SECOND Time In The USA...
NAKED SCREENWRITING *
CLASS SCHEDULE
* No actual nudity required or encouraged
April 18th - OPENING NIGHT
The historic Biltmore Hotel in North Shore Tahoe has recently been seen in the movie THE DEEP END. When you arrive Friday, after checking into your room you'll be given free breakfast coupons, and a coupon for a free glass of wine by the hotel fireplace (good from 5-7pm). After you get settled, you may want to redeem that wine coupon and meet other class members.
At 7pm we will screen a feature film (on DVD) that will be used as a primary example during the seminar, there will be a discussion afterwards. We'll also use the film as a primary example during the class. Don't worry if you arrive late, we'll have film clips in the class.
The class workbook and other materials will be available at the screening - but will be offically handed out on Saturday morning. The workbook is over 125 pages packed with information, from a class outline to assignments you can do at home to improve your screenwriting to additional materials that will not be covered in the class. The workbook contains exclusive materials that are ONLY available to participants of the Naked Screenwriting Class and can be found nowhere else. You will also receive a copy of the screenplay of the film we viewed Friday night, and some bonus materials (free copies of Script Magazine, etc).
(Arrive by 5:00 pm Friday and the Biltmore Hotel will automaticallty enter you in their Kino Sweepstakes.)
DAY 1, April 19, 9am - 6pm - FOUNDATIONS
Who wants to read a well written script with a boring idea? Movie ideas, novel ideas, stage play ideas - can you tell the difference? How to use magnification to create stories that are high concept yet personal. The connection between plot and character. Pacing your script - do you have enough story? Backstory and foreshadowing. Structural freaks. How theme connects all of the elements in your script. Examples will include LIAR LIAR, THE MATRIX and MEMENTO.
- 15 fresh places to find great script ideas.
- Finding the RIGHT idea for your script.
- High Concept is MY concept - a story you are passionate about that producers will be passionate about.
- Growing story from character... or character from story
- Creating story and character from concept - how to find and use theme.
- The 10 critical elements of any story.
- Structure: traditional 3 Acts to Structural Freaks.
- 7 alternate structures for your screenplay.
- How the traditional 3 Act structure REALLY works - why it's been used for over 2,400 years.
- Using 3 Act structure to tell non-traditional stories like MEMENTO and RUN, LOLA, RUN.
- 10 techniques to create and strengthen your Act 2.- 7 popular methods to outline your script... and why you should outline.
- 5 techniques to improve pacing... and why pacing is critical to every screenplay.
- Emotional and physical conflict - why you need both!
- Story form: linear, non-linear, flashbacks, voice overs, mysteries, more.
- 12 ways to make your lead character likeable.
- The 3 best techniques to make your protagonists three-dimensional.
- 20 character building techniques for protagonists.
Even though we won't have an organized dinner Saturday night, you're encouraged to network with other class members in the hotel restaurant - share a table! The hotel's restaurant has a great prime rib dinner for only $6.95. The hotel may have a live band in their lounge on Saturday night, and there's a sports bar, too. Oh, yeah - it's the Nevada side of Tahoe so there's gambling - the hotel has a full casino.
DAY 2, April 20, 9am - 5pm - ADVANCED TECHNIQUES
A good script emotionally involves the reader. I'll show you how to involve the audience by using reversals, suspense, and plot twists. How to create audience participation through choices. You'll learn ten ways to create interesting scenes we've never seen before. Transitions. Heighten drama by using contrast. How to use slang, jargon, subtext, banter and non-verbal dialog. Demonstration, symbolism, leitmotifs, and other ways to tell stories with pictures. How to sell your script - the difference between agents and managers. Finding the right producer for your screenplay. Examples will include ROAD WARRIOR, VERTIGO, and THE GODFATHER PART 2.
- Your first 10 pages: hooks, lures, kickers, string theory.
- 6 basic ways to start your screenplay - the opening scene.
- The 12 critical elements of your first ten pages - do you have them all?
- Visual characterization and visual story telling - 12 tools you can use today!
- Over 20 techniques for writing great description.
- How to get the shot you want - without "directing on paper".
- Techniques to make your description exciting to read.
- 5 ways to remove OTN (on the nose) dialogue.
- Over 20 techniques to make your dialogue sing.
- Creating distinctive speech patterns for each character.
- 5 ways to create original dialogue... by making up your own words!
- 15 techniques for creating and strengthening scenes.
- Transitions - when to use them, how to create them.
- Vivid supporting characters and the subplot prism.
- 10 character building techniques for supporting characters - how to make them individual and memorable.
- 14 types of endings for your screenplay - which is best for YOUR script?
- 5 critical elements that ALL screenplay endings need.
- 4 techniques for exploding cliches.
- Polishing and preparing your script for market - 30 rewrite tips!
- 25 methods to build your career... things you can do TODAY!
- What does Hollywood want? Writing scripts that sell.
At the end of class you'll get some bonus materials - a copy of a current hot screenplay and some other cool stuff. Then we'll all say our goodbyes and grab the airport shuttle.
Want a brochure and registration form? E-mail me your address after November 1, 2002: Send Me A Registration Form!
(online registration and credit card payments will be available after January 1, 2003)
REGISTER PAYMENT METHODS GETTING THERE GO FREE! WHO SHOULD ATTEND INSTRUCTOR
copyright 2002 by William C. Martell
