"Great screenwriting is never heard, never read, it's felt."

- AZ Yeamen

Get Your Master Screenwriting Basics Certification Exclusively Through Stage 32

Only 3 spots left—limited to just 10 students!

Keeping you on the cutting-edge of the entertainment industry, because we are the global online resource for creative professionals.

Ready to master your craft?

Stage 32’s Extended Lab: Learn All The Fundamentals Of Screenwriting In 16 Weeks was designed for beginner creative professionals looking to expand their knowledge to expert level by studying screenwriting course materials and taking our extensive online course. When learning the fundamentals of screenwriting, choosing the right training is essential.

A comprehensive understanding of screenwriting fundamentals will not only improve your writing but will also 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. You will learn 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.

Get trained from a leading industry expert.

AZ Yeamen 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?

This comprehensive course was designed by entertainment industry professionals for entertainment industry professionals to help you succeed. For less than $100 a week you will become a knowledgeable screenwriter and be given the tools you need to enter the professional market exclusively through Stage 32.

CLASS LEARNING GOALS:

Anticipate an atmosphere of collaboration. Part One focuses on the fundamentals of script writing, encompassing basics, story essentials, character development, and dialogue, analyzed through masterworks.

Objective: Writers should proficiently recognize and implement concepts from class discussions in contemporary works.

Part Two is the practical application of these concepts. By week eight, participants are expected to have a logline for their individual projects.

Objective: Enable writers to effectively apply acquired script writing principles by guiding them through the development of a compelling logline for their personal projects by the eighth week.

This interactive Stage 32 lab is held on Zoom and goes substantially more in depth than a Stage 32 webinar. And, if you can't make a live session, don't worry! All class recordings will be available 48 hours after each session and you will be able to view them in your Library on your Stage 32 profile. Finally, you can expand your network with like-minded creatives - you'll have a dedicated lounge for interactive support and discussions with your fellow classmates!

PLEASE NOTE: This 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.

Testimonials from AZ's previous Stage 32 Courses:

"First and foremost, AZ is AMAZING! The information provided, the examples, the illustrations, the assignments were all geared towards equipping us to become great scriptwriters. I MUST take the course again. Nothing but applause for AZ and her style of teaching." -- Chris S

"Not only does AZ know her stuff, but she articulates it very well. I highly recommend working with her no matter what stage your project is at. She'll work with you to take it from good to great." -- Alyssa B.

"AZ is truly the best teacher I've ever had. She's not just a talented writer, but a great teacher who really cares about her students. I can't recommend her certification course enough!" -- Laura L.

PART ONE: THE FUNDAMENTALS OF SCREENWRITING (8 Sessions)

Following each class lecture, there will be a group breakout session (if time permits). It is essential to attend in person for optimal benefit from the 16-week course. Exceeding two instances of non-attendance is not allowed.

Week 1 – Introduction, Method, and Screenwriting Basics

The best way to start script writing is to know which format - TV or Film meets a writer's strengths by understanding the history. Knowing the history of a craft grounds the craftsperson in its true intention. We will discuss the differences when writing intense visuals versus dialogue-heavy mediums, character's journey versus development, and finding the path using a unique method I call - "Character Spectrum."

• Brief history of film and TV writing
• Script Formatting
• The base elements of a script
• Find your Character's journey (using spectrum).
• Q&A

Handouts: How to make your words sing. Learn how and when to use script writing emphasis in dialogue. It's not what you say, and it's how the emphasis is written.

Assignments:

• Story Analyze

Week 2 – Story Foundations + Character Development

The adage in storytelling goes, there are two types of story entrances – someone leaving town or someone new to town. This week's class will review the definition of story, choosing the proper arc type to best convey your story, obligatory scenes that are must-haves within specific genres, formats, and styles. As well as tone setting to help guide the story with proper pacing.

• Analyzing successful story structures and plot development techniques
• Story Arc Types (5 Basic Plot Structures)
• Exploring the key elements of a compelling script
• Narrative Point of View
• Developing fully-fleshed out and relatable characters

Handouts: Story Arc Types

Assignments:

• Exploring different character archetypes and their roles in the script.
• Ppage reads from Whiplash and Spotlight.

Week 3 – Scene Structure

Start early, leave late. Show don't tell. You've heard these, all before but how do you do this, exactly? This week we'll discuss a method I teach on character intentionality. Setting your character's motivation from their action, to dialogue, to what they're not saying. Techniques learned this week will show you how to write characters with meaning – no fluff – no fat.

