Screenwriting : Does anyone know where to go f… by Sarah Walker

I would strongly recommend The Script Doctor. You can find him on facebook. [www.facebook.com/pages/SCRIPT-DOCTOR/138062651688][1] [1]: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SCRIPT-DOCTOR/138062651688

Thanks!

appreciate the tip james

even before classes you could simply read scripts -- they are free. I like simplyscripts.com -- I also like the Syd Field books. Then just start WRITING. and then WRITE some more. You'll eventually "get it" .

A lot of people have told me not to bother with classes. But so many people have formal qualifications behind them. Are they more likely to sell a script?

i agree with Chuck's advice...i started reading free scripts online @ imsbd.com....it's helped me...also i bought a few books on amazon....i.e. screenwriter's bible, plot/scructure by james bell for a couple of bucks....i've read them as i would any text book...much cheaper than taking classes...just my $.02

There have been some 50-95% off offerings here: Do check out Holdon Log's Industry Deal: [www.IndustryDeal.com][1]. It's a cool way to learn about things in The Biz. [1]: http://www.IndustryDeal.com

Sorry I dont believe in classes...your a writer or your not. I recommend pulling those old english books from grade school...thats your BEST bet...well unless your egar to throw out several thousand dollars for someone else to teach you what you were already taught in GRADE SCHOOL.

If you don't believe in classes then you can look up these Industry Pros. and see if they have newsletters, videos etc. that you can watch without charge. None of the Industry Deal offerings have been in the several hundreds or thousands...this site makes things affordable. Many artists complain that they are broke and this is a nice solution. Personally I think people should be paid for their time and yes, they can teach you things like structure, how to develop characters, what sells, etc. This is a business after all and everyone writers, instructors alike deserve to be paid. Here's an example of a cool freebie: Listen as Alan Watt, founder of LA Writers Lab, and author of "The 90-Day Novel" Kindle's #1 best-selling book on writing, explains "Why Writers Get Stuck... And How To Break Through!". In this audiocast Alan discusses: How to use your fears as a way into your story How to explore the dilemma at the heart of your story Why telling your story to others can kill the 'aliveness of the story' Why 'figuring out' the plot will never get you to the end of your story [www.holdonlog.com/pages/LA-Writers-Lab-WhyStuck.html][1] [1]: http://www.holdonlog.com/pages/LA-Writers-Lab-WhyStuck.html

Thank you Kristina...but I have plenty of money, I have been a writer for some time. I am aware that there are now classes for everything form cooking to drawing and writing, painting etc...although Mozart and Vincent Van Gogh seemed to fair pretty well with out them. I suppose it depends on if your actually talented or looking to purchase talent. I should start selling vials of talent...3oz per bottle, $50 a shot perhaps hire some chessy advertising agency to promote it...slap it with a fancy lable and garauntee the moon and stars, I am sure that would be just as ethical.

To each his (or in our case her) own. Just trying to assist those looking for resources with a way to save some money. Have a nice weekend. Kris would love to learn more about what you are working on/have worked on. I couldn't locate you here :http://www.imdb.com/find?q=Kris+Schrock+&s=all and not too much on your profile. So do keep me in your loop should you make more available. ~Kristina

College classes are worthless, IMHO, Step one, one word you believe in Step two, Theme, your view of how one should live in the world Step three, Premise, the way you will state the story in a brief sentence or two that fulfills step two. Step four, If step three is not compelling and interesting, go back to step one. toughest form of writing in the world. [truby.com/][1] best audio classes in existance, Blake Snyder's Savethecat, Robert McKee, [1]: http://truby.com/

Sarah - can't speak too highly of FAST Screenplay. Check it out. [fastscreenplay.com/][1] [1]: http://fastscreenplay.com/

Hey Nikolai, nice find, I'll check it out, heck I'd work with him!

Thanks Nikolai, need to save some money for it now.

In the mean time, story, story, story. There are undeniable traits of story that transcend time and culture. it is the same as the tales told on the cave walls. [www.blakesnyder.com/tools/][1] [www.blakesnyder.com/downloads/STCGTTM_AtGlnceFnlRev2.pdf][2] The best have learned this and learned how to make it their own. Tolstoy discovered this and embraced it's truth. Your own voice, your own tale of life is what will separate it from all the rest. [1]: http://www.blakesnyder.com/tools/ [2]: http://www.blakesnyder.com/downloads/STCGTTM_AtGlnceFnlRev2.pdf

I've never taken any classes, but I've read several excellent books on the topic. Save the Cat by Blake Snyder's good but the most helpful I've read is Crafty Screenwriting by Alex Epstin. It can be found on Amazon. I can dig up a link it it'd help.

There are always exceptions to the rule, but I think beginning writers should adhere to formula just so they get read. Readers are just looking for a reason to say "pass". Once that spec is sold then you can try to break convention because you've proven yourself. Books and reading screenplays are a very good approach. READ lots of screenplays.

Sarah as far as cost is concerned, FAST is worth every cent, and remember it's for life and a SYSTEM not just a course. Once you're in, you're in (i.e. you don't have to pay another cent EVER and you can move one project after another through it. No reason you can't pay by installments. There are eight of us in Canberra moving through it (I was one of the first). Having been to LA and pitched and listened to industry people, FAST incremental, innovative and on-going approach was tested and found to be, to use the title of that wonderful BBC comedy series, ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! If you send me a message I'll pass on Jeff's email account - talk to him yourself. I've been reading and studying the craft for a long time, I have found nothing to equal this production ready approach. Check out the many free downloads on the site I quoted above.

Hey Nikolai, no need for anymore sales pitches :-) I want to pay out for it! but, at the moment i only earn £150/month. In 3 months I'll have enough for the 1 year one, I prefer the unlimited one as better value for money.

Ha! ha! Of course. Believe me I'm a terrible salesperson. Just coming from the heart of someone who has been profoundly affected and turned around by it. Leaving this aside Sarah, I'd love to know more about your intentions and your background. And would love you to be part of my network.

Check out my screenwriting blog MY BLANK PAGE: [scriptcat.wordpress.com/][1] and also my script consultation services. [1]: http://scriptcat.wordpress.com/

My best advice to you Sarah is to try your local community college and see what they offer, but make sure your teacher you get is good. Also buy the book Save the Cat by Blake Snyder it will teach you what you need to know in terms of Script structure. As far as formatting goes there are books on it, but I would recommend the google it or take a college class.

screenwritingu.com has a "ProSeries" but they periodically do some good webinars for free.