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Screenwriting Workshop

Dani Alcorn

4.4

Based on 1,192 ratings

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Dani Alcorn

Do you have a great idea for a movie and want to turn it into a screenplay? Have you already started a screenplay and gotten stuck? Have you finished a screenplay but feel it needs polish? Screenwriting Workshop shows you how to accomplish all of these things and helps you market your work and get it onto the big screen.

In these fun and lively lessons, Dani Alcorn guides you on the path to success. You'll learn how to create and polish a screenplay step by step. Topics include:

Story Structure
Creating Compelling Characters
Using Archetypes to Flesh Out Character
The Hero's Journey
Creating Treatments that Sell
Developing the Perfect Beginning and Ending
Making Your Theme Resonate
Crafting Dialogue that Rings True
Creating Action that Packs a Punch
Controlling Pacing
Screenplay Formatting
Pitching a Great Idea
Designing the Perfect Logline
Online Resources for Screenwriters
Marketing Your Screenplay

Whether you're just getting started or you're an experienced screenwriter, Screenwriting Workshop helps you turn your dream into a reality.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Turn your idea into a screenplay
Explore what makes movies award winners
Create a pitch that sells your idea
Develop compelling characters

Structure your screenplay
Learn techniques that make scenes leap off the page
Polish your screenplay
Discover resources to help get your screenplay noticed

Turn your idea into a screenplay
Explore what makes movies award winners
Create a pitch that sells your idea
Develop compelling characters
Structure your screenplay
Learn techniques that make scenes leap off the page
Polish your screenplay
Discover resources to help get your screenplay noticed

Syllabus

Exploring Modern Screenwriting

Meet Dani Alcorn and enjoy an overview of the course material to come!

Why should you write screenplays, and what are the benefits?

This lightning fast survey of both film and television will show you how programming has changed over the years, allowing you to target your scripts at the latest trends.

This lesson discusses where ideas come from, how to remember them, and what to do if you're stuck. Try out a fun exercise to get your creative juices flowing (see supplemental material).

This lesson discusses what good antagonists must do and gives you tips for creating despicable bad guys.

An overview of Four Act Structure. This lesson includes a Quick Reference Guide and a Test Drive with helpful questions about each element of each act to help you think about structuring your original screenplay idea.

Celtx is powerful and free screenwriting software. Here's how to use it.

Minimize descriptions while maximizing the impact of your action lines, and your script will be much more commercial. Here's how.

Workshopping your screenplay is a vital (and often eye-opening) experience.

These specific strategies will take your first draft to a whole new level.

Because they're your main selling tools, it's essential to revisit your logline and pitch after you've finished your screenplay.

One of the best ways to learn to write great screenplays is to watch great movies.

Analysis of The Shawshank Redemption

Analysis of The Silence of the Lambs.

Analysis of Lion King.

Analysis of You've Got Mail

This is a brief synopsis and analysis of TiMER (2009). Main topic: character wants versus character needs.

Analysis of Spiderman.

Analysis of The 5th Element

Agents, Managers, Contests and Contacts are all great approaches to selling your screenplay. Here's the inside scoop on all of them.

These valuable online resources will help you get your screenplay into the right hands.

Thanks for taking this journey with me, and Happy Writing!

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Offers strong foundational knowledge of key elements and concepts involved in writing a screenplay

Provides practical tips and techniques to enhance writing skills

Provides a structured and comprehensive approach to writing a screenplay, from idea to completion

Covers a wide range of topics, including story structure, character development, and dialogue writing

Instructor has extensive experience in the screenwriting industry

Provides opportunities for peer feedback and discussion

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Reviews summary

Screenwriting: from idea to industry ready

According to students, the Screenwriting Workshop is a highly positive and inspiring course, particularly ideal for aspiring screenwriters and beginners seeking a solid foundation. Learners consistently praise Dani Alcorn's engaging and clear teaching style, which makes complex concepts accessible. Key features like practical exercises, in-depth film analyses, and crucial sections on pitching and marketing your screenplay are highlighted as exceptionally valuable. While providing a comprehensive toolkit for first-time writers, some experienced learners found the content to be a surface-level overview, suggesting it might be too basic for those seeking advanced techniques.

Specific modules like film analysis, character development, and structure are highly praised.

"I particularly loved the practical exercises and the detailed analysis of famous movies."

"The Hero's Journey section was particularly well explained."

"I found the character development and dialogue sections particularly strong."

