4 Steps to Writing Your Feature Film First Draft
Other education that may be of interest to you:
Screenwriting Level 2: 8 Weeks To A Completed Screenplay
Payment plans available - contact edu@stage32.com for details ***Limited Class Size - Only 12 Spots Remain*** Spots guaranteed first to AZ's Level 1 students Do you struggle with writer’s block? Do you feel like your script meanders or struggles to find momentum? Do you wish you had a group to support you or a professional to guide you who knows what they’re talking about? Level up your writing and leave behind these everyday struggles in this exclusive Stage 32 lab. Here, you’ll conquer common roadblocks while building your storytelling muscle as you complete the first draft of a feature or television pilot script. Over eight sessions, you’ll take a deep dive into these crucial screenwriting lessons and apply them to your own script. You’re not simply going through three-act structure like every other screenwriting book. You’re taking a deep dive into looking at scripts in a new light so that every aspect of your story is strong, including: How to shape the world of your story How to analyze and break down produced scripts and films Planting breadcrumbs, payoffs, and twists Character motivations Ensuring you set the stakes What makes an ending satisfying for the audience How to pitch your script And more And you’ll do all of this while studying great scripts and taking home assignments as you continue writing your script. Taking you on your own hero’s journey is AZ Yeamen, a writer and consultant who has sold nearly every script she’s ever written, and now she’s giving writers an incredible crash course in screenwriting based on her years of industry experience. AZ has become the go-to for revisions, doctoring, whipping stories into shape, and pitch packages for Netflix, TVOne, Aspire TV, UMC Streaming, Bounce TV, and independent production companies. She most recently served as a Story Editor on Covenant for AMC's ALLBLK. AZ’s students have sold projects to networks and won numerous screenwriting competitions. With limited spots available, you’re guaranteed hands-on guidance and an interactive experience with AZ. But these spots are first available to those who have taken her Level 1 lab, and before opening up to everyone else. By the end of eight sessions, you will have a first draft script. And you’ll also have connections built with your fellow writers, a daily writing practice to continue developing your voice, and a new grasp of screenwriting to apply throughout your career. Testimonials from AZ's previous Stage 32 Education: "First and foremost, AZ is AMAZING! The information provided, the examples, the illustrations, the assignments were all geared towards equipping us to become great script writers. I MUST take the course again. Nothing but applause for AZ and her style of teaching." - Chris S. "If you’re someone like me who keeps saying they want to be a writer, this is the place to start taking that seriously. AZ is informative and fast-paced, encouraging you to rise to the occasion with every assignment." - Rachel C.
Master Screenwriting Basics Certification
"Great screenwriting is never heard, never read, it's felt." - AZ Yeamen Get Your Master Screenwriting Basics Certification Exclusively Through Stage 32 Keeping you on the cutting-edge of the entertainment industry, because we are the global online resource for creative professionals. Spots Filled, if you would like to join in 2022 please contact edu@stage32.com! Ready to master your craft? Learn elite screenwriting fundamentals, in-depth story analysis strategies, writing techniques and more. Stage 32’s online Master Screenwriting Basics Certification was designed for creative professionals looking to expand their knowledge to expert level by studying screenwriting course materials and taking our certification online. When earning a Master Screenwriting Basics Certification and becoming a certified screenwriter, choosing the right training is essential. You've found the right place. A Master Screenwriting Basics Certification from Stage 32 can help you expand your screenwriting career. In 16 weeks over this 14-session course with 2 creative weeks for your own writing, you will be using a proven technique designed for emerging writers to rise above the pack. This certification contains functional skills to develop your craft with pacing, authentic storytelling, building your writing muscle, and basics of screenwriting. You will learn not only the techniques to step ahead of the pack with your writing, but you will also be working on perfecting your own writing technique. Stage 32 is the worldwide leader in entertainment industry education and is a marketplace that connects creators with content producers. After you finish your certification you will earn an exclusive Stage 32 Certificate and Stage 32 will provide you resources to help take your new skills into the professional marketplace, including a career development meeting with an industry professional. Get certified from a leading industry expert. AZ Yeaman has sold nearly every script she's ever written. She has become the go-to for revisions, doctoring, whipping stories into shape, and pitch packages for Netflix, TVOne, Aspire TV, UMC Streaming, Bounce TV, and independent production companies. Most recently, she served as a Story Editor on Covenant on AMC's ALLBLK. AZ is passionate and focused, with a granite-hard work ethic. She focuses not only on pursuing and developing her career in script/story development but also on fostering exciting, new talent. Every day is an opportunity to do more, learn more. She's an admitted lifelong student, an absorber of sights, sounds, and sensations that make her a natural-born writer. AZ brings heart, energy, and clarity of vision to story development and screenwriting projects. Her students have created concepts in class, outlined, drafted, written, rewritten, and sold projects to networks. Ready to take the next step? Our master screenwriting certification was designed by entertainment industry professionals for entertainment industry professionals to help you succeed. For less than $100 a week you will become a certified screenwriter and be given the tools you need to enter the professional market exlusively through Stage 32. PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 certification course is limited to 10 people and will be booked on a first come, first served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with an expert in the field is an incredibly unique and valuable opportunity. If you are interested, please book quickly. Once the spots are gone, they’re gone for good.
