2013 Sundance Screenwriters Lab

The Sundance Screenwriters Lab is a five-day writer's workshop that gives independent screenwriters the opportunity to work intensively on their feature film scripts with the support of established writers in an environment that encourages innovation and creative risk-taking.

Through one-on-one story sessions with Creative Advisors, Fellows engage in an artistically rigorous process that offers them indispensable lessons in craft, as well as the means to do the deep exploration needed to fully realize their material.

Filmmakers typically begin their participation in the Feature Film Program with the January Screenwriters Lab, the only Lab for which there is an open application. Online applications for the January Screenwriters Lab will be available on February 15, 2012.

Application Deadlines

U.S. Application Deadline: May 1, 2012

International Deadline: August 15, 2012

Application Requirements

• A cover letter introducing yourself and your project (e.g.: Why are you applying to the program? Are you collaborating with anyone on the project? What is the status of the project? How do you envision the realization of the script?). The cover letter should be no longer than one page.

• Resume/bio (including name, address, and telephone) of the writer, and anyone else involved with the project (i.e.: director, producer, etc.). It is unnecessary to have anyone other than the writer attached, and the resume/bio should be no longer than one page.

• A synopsis of the screenplay, no more than two pages, double-spaced.

• The first five pages of your script.  
 

Telling A Great Story with Robert McKee

Guest Post: The Produced Screenwriter by Chris Canaan

There are many ways to get a screenplay produced... all of them difficult. Executives, producers, agents and managers are inundated with material. They are all looking for a reason to say, "No." Their brains are like computers that systematically prioritize material and, because this is not a fair and just world, especially for writers. Very few people are willing to take a chance on new writers. They want known writers with some level of success so, if anything goes wrong, they can say, "Hey, he's a good writer, I didn't know he would screw up!? But if you are an unknown, you are a risk, and few people have the guts to take a risk.

And yet new writers do find their way into the industry -- always have, always will. Sometimes it's as simple as writing a great screenplay and being lucky enough for it to finally land on the the right desk. But there are many paths to success for a keen and imaginative writer. What grabs the attention of producers, execs, et al is that if your story has already achieved some degree of success, as a novel, short story, or play. The exec thinks, "Ah, somebody already invested in this, so I don't have to be the first one."

Writing an E-book, producing a play, or getting an article in a periodical gives you a big boost. Also, from a creative and legal position, you control the "underlying rights" to the original material. It puts you in a much stronger position when you negotiate a fee and your participation in the project.

From the beginning of the industry, Hollywood has gone to publishers and the stage for material, as well as magazines. For example, "Brokeback Mountain" first appeared as a short story in the New Yorker. Truman Capote made a career out of writing books and short stories that became films. Don't limit yourself to one form. And writing prose or plays gives you the opportunity to really explore character, dialogue and story without having to deal with the demanding architecture of screenwriting. So, when you do sit down to write the screenplay, so much of the fundamental work will have already been done.

I started out writing a play. I had backers audition to raise funds. A film producer was there and saw the work... she saw and heard the reactions from the audience. She didn't have to make the leap of faith that she would have had she read the play, if she even would have agree to read it in the first place.

The further you can take project in terms of garnering success, the better off you will be. Creating something that has momentum is attractive to the industry. - CC


Chris Canaan is an Emmy Award-Winning Screenwriter, Producer, and Script Consultant. He is the President of Canaan Entertainment, a film, television and live theatre production and development company.

Transmedia Storytelling

Vinod Chopra Films is Seeking Screenwriters - India

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mumabi, Maharashtra, India, Republic of (Free-Press-Release.com) December 13, 2011 -- Mumbai, 13th December 2011: Vinod Chopra Films, India’s leading film production house and maker of iconic feature films such as 3 idiots, Lage Raho Munna Bhai and Parinda, is on a hunt to find India’s best emerging screenwriting talent.

Having brought talent like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi, Boman Irani, Vidya Balan, Shantanu Moitra and many others to the industry over the past three decades, writer-director-producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra, in collaboration with Talenthouse India, is now on the lookout for exceptional screenwriting talent to become part of the Vinod Chopra Films family.