• Applying the Bridge 17 Method™ to enhance story structure and pacing
• Defining character motivation in each Scene.
• Defining setting context to support scenes.
• Action Lines
• Q&A

Handouts: Scene structure definitions

Assignments:

• Read assigned pages from Gone Girl
• Subtext introduction worksheet.

Week 4 – On The Page: Story Pacing, Dialogue, Your Authentic Voice

Write with style. Remember, this course is about finding your "authentic voice" to best market your script. Good writing is good writing, but sometimes, bad writing gets sold because the writer was authentic to their style of storytelling. We still need properly formatted scripts, but how do you have the reader emoting with your characters? This week we're going to dig into the writer's objectives and character's intentions.

• What the heck is story pacing, and how to use it?
• Psychology of Character dialogue.
• Writing succinct action lines.
• Writing tone and style-specific character descriptions.
• Dialogue: Character power shifting.
• Internal vs. External conflict
• Character vs. Scene Emotional intent.
• Q&A

Handouts: How do you lie? - Selecting character traits.

Assignments:

• Subtext Assignments 2, 3.

Week 5 – On The Page: Story Pacing, Dialogue Part 2

Subtext in scriptwriting is defined as a deeper meaning of text – what we see on screen. The visuals, actions, dialogue of a character. The build-up of enigma, obnoxiousness, and intrigue. This week, we'll use the tools we learned from previous weeks PLUS some new techniques to understand how to build a three-dimensional character and the world that supports, denies, and confirms them.

• Subtext methods
• Subtext: Traits of building a human.
• Assignment Due: Opening 5
• In-Class Assignments: Subtext Identification
• 6-steps to Scene Structure.

Assignments:

• Subtext Assignments 4, 5.
• Opening 5 pages.

Week 6 – Let's talk it through…

• One-on-One Consultations.
• Q&A

Assignments:

• Opening ten pages.

Week 7 – On The Page: Subtext Part 2

Have you ever watched a film or television that you didn't like just because you wanted to figure that one clue or red herring? Sure, you have. The writer gives meaning to symbols to create suspense, which suspends the audience into watching more. This week, we'll discuss how to write a carefully crafted scene that holds the audience's attention.

• Subtext: Irony, Suspense, and Symbols
• Assignment Due: Opening 10
• Writing Internal vs. External Conflict.
• Q&A

Assignments:

• Opening ten pages – The rewrite.

Week 8 – Scene Structure

Start early, leave late. Show don't tell. You've heard these, all before but how do you do this, exactly? This week we'll discuss a method I teach on character intentionality. Setting your character's motivation from their action, to dialogue, to what they're not saying. Techniques learned this week will show you how to write characters with meaning – no fluff – no fat.

• Applying the Bridge 17 Method™ to enhance story structure and pacing
• Crafting engaging openings and satisfying endings using the Bridge 17 Method™
• Defining character motivation in each Scene.
• Defining setting context to support scenes.
• Handout: Scene Construction
• Action Lines
• Q&A

Handouts: Scene structure definitions

Assignment Due:

• Opening 10 pages

PART TWO: 4-WEEK SCRIPT ANALYSIS (4 Sessions)

This section will analyze screenwriting methods used in iconic series and landmark films and explore narrative approaches that support character, series engines, and film construction, with a thorough understanding of the three-act structure.

Week 1 and 2 will concentrate on two pilot episodes, one comedy, one drama. Week 3 and 4 will focus on two iconic films.

Week 1 – Introduction, Narrative Approach, Screenwriting Methods, and Techniques.

Know what you're going to do, say what going to do, do it, then do it differently.

• Writer's perspective in viewing the narrative story.
• Screenwriting Methods and Techniques

• Character identity formation and reformation
• Social Perspective
• Dramaturgy
• Character development, themes, and connection to the audience.
• Q&A

Assignments:

• Series Pilot watch and read.

Week 2 – Screenwriting Methods and Techniques when Developing Character

• Analyzing openings that create empathy and connection with the character.
• Analyzing planting and payoff techniques.
• Examine character arc in iconic series.
• Examine the writer's point of view.
• Technique section one: setting breadcrumbs/planting, payoff, and twist.
• Q&A

Assignments:

• Technique mapping exercise.
• Film, watch and read.
• First Test.

