How to Write a Flawless Horror Script - 4 Part Class
Other education that may be of interest to you:
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.
Masters of Craft: The Oscar Winning Writer of The King’s Speech Teaches the Art and Business of Screenwriting
Learn the craft and business of screenwriting from David Seidler, the Academy Award winning screenwriter of THE KING'S SPEECH starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush PLUS! You'll receive a copy of David's script for THE KING'S SPEECH! A career as a screenwriter can be both highly rewarding and immensely challenging. You’re not only working on the story and structure of your script, but you’re also constantly figuring out the structure and path of your career. Approaching your script and lifelong career are actually quite similar. When you’re writing a scene you need to continually ask yourself “does this scene move my story forward in a meaningful way?” The same applies to the choices you make in your career. The most prolific and successful screenwriters tend to simultaneously hone their craft and career trajectory in tandem. However, how can you work on your screenwriting craft and manage a career as a screenwriter to maximize your success? What elements of the craft of screenwriting should you pay most attention to as you’re starting off and what career decisions should you make that will prove fruitful for your future? How can you build a screenplay and make career choices that will bring you the most creative fulfillment and success? In this exclusive Stage 32 on-demand webinar, Academy Award winning screenwriter David Seidler will take you through the fundamentals of screenwriting to elevate your work as well as the best ways to plan your lifelong screenwriting career. David will walk you through specific choices he made in his Oscar winning screenplay for THE KING’S SPEECH, including story and scene structure, character development and arcs, dialogue choices, and more. You will learn how David approached his writing process for THE KING’S SPEECH and how the artistic and professional choices he made led to him winning the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. David will then walk you through how to navigate your career as a screenwriter and the importance of knowing your destination before you start your journey - in both your script and your career. This webinar is an incredibly unique and rare opportunity to learn the art and business of screenwriting from a master of his craft. Don’t miss the chance to learn from one of the top writers in the industry! PLUS! David will provide you with an exclusive copy of the award winning screenplay for THE KING’S SPEECH that you can use to help hone your screenwriting and storytelling craft. Praise For David's Screenwriting "David Seidler beautifully wove the complexities of the human condition with laughter, heartache and even madness - all for the sake of storytelling." - Rotten Tomatoes "The King’s Speech, written by David Seidler, is moving, informative, and easily engages a broad audience." - Script Magazine
The Four Steps To A TV Series Order: From Concept To Green Light
4-PART IN-DEPTH CLASS (OVER 8 HOURS OF EDUCATION) Learn from John Lehr, a top showrunner who's worked with Hulu, Sony, TBS, Norman Lear, the creators of FRIENDS, and more! Plus! John leads a mock network executive meeting! When you have an idea for a TV show, the goal is always to have it "ordered to series" so you can see it on air and have a large audience experience it. However, in order to actually get your show onto air and see it on TV, you need to be prepared and know everything that goes into not only developing and selling a series but how to navigate it all the way to an actual series order. Whether you’re a brand new writer, an experienced producer, or someone working their way up the ladder, the big question is always: How do I develop my show and make it stand out so that it can sell and get a series order? In this exclusive Stage 32 on-demand class, television series creator and showrunner John Lehr will teach you the entire journey from crafting a stand-out idea to selling your show to developing it with a streamer or network and, ultimately, getting the green light for a first season production order. Over four intensive sessions, John will take you through the steps of developing and producing a marketable show. You'll start by nurturing your concept into a well rounded show idea and then learning the best way to package it, pitch it, sell it and navigate the development steps with your distributor to get a first season order. John will teach you how to work with network executives to achieve your goals in a way that they also achieve theirs. John has successfully created, pitched, sold, and executive produced shows for TBS, Hulu, and Sony/Crackle. He has also created and produced pilots for Fox and Comedy Central and has pitched, sold and developed shows for HBO, NBC, MTV, and Sony/BBC. Along the way, he's worked with legendary television creators, including Norman Lear (ALL IN THE FAMILY) and FRIENDS' creators Kevin Bright, David Crane, and Marta Kauffman. Plus, John will lead a mock network meeting so you can be best prepared to work with executives and take the best advantage of your opportunities. John is sharing his 25 years of entertainment business experience with you exclusively through Stage 32. This is a rare opportunity to learn from a top showrunner to see how professional television series creators take their ideas all the way to your television screen. Testimonials from John's Previous Stage 32 Education: "John was energetic and very positive and encouraging. I appreciated his perspective and advice." "John is great - emphasizing the sizzle reel was very helpful to hear." "[John's] information about the pitch deck, sizzle, and experiences were incredibly helpful."
