Master Screenwriting Basics Certification
Other education that may be of interest to you:
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
Stage 32 4-Part Screenwriting Class: How to Write Subtext in Your Screenplay + 3 Writing Exercises
This class has a 100% satisfaction rating! Available on-demand for immediate viewing Uncover the hidden power of your characters' voices with our exclusive 4-part Stage 32 class with AZ Yeamen, Story Editor of the hit AMC ALLBLK miniseries COVENANT. Ever wondered why your favorite movies linger in your thoughts long after the credits roll? It's the layers of meaning, the unsaid messages, the subtext that adds depth and memorability. Now, you have the chance to master this crucial element of storytelling that sets your work apart. In this immersive class, AZ Yeamen will personally guide you through the art of weaving subtext seamlessly into your screenplay. Imagine honing the same tips, tricks, and techniques used by successful screenwriters to elevate your writing to a professional level - now you can through not only learning how to write subtext, but you will be challenged with 3 writing exercises to help you get better! The challenge lies in finding that sweet spot between too much and too little subtext. AZ helps you navigate this, ensuring your subtext enhances rather than overwhelms or confuses your audience. Success in the industry demands mastering subtext – it breathes life into your characters, forges deep connections, and crafts complex, resonant stories. Don't miss this opportunity to stand out in the competitive field of screenwriting. Join our 4-session on-demand course and gain functional skills to infuse subtext into your dialogue, plot, and storytelling. Walk away armed with the expertise and tools needed to make your screenplays irresistible to producers, agents, and captivated audiences. It's time to elevate your craft and make your mark – start now! Testimonials from AZ's Course: "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.
4 Steps to Writing Your Feature Film First Draft
An essential screenwriting class with the Top Story Editor of Covenant on AMC's ALLBLK In this on-demand, four-session class exclusively through Stage 32, you’ll learn proven techniques designed for emerging writers to write your first draft with help from a professional screenwriter, teacher, and script consultant. You’ll learn how to create your logline to test the strength of your idea while brainstorming, conduct character analysis to form the emotional journey at the core of your story, break your story into sequences, run crucial reports to analyze your script’s strengths, and more. Your expert instructor, AZ Yeamen, has sold nearly every script she’s ever written. She uses the techniques in this course for her own stories and teaching emerging writers, helping them rise above the pack, selling projects to networks, and placing in many screenwriting competitions. AZ continues to hone her own skills as a writer, consultant, and founder of Bridge 17 Scriptwriters’ Studio. 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. She most recently served as a Story Editor on Covenant on AMC's ALLBLK. AZ doesn’t just teach you how to craft a story. She teaches you how to bring your voice to the forefront, tailoring your script to your authentic voice so that it stands out. By the end of the four lessons, you’ll have functional skills to develop your script with pacing and authentic storytelling while building your writing muscles and understanding the most important screenwriting essentials. Any writer that successfully applies these lessons using their own unique voice will have the skills to write a memorable script ripe for production. Testimonials from AZ's Stage 32 Course: "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.
Sam Schifrien, Development Executive for RoseyTV
Development Exec from Rosey TV joins our Panel as we listen and read your pitches live to help educate the Writers' Room screenwriters on what is and isn't working in their pitch.
How To Keep the Quality High and the Budget Low on Your Indie Film
Learn from a producer whose films have been in theaters, on HBO, Hallmark, Starz, Showtime, and more. Low budget filmmaking is all the rage these days. But unfortunately, many people equate low budget with low quality. And if we're being honest, that's because most producers and filmmakers don't understand how and where to spend their money to stretch their dollar and make sure the quality is up there on the screen. In short, you don't have to compromise on your vision if you have a smaller budget to work with. Even though you may not be playing with studio level money, you still have the ability to make a high quality film without skimping on spending for what matters. If you are clever in your planning, approach and execution of minimizing costs your will walk away with a movie you will be proud of and that will play much larger than the budget. And this will allow you to stand out in every way, from festival submissions to attracting sales agents, distributors and more. Thinking smart about your indie film must begin at the script stage. There are many tips and tricks successful producers and filmmakers use to ensure that a project will not run amok financially once you start developing and shooting it. You must think outside of the box to be able to find cost-effective ways to assure you get everything you need to make your production go smoothly and on schedule while keeping you in line on your budget. Once you master a few tips and tricks of the trade, you'll assuredly have money left over to spend on what really counts and make your film look and sound like you had money to burn. So, how can you evaluate your script, avoid the common pitfalls, and assure that you avoid the myriad issues that can stall a production or push it over budget? We have the answers. Sara Elizabeth Timmins was a field producer on the hit HBO series McMillions, which was produced by Mark Wahlberg and premiered at Sundance 2020. Her films have been seen in theaters, the Hallmark Channel, Starz, Showtime and internationally. She has worked with talented actors like Jane Seymour, Ellen Burstyn, Chris Cooper, Josh Lucas and Mackenzie Foy and writers like NY Times Best Selling Author David Baldacci. Throughout her career she has learned how to attach award-winning talent and turn a profit on every single one of her films. Sara Elizabeth will teach you the 3 key elements you must not skimp on in order to get your film to come out looking the best possible way. She'll share how she's been able to secure and manage professional talent and crew on a low budget. She'll take you step by step with great examples of where you can minimize costs in the script and development phase, as well as once you're in production. She'll even share things to think about when it comes to transportation, lodging, craft services, locations and more. She'll also give you 9 common production dangers that can sabotage your budget - you'll want to know each one of these before you even say "action!" This is information you'll want to come back to time and time again and can help you for every single production regardless of your working budget. PRAISE FOR SARA'S TEACHINGS: "What clever information Sara Elizabeth. Thank you a million for your insights into your process producing. You gave me so many things to think about that I never would have considered. I'm excited to put this into practice on the film I'm doing next year!" - Robin M. "Brilliant. Just brilliant. I feel like I just got the secret sauce." - Timothy K.
How to Become a Professional Screenwriter 101
How to Become a Professional Screenwriter 101 The key to packaging yourself as a screenwriter and preparing you for a career in entertainment is all about finding the right people, building relationships, and knowing where your voice fits into the marketplace. Industry veteran, Michael Schulman (THE AVIATOR, SIXTH SENSE) will show you how to navigate your career, from getting your foot in the door and beyond. So you believe you’re ready to launch your screenwriting career. Now what? Most writers hunt for representation in the hopes that they will sell their scripts. But what if you can find the right people to produce with on your own? In this Stage 32 exclusive webinar, industry veteran Michael Schulman will show you how to make yourself and your script an appealing package, and find the right producers to build relationships with. Michael’s extensive career includes time working at William Morris, ICM, and CAA, as well as three studios, including Netflix. His experience makes him uniquely aware of what both producers and representatives are looking for in a writer and their scripts. This gives you fantastic access to years of insight from someone involved with some of the most successful films, including THE AVIATOR, ALI, THE SIXTH SENSE, GROUNDHOG DAY, and many more. Believe it or not, accessing real industry pros is not as difficult as it looks. Michael will help you write to your strengths, determine what exactly your script needs, know how to choose the right producers for your package, and also know how to reach out to them. From there, you’ll learn how to prepare to meet with both producers and representatives, even establishing follow-up steps to keep the conversation going with them. By the end of the webinar, you’ll understand the producer’s mindset of how to look at and market your scripts, viewing yourself as a package that can kickstart your career.
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