Write Your Professional Feature or One-Hour Script Outline in 8 Weeks
A New Lab for Stage 32 Writers! Payment Plans Available - Contact edu@stage32.com For More Information Only 3 Spots Still Available - Don't Miss Out Your chance to be mentored by a professional writer who has worked with Netflix, TVOne, Aspire TV, AMC, Bounce TV, and more. Write your feature or television pilot outline in 8 weeks while being mentored by a professional screenwriter and script consultant! Screenwriting is often described as a solitary craft. Many writers embrace this option, but we've got a better option for you to explore your narrative work. In this exclusive Stage 32 lab, you'll work with a professional screenwriter to learn every aspect of screenwriting story structure and put it into practice as you write your own feature film or television pilot outline in 8 weeks. The eight-sequence structure taught in this lab is used widely in the industry. The writers who live and breathe this structure are some of the most creative working writers as they instinctively understand the framework, allowing their minds to focus on the emotional journey of the characters and find innovative ways to tell their stories. Outlining is a crucial step in the development process when working with executives and representation, who often must approve an outline before the writer can start writing their script. Over eight sessions, you and a group of passionate screenwriters will dive deep into screenwriting structure, focusing on one sequence each week, and applying what you've learned to your script's professional outline throughout the lab. You'll cover world-building, character dimensionality, pacing techniques, and more along the way. Taking you through story structure is AZ Yeamen, a writer and consultant who has sold nearly every script she’s ever written, and now she’s giving writers an incredible crash course in screenwriting based on her years of industry experience. AZ has become the go-to for revisions, doctoring, whipping stories into shape, and pitch packages for Netflix, TVOne, Aspire TV, UMC Streaming, Bounce TV, and independent production companies. She most recently served as a Story Editor on Covenant for AMC's ALLBLK. AZ has mentored countless up-and-coming writers, and her students have sold projects to networks and won numerous screenwriting competitions. With limited spots available, you’re guaranteed hands-on guidance and an interactive experience with AZ. These spots are first-come, first-serve, so don't miss out on working with AZ and walk away with a strong outline and a better understanding of how working writers structure their scripts. PRAISE FOR AZ'S PREVIOUS STAGE 32 EDUCATION: "If you’re someone like me who keeps saying they want to be a writer, this is the place to start taking that seriously. AZ is informative and fast-paced, encouraging you to rise to the occasion with every assignment." -- Rachel Cuyler "First and foremost, AZ is AMAZING! The information provided, the examples, the illustrations, the assignments were all geared towards equipping us to become great script writers. I MUST take the course again. Nothing but applause for AZ and her style of teaching." -- Chris Strickland
Breaking Down the Casting Process: How An Actor Wins the Role
There are a wide array of audition classes, books, and online resources that provide important actor insight and audition technique and etiquette. However, very few actors or industry professionals have an understanding of how the entire casting process works. If you're an actor, you may focused on winning the room. If you're a filmmaker, you may be focused on finding the best performance the quickest way possible. If you're a producer you may be focused on getting the best talent to bring audition to your package. Either way, every person involved with the project controls an important piece of the overall puzzle. If you're an actor it's important that you understand how the entire casting process works so you can build champions, win the room and book more work. If you're a filmmaker or producer, it's important that you understand the casting timeline to prepare for pre-production. Have you ever wondered what happens