Screenwriting : Screen writing coaching by Don Zorbas

I would if I were able. I learned by studying from the Internet. Working on my first script, pretty confident that I'm on the right path. BUT I won't know until I pitch it, or have it analyzed by someone here (another writer, STAGE 32 expert, etc.). Guidance from someone that truly knows the craft would be great; I'd learn critical things along the way AND have something suited to boot.

Mastery comes from practice. That comes from study and doing. I wouldn’t, but I don’t learn that way.

Hi, Don! Great questions... I think it's a great idea to learn about scriptwriting and then go off and try it for yourself... get your hands into it, so to speak. Check out the "Education" tab here on Stage 32. There are a ton of great webinar and classes. I've taken many of them and they helped guide my path as I write scripts and try new things (different ways to outline, genres, etc.). Also, don't forget to read, read, read scripts! I think between some of the great classes/webinars on this site, plus reading scripts, you will feel better about trying it out on your own. It's the only way to practice and find your voice. Once you get a draft you want to get some feedback on, you can check out the "Script Services" tab here and get coverage notes from an Industry Reader - that also helped guide me in a really priceless way. Happy writing!

At times I can be a slow learner. Self taught has been my best way. I read about the craft. Soak myself watching films as well as educating myself in the Industry. Finally surround myself with good like-minded screenwriters, writers, filmmakers, artist as well as my Muse who will support as well as keep the flame burning on into my writing. A screenwriting coach, may work for you and again. It might not be affordable to go that route. Good luck. Keep Writing.

Don, I can't afford to hire one.

In fact, I'm content- VERY MUCH content- to learn on my own, mainly by reading other people's screenplays and other people's teleplays.

And, of course, just diving in and writing my own stuff helps me learn.

One of the codirectors of 2012's "The Entertainers," Michael Zimmer, also teaches screenwriting in the San Diego area. I emailed him and fellow "Entertainers" codirector Nick Holle stuff of mine shortly after I joined Stage 32 in 2019...but things got so hectic in Nick's and Michael's lives.

But if you can afford a coach, Don, that's cool.

All the VERY BEST to you! I'm glad you're here on 32!

The one time I tried this years ago when I was getting started, it turned out to be essentially a con, and didn't help me much at all (other than teaching me the lesson to never do something like it again). I basically threw $500 down the toilet/handed it to him for free. The guy was adept at finding insecure newbies who wanted encouragement and would charge them to say encouraging things and talk through story elements. Hell, it actually sounds like a great way to make money, if one could look oneself in the mirror.

This isn't to say that I'd never pay for a screenwriting service of any kind again... it's just that $500 up front for services with vaguely-defined objectives wasn't worth it for me.

Do not confuse the term "coach" with university professor or script doctor. All three are different. If you really want to become a better writer, you have to go back to school, then get a Manager who will "coach" you how to write your scripts to get them read by an Agent.

Thomas. Why would you need someone to cheer you on to keep writing to finish a screenplay? I’m just asking because I’ve written over 20 screenplays and never had that problem. Maybe setting a deadline to write one or two pages a day might help.

It depends on the coach. Sean LaFollette is the teacher/coach that I went with. I'd been writing screenplays for over ten years when I took his screenwriting course, and it changed my life. He's not a hands-off teacher taking your money; he's a mentor and not only built my knowledge and skill, but my confidence as well.

15% sometimes. But I don't think managers are in it to steal IP. Anybody wanna steal my IP -- be like stealing a ten-headed Osage copperhead bigger than Uncle Daddy's barn. Pity the traveling circus-master.

Logline feedback. Ty.. “A staunch atheist and her family are on the run from a divine force who seeks to destroy mankind.”

good. just get the right one

Thomas. Now how would I take "I just want someone to cheer me on to keep writing and actually finish a script" as anything other than what you wrote. If it was a joke it wasn't funny and it doesn't sound like sarcasm either. Also how would I know you wrote two books? Wow what a strange response I got from you.

Thomas. I don’t have an affliction. Your opinion of me means nothing so quit trying to make this personal. You are wasting your time and I don’t waste my time on silly discussions so see ya.

So Love & Peace, fellas,; the Six-Toed Voodoo Kitty is not looking in this crystal ball for another two weeks until I finish my next script. xxxooo