Professional Screenwriting workshop
There are two essential skill sets required for screenwriting success:
The ability to write scenes that grab a reader’s attention and make them want to keep reading; and the ability to sequence those scenes into the most compelling order (story structure). These skills are not equal.
The first skill is far more important than the second one.
Many writers believe they already write sufficiently strong scenes, characters and dialogue, and that if they could only get better at story structure they’d be able to write professional-level scripts. Unfortunately, this is too often not the case.
I recently met a producer who received 116 script submissions from writers at a pitch fest. He read the first scene or two of each script, but would only continue reading if those scenes were compelling and well written. I asked how many scripts he read beyond the first couple of scenes?
He said only two.
Which means he tossed 114 of the 116 scripts after only a few pages.
The single most important skill required for success is the ability to write original, powerful, and compelling scenes. If a writer can’t consistently do that, all the story structure in the world won’t save them. Without this ability, a writer simply has no shot.
PROFESSIONAL SCREENWRITING WORKSHOP
In this intensive eight-week workshop, writers analyze highly successful scenes and sequences as well as complete weekly writing assignments for review in a challenging, yet supportive learning environment. Focusing on emotional context, narrative intensity, high-impact pacing, set-ups, builds and pay-offs, participants develop the techniques necessary to conceive, write, and edit professional-caliber scenes essential for any successful screenplay.
Participants will also learn and develop the screenwriting skill sets required for long-term success—writing in clear and compelling cinematic conflict, strengthening and integrating conceptual and intuitive approaches, developing effective writing processes and rewriting at a professional-level.
COST
$475. Participants may pay by check or credit card.
LOCATION
The Professional Screenwriting Workshop is offered online using multi-video conference technology allowing participants to see and hear each other in real time. Writers have attended this workshop from across the US, Europe, Australia, Canada, and South Africa.
For writers living in Los Angeles, the Professional Screenwriting Workshop is offered at the Writers Junction, located at 1001 Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica. Writers Junction members receive a $50 discount on the Workshop.
ENROLLMENT
New workshop sessions tend to sell out within a few days of being announced. Enrollment priority is given to writers on the Workshop Interest List. To put yourself on this list, or if you have questions, please email Lisa Mulcaster at lisa@coreymandell.net
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Corey Mandell is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter who has written projects for Ridley Scott, Wolfgang Petersen, Harrison Ford, John Travolta, Warner Brothers, Universal, 20th Century Fox, Fox 2000, Fox Family, Working Title, Paramount, Live Planet, Beacon Films, Touchstone, Trilogy, Radiant, and Walt Disney Pictures.
Corey is also a distinguished instructor at UCLA, where he earned his MFA. His students have gone on to sell or option scripts to Warner Brothers, Paramount, Sony Pictures, Disney, Fox, Fox 2000, Universal, Showtime, USA Network and Lifetime. Others have gained admission to the USC Graduate Screenwriting Program, the AFI Conservatory Screenwriting Program and Sundance Screenwriter’s Lab.