behind closed casting office doors, both before and after an audition? This is crucial information that helps you determine how you can best contribute to the overall casting puzzle. You need to understand project breakdowns, actor submissions, audition scheduling and director callbacks. You will need insight as to why one actor may be selected to audition over another and you’ll also need to know about the many factors that determine which actors advance in the casting process and ultimately book the role. Marin Hope, CSA is a Los Angeles native and LA-based casting director, who won the 2020 Artios Award for Casting. Marin works alongside Heidi Levitt, casting film, television, commercial, theatre and New Media projects. Some casting credits include HBO's BESSIE starring Queen Latifah, Mo’Nique, Michael K. Williams and Mike Epps, AMERICAN MADE, starring Tom Cruise and Domhnall Gleeson, COMPLETE UNKNOWN, starring Michael Shannon and Rachel Weisz, HOMELAND, starring Claire Danes, THE LAST WORD, starring Shirley MacLaine and Amanda Seyfried, KINGS, starring Halle Berry and Daniel Craig, Bad Samaritan starring David Tennant and Robert Sheehan, WHO WILL WRITE OUR HISTORY, starring Joan Allen and Adrien Brody, and most recently MOLLY, Javier Bardem, Elle Fanning, Chris Rock, Laura Linney and Salma Hayek, which is currently in post-production. Marin has cast hundreds of actors in film, TV, theatre and commercial projects and is back exclusively on Stage 32 to detail the casting director’s process, beginning to end. Marin will walk through the entire casting process from her perspective as an accomplished casting director. She’ll begin by discussing project and character breakdowns, how they’re composed, what details are included, and the various forums and databases these breakdowns are posted. She’ll go over what details actors should not before submitting to a role and how to know ahead of time if you’re right for the role. She’ll teach you how to submit yourself for a role or how to get your agent or manager to do so. Marin will give you an inside look into how casting directors sort through actor submissions to choose who to audition and what elements will help a casting director notice and choose you. Next, Marin will discuss how casting directors schedule actor auditions, how many actors are generally schedule in a single day and what you should do as an actor if you’re unavailable for your audition date or time. She will delve into the process of 1st call auditions, who is typically in the room, what you should expect, how you should prepare, and what the casting director’s process is after a day of 1st call auditions. She will also give you a peek into who views your 1st call audition tapes. Marin will then similarly outline callback auditions, how they work, how they differ from 1st call auditions, and how decisions are made at this stage. Next she will talk about 2nd callbacks, chemistry reads, and test shoots, including how best to prepare for these, how decisions are made at this stage, and what to expect for a test shoot. She’ll delve into what it means to be “put on avail” and how to navigate when you’re “on avail” and when to know if you are “released” or have been booked for the job. Finally Marin will discuss the ultimate step of booking talent, including how you will know if you booked the job, what the process looks like from the casting director’s perspective after getting the green light to book talent, and how you should communicate with the casting office throughout. You’ll learn all of this from an esteemed casting director's perspective, which will give you a unique and valuable understanding of how projects are cast. Praise for Marin’s Past Stage 32 Webinar: Well, done. There are several things I learned which I will incorporate in future auditions. Thanks so much, Marin. -Joseph H. I thought I was just going to revisit what I already know, but Marin brought forth valuable new information. -Michele C. Clear, professional, informative presentation. Thank you!! -Pamela F. I think Marin's webinar is excellent and covered everything that an actor would want or need. I like her no nonsense approach. Takes a lot of the fear factor away. -Sondra C.
