This 6-week online class takes you beyond screenwriting fundamentals. You’ll read, analyze and discuss screenplays from produced films and understand what makes them work. You’ll see structure, character development, conflict, subplot, and more in action. You’ll be guided by your instructor through lectures and assignments that teach you how to shape your own ideas into a well-crafted screenplay. You will also get direct feedback about your writing/screenplay from your professional instructor. (Register below).
The class presents the advanced topics of screenwriting: character development, plot development, structure, conflict, and dialogue. It is strongly suggested that students who take this course have completed at least one screenplay.
Course Certification?: Yes! You receive a certification of successful completion!
Course Format: Online & instructor based
Course Length: 6 week(s)
Deadlines: 15th of every month 2008.
Cost: $200
Start Date: 15th of every month 2008
Still open enrollment for next class? YES
Class Size: Strickly limited to 8
Text: No text required. Provided e-text.
Start Registration:
Class space is limited so reserve your space now for the next class.
Class Goals:
- Reading
(e-text), movie analysis, and some writing exercises
- Lectures
on fundamental concepts
- Present
work for critique
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Course Outline
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WEEK ONE: The Basics
WEEK TWO: Theme and Premise
WEEK THREE: Creating Dynamic Characters; The New Structure
WEEK FOUR: Form, Function & Flow; Creating Tension & Drama
WEEK FIVE: Hands on Work with Instructor on Your Screenplay
WEEK SIX: Continued Work & How To Sell
- In-depth analysis of alternative structures
- Who is your real antagonist?
- Why conflict is everything
- Revealing character through action
- Characterization
- Why obstacles matter
- How the Beat goes on
- Premise and theme
- How your ending reveals theme
- True dialogue
- Markeing Tips
- Assignments & Readings
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Who is the instructor?
The instructor is Chris Wehner, a published author and professional screenwriter. He has worked in the field for over 10 years. He was recently Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Screenwriter's Monthly and VP of Development for MoviePartners. Currently his screenplay, EL CAMINO, is in development with Golden Light Films in Los Angeles and is scheduled to go into production early next year. He recently optioned his latest script, THREESOME, to producer Ted Melfi and is scheduled to go into pre-production this year. His book, Screenwriting on the Internet: Researching, Writing & Selling Your Script on the Web was a Top Seller at The Writer's Store and his latest book "Who Wrote That Movie?" has received praise as well.

Do I need any special equipment to take an eClass?
The digital classroom Web site works with every common modern operating system.
The best web browsers to use are:
- Internet Explorer (IE) version 5+ for Windows 98+
- Netscape version 7+ or Mozilla for MacOS X, Mac 9, and Linux
If you do not have the latest version of one of these browsers, you can just
download it for free from these websites:
Do classes meet?
Classes don't meet in the traditional sense. You will participate online
for parts of the class - except for Office Hours (live sessions with your instructor!) - on your own time.
Each "class" continues for the entire month.
How do I communicate with the instructor and my classmates?
Via LIVE chat sessions with your instructor and your
classmates in the Chat Room, which we call Office Hours. During Office Hours the instructor will make a brief presentation, discuss assignments, and then you and your fellow students can ask questions, discuss the assignments or lectures, and anything else that pertains to the class.
You'll also be communicating with your instructor and
classmates in the interactive Forums where you can post about
the lectures, assignments, ask questions, make comments, anything! And your
instructor will be checking in on the forum regularly to answer your
questions and add their own two cents when necessary.
How do I get feedback from my instructor? Will this be an interactive class?
Yes. Your instructor gives you a deadline for posting your work in the Homework Forum.
Students and instructor read your work and post comments
under your name on the forum. You can go to the forum as often
as you like to read instructor and class discussions, post your own comments,
or get class updates. In turn, you also will read your fellow students' work
and post comments under their name on the forum. We encourage you to
read the instructor's comments on all of your classmates' work, since that will
help you develop a critical eye. Reading and commenting on each other's work
is one of the most critical keys to success in our eClasses.
If I miss an instructor's Office Hours, is there a way to find out
what I missed?
Yes! You can read a transcript of all Chat Room discussions by viewing the
Chat Room log.
It's already into the month I wish to take the class, can I still take it?
Yes. You can start up to the first live Office Hour, or Chat Room class. The dates are noted at the top of the page. Up to that first class all activities are web-based and allow you to catch up quickly.
Do I have to register to get into class?
Yes. You can start your registration process below