"The analyses of films were a nice touch, helping to see concepts in action."

Valuable insights and resources for selling screenplays are a significant strength.

"The section on pitching and marketing was invaluable for someone like me looking to get their script noticed. Highly recommend!"

"The resources shared for marketing are super helpful."

"The advice on marketing is practical, not just theoretical."

"The practical tips on formatting and industry resources are a game-changer."

The course excels at providing a comprehensive and practical starting point for new screenwriters.

"A very solid foundation for screenwriting. The instructor covers a wide range of topics from character development to formatting. The pace was good for me as a beginner."

"Good course for beginners. It covers all the basics you need to get started."

"This workshop provides a comprehensive toolkit for aspiring screenwriters. The way Dani explains complex ideas... is phenomenal."

"I finished my first draft thanks to this course!"

Dani Alcorn's teaching style makes complex concepts accessible and inspiring.

"Dani Alcorn is a brilliant instructor who breaks down complex screenwriting concepts into easily digestible lessons."

"I've taken a few screenwriting courses, and this one really stands out. Dani's engaging teaching style makes even the drier topics interesting."

"An inspiring and practical guide to screenwriting. Dani is fantastic!"

"The instructor's passion for screenwriting is evident."

Some experienced students found the course to lack advanced depth.

"The course has good theoretical content, but I found the practical application lacking in some areas... experienced writers might find it too basic."

"Disappointed with this workshop... As someone with some prior screenwriting knowledge, I was hoping for more advanced techniques."

"While it covers a lot, it sometimes felt like a surface-level overview rather than a deep dive."

"It's a broad overview, so expect to do more self-study if you want to specialize."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Screenwriting Workshop with these activities:

Review Screenwriting Basics

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Prepare for success in this course by reviewing the fundamentals of screenwriting, including story structure, character development, and dialogue.

Browse courses on Screenwriting

Show steps

Read a book or article on screenwriting basics.
Watch a few short films or movies to analyze their structure and techniques.
Practice writing short scenes or dialogue.

Organize your notes and materials

Show steps

Stay organized and on track by compiling all of your notes, assignments, and other materials in one place.

Show steps

Create a system for organizing your materials.
Keep all of your materials in one place.
Review your materials regularly.

Read Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder

Show steps

Gain insights into successful screenwriting techniques by reading this classic book on screenwriting structure and character development.

View Save the Cat! Blake's Blogs: More Information... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book.
Take notes on the key concepts.
Apply the techniques to your own writing.

Five other activities

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Write short scenes and dialogue

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Improve your writing skills by practicing regularly. Write short scenes and dialogue that focus on different aspects of screenwriting.

Browse courses on Screenwriting

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Choose a topic or scenario to write about.
Write a short scene or dialogue.
Get feedback from a friend, family member, or writing group.

Watch a screenwriting tutorial series

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Learn from experienced screenwriters by following a comprehensive tutorial series that covers all aspects of screenwriting.

Browse courses on Screenwriting

Show steps

Find a reputable tutorial series.
Watch the videos and take notes.
Apply the techniques to your own writing.

Write a screenplay outline

Show steps

Put your skills to the test by writing an outline for a screenplay. This will help you structure your story and develop your characters.

Browse courses on Screenwriting

Show steps

Brainstorm ideas for your story.
Develop your characters.
Create a plot outline.
Write a synopsis of your screenplay.

Attend a screenwriting workshop or event

Show steps

Connect with other screenwriters and learn from experts in the field by attending a workshop or event dedicated to screenwriting.

Browse courses on Screenwriting

Show steps

Find a screenwriting workshop or event in your area.
Attend the workshop or event.
Network with other screenwriters.
Learn from the experts.

Mentor a new screenwriter

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Deepen your understanding of screenwriting by mentoring a new screenwriter and sharing your knowledge and experience.

Browse courses on Screenwriting

Show steps

Find a new screenwriter to mentor.
Meet with your mentee regularly.
Provide feedback on their work.
Help them develop their skills.

Career center

Learners who complete Screenwriting Workshop will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Screenwriting Workshop.

Film Art: An Introduction

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This foundational text widely used in undergraduate film studies programs. It provides a comprehensive overview of film form, style, genre, and analysis, making it ideal for gaining a broad understanding. The book is richly illustrated with film stills, making complex concepts accessible. It serves as an excellent reference tool throughout one's studies.

Screenwriting Workshop

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Save this course

Reviews summary

Screenwriting: from idea to industry ready

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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