to do the full disclosure thing-
I use - "p[ause' - ChatGPT - There I said it!
I think someone may be calling security just now- as I am sure no one here truly "loves" AI per se- but I DO use it to "assist". Really!
So now you know my dirty little secret-
My experience is that people either hate AI or the know enough to use it as an assistant and NOT to depend on the beast to write anything that even vaguely resembles the craftsmanship of a true master in writing screenplays! Kind of like using Grammarly I guess.
Tom here. I am the new Dir. of Global Education at Stage 32. Not only are we simpatico on AI being a powerful tool when used correctly, but I absolutely love this post. It has humor, exposition, vulnerability, and even some self-deprecation. Something tells me you are going to take to screenwriting like a duck to water.
But you posted asking for recommendations, so here we go...
...first on the list is a no-brainer based on how you described where you are in your journey, which is the beginning. So I am going to recommend:
Introduction to Feature Film Screenwriting: Perfecting the Basics + 14 Script Downloads.
This is going to be a great jumping-off point to learn the ins and outs of screenwriting.
https://www.stage32.com/education?p=8944832676147
The next class that I think will be useful is going to be:
4-Part Screenwriting Class: The Fundamentals of Story and Screenwriting Structure. This will be slightly more advanced than the intro, but it might still be a good jumping-off point as well.
https://www.stage32.com/education?p=8944902897971
You might also find some info on proper structure to be useful, in which case, I recommend:
Your Guide to Proper Script Formatting
This is a webinar, so it is a much more inexpensive price point.
https://www.stage32.com/education?p=9242220855603
These three will give you a great foundation on which to build your script.
Since The Soto Voce Chronicles is Sci-Fi, you might also want to check out this webinar:
Keys To Delivering Exceptional Sci-Fi Writing for Film, TV, and Beyond
https://www.stage32.com/education?p=8944840769843
And, here is a FREE webinar that we did with Netflix:
Netflix + Stage 32 Present: How to Write Sci-Fi Scripts for Streaming Television
https://www.stage32.com/education?p=8944894083379
I know you asked for only one, but we had so many great options for your request that I couldn't help myself. Feel free to hit me up if you need any other recommendations. Like all of the Stage 32 staff, I am always here to help. If you ever need assistance with anything you can also email me at edu@stage32.com. Cheers.