Common Hurdles in Film Pre-Production and Production and How to Overcome Them
At times, the complications that can arise in the pre-production and production processes seem to come out of nowhere. This is especially true when the best laid, most regimented plans concerning budget, cast, and the creative process are upended. Filmmakers are often left wondering about the root of these issues, and whether or not they could have been prevented. This webinar will address how to tackle common hurdles in pre-production and production when identified early on…and how to roll with the punches when you’re blindsided. Some of the most common issues that can plague productions result from a lack of planning. To this end, the importance of having a top-notch line producer for your project, thoroughly researching the professional reputations of your cast and financiers, and maintaining open lines of communication with your director and writer cannot be overstated. Entering into a project blindly, being unrealistic about shooting schedules and financial constraints, or a disconnect between you and a filmmaker will only bog down (or shut down) production. Bottom line: preparation and research will save you money and aggravation. And on the occasion that you’re faced with an issue out of your control (be it inclement weather on set or an MIA actor), an ability to adapt, problem-solve, and then move on is key. Bradley Gallo is the Chief Creative Officer for Amasia Entertainment, and a guest blogger in the Stage 32 community. Helmed by the former president and COO of Marvel Studios, Michael Helfant, Amasia has emerged as one of the top production companies in the industry today. Bradley and Gerard Butler are the producers behind the 2019 Official Sundance Selection THEM THAT FOLLOW, which was acquired by SONY, as well as films like THE CALL (Halle Berry, Abigail Breslin), and MR. RIGHT (Anna Kendrick, Sam Rockwell). Amasia Entertainment is a production, finance and management company based in Los Angeles. Amasia is currently in pre-production on FATE, written by Gary Whitta (ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY, BOOK OF ELI). Through Bradley's career, he has seen it all and knows how to navigate all hurdles on set. Bradley will take you through the common pre-production hurdles you will go through when making a film including when you lose key elements like money, talent, your director or a location. He'll talk about how to communicate with representation for talent. In addition, he will go over on-set production hurdles you'll face, as well, including when a director loses control of a set, when an actor goes missing or dealing with difficult talent. He'll go over what happens when you run out of money while filmmaking, what happens when you get hit with unexpected fines and how to work with multiple producers and financiers on set. And, he'll even help you understand how to deal with issues out of your control like weather, injuries, and more. This is an immersive deep dive into how to prevent problems not before they arise, but so they never arise so that your production stays on track, on time, on budget and with the entire cast and crew focused on the job at hand. Praise for Bradley's Previous Stage 32 Webinars: "Bradley is no bullsh*t. He is real, down to earth and tells it like it is. He is proof that anything is possible if you put the work into it" - Stan S. "Bradley is creative in his approach and that's refreshing!" - Samantha R. "Keep bringing Bradley back, please. He's one of the most honest voices I've come across in my 10+ years in the business." - Martin C. "I could listen to Bradley teach all day. He's straight to the point, fun, and inspiring. He makes me believe anything is possible." Melanie L.
How to Master Story Structure for your Horror Screenplay - With Case Studies of FRIDAY THE 13TH and HAPPY DEATH DAY
If you’re a horror writer, you may have tons of great set pieces you can’t wait to terrify audiences with, but unless those pages are compelling and maintain the readers interest, your script will remain just a collection of words. The first priority of ANY writer, horror or otherwise, is storytelling. Before you make a classic horror film, you’ll need an effective and readable screenplay. Horror movies are no exception to the importance of structure. It’s not just about terrifying the audience; it’s most importantly about telling a story. The story is what makes us care about the characters and the hell they are about to go through. You could have the most original scares imaginable, but if we don’t care about the story then we won’t care about the characters who have to endure those horror set pieces. Most importantly, without elements of structure, a producer may stop reading your screenplay. If that happens, it’s highly unlikely they’ll be interested in making your film. So how do successful horror screenplays nail story structure? What are the major pitfalls most horror writers fall into and what can you do to make your script stand out from the rest? David Ian McKendry is a professional screenwriter, script consultant, and script doctor who has worked for Universal, Blumhouse, Lifetime Networks, and The Hallmark Channel as well as numerous independent production companies. He began working in the entertainment industry as a video producer and writer for Fangoria Entertainment before later putting together his own horror films, including ALL THE CREATURES WERE STIRRING, starring Constance Wu (CRAZY RICH ASIANS). Through his own experiences writing and producing horror films as well as fixing other writers’ scripts and teaching screenwriting and production to countless students and aspiring filmmakers, David has a keen sense of what makes a script successful in the horror genre and will be sharing what he knows exclusively with the Stage 32 community. David will dive deep into how to write and structure an effective horror screenplay. He will begin by first teaching you what the horror industry looks like today, how to find work within it and what sort of horror trends are important to note right now. He’ll then break down effective structure in horror, including dissecting the cold open, Act One, Act Two and Act Three. David will conclude by providing tips on what to do with your script after you’ve written and re-written it to get it out into the world and find the attention it needs. David will be using the screenplays for 1980’s FRIDAY THE 13TH and 2017’s HAPPY DEATH DAY as case studies as he continues to break down horror film structure. Everyone who signs up for this webinar will receive these screenplays to download for free.
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