SCREENWRITING WORKSHOP
Tuesdays 11/5-11/26 7-10pm
$400 new students
$100 for returning screenwriting students
The hardest thing about writing is knowing what to write" Syd Field
Many of us have had a great idea for a story only to have it die slowly once we try and turn it into a screenplay. Or worse, you’ve been unable to even begin due to a lack of understanding of how screenplays work. This class is designed to give you the tools you need to not only start but actually complete a screenplay.
This four-week workshop explores and explains the various schools of thought on screenwriting using popular films as a guide. All great films have the same story building elements in common. If you know what they are you can tell a story that works.
It doesn't matter if you have never written a screenplay or you're a professional writer, John's unique way of breaking down scripts will change the way you work moving forward.
You’ll receive what every writer needs; a roadmap that gives you the necessary story elements that you need in order to tell your story. Whether you’re an actor, writer, or producer you will learn the essentials of story telling required in this very specific form.
Among other topics this course will cover...
Week one: Breaking down the language of screenplays:
Genres
Structure – you can’t live without it
Dialogue - what makes it work
Theme- what is it and how to make it great
Heroes and opponents
Writing great characters
How to begin. How to continue.
Week two: Breaking down the first act of a film
Why people get stuck
The job of the scene
The job of the character
Screenwriting template #1
Week three: Breaking down a second act of a film
Screenwriting template #2
Why it's not "working"
Finding your ending
How to hone in on your best story
Week four: Breaking down the third act of a film.
Screenwriting template #3
How to go from idea to finished script
Cards – what they are and how to use them
Establishing a writing routine you can stick to.
John Hindman is a writer/director whose script “The Dream of the Romans” was included on Hollywood’s famous Black List. He is the writer and director of the Sundance Grand Jury Prize Nominee “The Answer Man” starring Jeff Daniels and Lauren Graham. He is the writer/director of The Passing Parade which won multiple prizes at festivals and was the opening night Film at The Boston Film Festival. John’s screenplay "Unstoppable" was produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artist’s Equity with William Goldenberg directing. The film stars Jennifer Lopez, Jharell Jerome, Bobby Cannavale, Don Cheadle and Michael Pena and is set to be released late 2024. John has written for studios, producers, as well as television as a staff writer for NBC/ Universal for Gary Sanchez Productions. John’s script “Savage” will go before cameras in 2025 and he’s just finished his latest screenplay “A Bright and Guilty Place”.