A Modern Approach: Creative Ways to Base Your Film or TV Project Off of IP
Intellectual property (IP) has become a critical aspect in creating new content and selling projects within the film and television landscape. At this point it’s almost feels like a prerequisite for a project to be tied to some sort of pre-existing property before it’s picked up by a studio or network. Whether it’s a book, graphic novel, podcast, article, life rights, or anything else, IP can give executives the confidence they need to move forward with that next show or movie. After all, with IP, they have a working blueprint of how the finished product could look, they have a built-in audience with the fans of the original property, and they have something substantial to show talent, investors, and the higher-ups looking at the bottom line. This inclination towards IP can make it harder for you as a writer or filmmaker to sell a fully original project, but at the same time it can give you opportunities to better build, package, and sell your next project. If you can find and acquire exciting new IP, you’re going to have a distinct upper-hand in getting people to notice your project and are well on your way to it actually getting made. There’s no denying the value of IP in today’s industry, but navigating this world can take some finesse. If you’re not in the business of constantly tracking and consuming new books and media, it might be hard to come across that property that is perfectly suited to you. And even if you find that standout book or article, how do you get the rights to it in the first place? How can you get that original author to trust you? For the writers and filmmakers not interested in adapting existing material, creating your own IP could be an effective solution, but what does that even mean? Those who are understanding and embracing this new concept of creating your own IP have a major competitive advantage in selling their scripts right now. It’s high time you learn what you need to know about IP in today’s climate. Alex Creasia is a literary manager and producer at Pathfinder Media where he represents writers and directors around the globe, focusing on all formats of TV, film, books, podcasts and digital media. He has sold multiple properties for his clients based on all different types of IP to places like Netflix, Amazon, HBO, ABC, Freeform, Disney +, Marvel, MGM, Imagine Entertainment, AGBO, Facebook Watch, Snap, and more. Alex has become an innovator when it comes to sourcing and creating IP for scripts that big companies want to buy. Alex will teach you all the ins and outs of finding and obtaining intellectual property to position your next project for success. He will begin by giving a rundown of what IP is and the three typical types seen in entertainment. He’ll then provide you with specific and helpful tips to find available IP that’s right for you and what to do if it turns out the property you’re after is unavailable. He’ll then discuss idea of creating your own IP in order to better sell your story as a film or series and how to enhance your IP by finding it a following in order to give it more clout and notice. Finally Alex will delve into the world of life rights and the different ways you can get permission to tell a real person’s story.You will have plenty of fresh, modern and unique IP options to make your project more marketable in today’s climate. Praise for Alex's Webinar: "Informative! A good presentation!" -Susan D. "This gave me so many ideas of how to get my current project noticed" -Regina G. "Alex made something I always thought of as scary and impossible feel easy and achievable. I'm so glad I saw this" -Jeff E. "I feel totally inspired to find my own IP now. Thanks, Alex!" -Jose G.
The Pitch Tank Webcast with Special Guest Literary Manager Mike Diaz
During this webcast, the Writers' Room welcomes special guest, Literary Manager Mike Diaz of The Coronel Group to critique members' pitches. The Coronel Group is a literary and talent management company based in LA that has a roster of A-List Actors, including Alan Tudyk (Disney Animated Films), Adan Gillen ("GAME OF THRONES"), and Robert Patrick (TERMINATOR -franchise). Mike focusses on project development for Coronel Group's screenwriters and directors through the literary division. Mike has over 10 years of experience representing Actors, writers, and Directors, and he had some excellent insights for those members who pitched. This month we heard pitches for television and features, including a Thriller, Drama, Coming-of-Age story, and more! And two members had their scripts requested by Mike after the session!
Pitch Like a Pro: Tools for Any Scenario
Learn everything you need to know to nail your pith from a writer/producer who has multiple shows on The CW! You’re a writer. Your work is entertaining, informative, thought provoking — heck, it’s even clever. You dream of tapping away on your lap-top in a cabin, sending off your material to a publisher or a producer, and collecting your check from the mail-box in the evening before pouring yourself a glass of Malbec red wine and walking your dog by a river. It’s a beautiful dream. But the reality is, no matter how good your writing is, no matter how brilliant your ideas are — if you’re ever going to have that cabin, not to mention enough cash to cover dog food every month, you have to know how to pitch well. In this Stage 32 Webinar, TV Writer/Producer Charlie Charbonneau (CW shows: The Secret Circle, The Vampire Diaries, and its spin-off The Originals) will teach you how to successfully pitch your ideas as a writer. You’ll learn about the many different scenarios where you’ll have to translate that spectacular idea in your brain to someone who’s never heard it before. This webinar will lay out the rudimentary yet vital skills used by the pros to win over the show-runners, buyers, and agents. You’ll hear about the nitty gritty do’s and don’ts of pitching in places like the TV Writers Room, a studio or network executive’s office, and at lunch with the agent or manager you’ve been dying to meet with. Also, Charlie will be giving you tips on how to nail your 8-minute pitch so you can take advantage of the Stage 32 Script Services pitch sessions offered every week. He'll guide you through how to start, cultivate interest, and leave the executives wanting more. He'll not only cover live pitching but how to deliver a superb written pitch! You will get to examine the biggest enemies to a great pitch — fear and anxiety — and strategies to neutralize them so you can keep your cool. And, of course, those who tune in will get to catch some horrific pitch fails from the trenches of TV staff writing. Writers in any medium and at every experience level will benefit from this webinar — from novices to experts. And anyone else looking to hone their sales tactics in the entertainment industry or elsewhere will walk away with strategies to bring their pitch games to the next level. PRAISE FOR CHARLIE'S TEACHINGS: "The pitching webinar was fantastic. Every I was dotted every T crossed. It helped me to really understand the process than to be afraid of it. I still have lots more work and practicing to do, but it was great. Thank you." -- Mindy G "Great real life examples - much appreciated!" -- Paul B.
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