Week 3 – Acts, Sequence, and Scenes

• Analyzing scene setups.
• Examining themes.
• Exercise: Scene study – exposition and reveal.
• Technique section two: character arc consistency and public persona reveal.
• Q&A

Week 3 Handout: Scene Construction

Assignments:

• Technique building worksheet
• Film, watch and read.

Week 4 – Character Arc development in Acts, Sequence, and Scenes

• Analyzing assigned film three-act structure.
• Examining audience connection.
• Studying plants and payoff in film (understanding callbacks).
• Course Review.
• Q&A

Second Test.

2-WEEK ASSESSMENT

Over the final two weeks of this course, we will test writers on the basics of act, act breaks, sequence, scenes, and classic teleplay writing techniques.

PART THREE: ASSESSMENT AND FUNDAMENTALS (2 Sessions)

Over the final two weeks of this course, we will test writers on the basics of act, act breaks, sequence, scenes, and classic teleplay writing techniques.

Week 1: Preparing to Write

Screenplay basics assessment is next week, so let’s sort through any information you may be unclear about - script, character development, story structure… let's work through it all.

Caveat -- we’ll be working on your scripts. We’ll split into two groups; Group A Film focused writers/Group B TV focused writers. As a group, using the script review handouts, each group will assess their individual script (first 10 pages) and work together to address the fixes based on the lessons learned through the course week.

Handout: Practice Assessment

Assignments:

• Complete practice assessment.
• Polish your script.

Week 2: Screenplay Assessment & Assesment Test

FILM TRACK (Group A) Week 2 – Screenplay Assessment review.

• Q&A session to review all materials covered over the course.

TV TRACK (Group B) Week 2 – Teleplay Assessment review.

• Q&A session to review all materials covered over the course.

CONCLUSION: MASTER SCREENWRITING TEST

Over the course of 14 sessions you will be tested on what you've learned -- After you finish your assessment, 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.

CLASS TECHNOLOGY TOOLS

Project Management: Basecamp (access given in class)

Screenwriting software: Final Draft (preferred), WriterDuet, or equivalent.

WHAT TO EXPECT

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 Certification Lab is limited to 10 writers and will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with an executive and 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.

• This lab is designed for beginner and intermediate level writers interested in learning the fundamentals of screenwriting and earning their Stage 32 Master Screenwriting Basics Certification.

• By the end of this 16-week lab, you will have have an understand of the fundamentals of screenwriting and earn your Stage 32 Master Screenwriting Basics Certification.

• This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed lab with one-on-one time with the instructor and significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.

• You will be held accountable to take the lessons from each week and move your work forward.

• Plus, to stay motivated and inspired, you will have access to a private, dedicated Stage 32 Lounge where you can communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the length of the lab.

• **AZ will be available on email during all sessions to answer any questions you have about your project.**

Payment plans are available - please contact edu@stage32.com for more information

Beginning to intermediate level screenwriters looking to learn the fundamentals of screenwriting and earn their Stage 32 Master Screenwriting Basics Certification.

Sunday January 26th 10am-12pm PT

Sunday February 2nd 10am-12pm PT

Sunday February 9th 10am-12pm PT

Sunday February 16th 10am-12pm PT

Sunday February 23rd 10am-12pm PT

Sunday March 2nd 10am-12pm PT

Sunday March 9th 10am-12pm PT

Sunday March 16th 10am-12pm PT

Sunday March 23rd 10am-12pm PT

Sunday March 30th 10am-12pm PT

Sunday April 6th 10am-12pm PT

Sunday April 13th 10am-12pm PT

Sunday April 20th 10am-12pm PT

Sunday April 27th 10am-12pm PT

Sunday May 4th 10am-12pm PT

Sunday May 11th 10am-12pm PT

Testimonials from AZ's previous Stage 32 Courses:

"First and foremost, AZ is AMAZING! The information provided, the examples, the illustrations, the assignments were all geared towards equipping us to become great scriptwriters. I MUST take the course again. Nothing but applause for AZ and her style of teaching." -- Chris S

"Not only does AZ know her stuff, but she articulates it very well. I highly recommend working with her no matter what stage your project is at. She'll work with you to take it from good to great." -- Alyssa B.

"AZ is truly the best teacher I've ever had. She's not just a talented writer, but a great teacher who really cares about her students. I can't recommend her certification course enough!" -- Laura L.