Speaking on the initiative, Sameer Rao, CEO, Vinod Chopra Films said, “Our filmography is testimony to three decades of commitment to achieving excellence in cinema. We believe that the starting point for every great film is in an outstanding story. We are entering into this initiative, in collaboration with Talenthouse India, to discover new screenwriting talent who have the potential to contribute to the creation and development of our brand of cinema.”

Arun Mehra, CEO-Talenthouse India said, “The internet is buzzing with creativity & talent. Talenthouse is a platform that looks to source this talent and bring it to the right audience. Vidhu Vinod Chopra has always backed creative excellence and this collaboration with Talenthouse will help him identify that genius from the millions of aspirants.”

The submission deadline for this hunt is 22nd January 2011. The voting for the entries will begin from 23rd January 2011 and the winner will be announced on 15th February 2011.
About Vinod Chopra Films: “Chase excellence and success will follow.” The motto of 3 idiots, India’s all-time biggest film, has been the philosophy of Vinod Chopra Films since inception.

An alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India, Vidhu Vinod Chopra began his career as a filmmaker over thirty years ago with An Encounter With Faces, a documentary, which highlighted the plight of India’s destitute children. It was nominated for an Oscar in the Documentary Short Subject category in 1978. Since then, Mr Chopra has directed some of India’s most iconic films, such as Khamosh, Parinda, 1942 – A Love Story, Mission Kashmir and Eklavya.

From 2003 onwards, Mr Chopra has also successfully taken up the baton of a writer-producer of films directed by Rajkumar Hirani (3 idiots, Lage Raho Munna Bhai and Munna Bhai MBBS) and Pradeep Sarkar (Parineeta).

Vinod Chopra Films’ next film is debutante director Rajesh Mapuskar’s heartwarming father-son story, Ferrari Ki Sawaari, set for release in the summer of 2012.

To learn more about this opportunity visit: Talenthouse

2011 Black List: The Complete List of Hollywood's Hottest Unproduced Screenplays

2011 Black List

Screenwriting Class with Pilar Alessandra - Los Angeles

THE FIRST DRAFT:  Six Steps to a Screenplay:

Brainstorming the story you want to tell. Outlining without writing a novel. Getting your story out of your head and on the page quickly, efficiently and creatively. That’s what we do in this class.

And, we do it in six weeks.


Step 1:  Idea Brainstorming
Step 2:  Story Outlining
Step 3:  Scene Crafting
Step 4:  Page Formatting
Step 5:  Dialogue Writing
Step 6:  Script Revising

This is a fresh approach to writing a screenplay. Expect unique writing tools and a streamlined approach. You’ll be writing in class, moving forward in your project. We don’t waste time with busy work. We don’t wallow in film theory. Instead, each week covers a new step in the writing process, moving you from premise into pages on the spot.

Six Steps to a Screenplay is open to feature writers and television writers starting with just an idea and those with an early draft of a script.


Weekly Workbook

NOTE:  All students who sign up for the live six week classes receive a FREE weekly workbook via e-mail during the course.  It's a great way to review the class and an opportunity to compile a practical screenwriting workbook that you can refer to again and again.

Date: January 7 - February 11

Time: Saturdays, 12:30pm - 3:30pm

Location:  

ON THE PAGE
13907 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 101
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Phone 818.905.8124

Cost: $300

To Register Visit: On The Page

Michigan Screenwriting Competition

First Annual East Lansing Film Festival Screenwriting competition open to Michigan writers or screenplays set in Michigan

To be eligible for this competition you need to either be from Michigan or your full-length/short-feature screenplay needs to be set in Michigan.

Submissions for this contest will be split into two categories:

• Full Length Scripts

• Short Scripts (No more than 45 pages)

Entry fees and submission deadlines are as follows:

• If you turn your work in by December 15th the cost for submitting a full-length is $25 and the cost for submitting a short feature is $20

• If you turn your work in by January 15th the cost for submitting a full-length is $35 and the cost for submitting a short feature is $25

• If you turn your work in by February 15th the cost for submitting a full-length is $45 and the cost for submitting a short feature is $30

The full lengths and short features will be evaluated by our panel of judges.  The winners will be announced on March 30th and the prizes for each category are as follows:

-Full-Length Category:

• First place receives $150
• Second place receives $100
• Third place receives $50

-Short-Feature Category:

• First place receives $100
• Second place receives $50
• Third place receives $25

The scripts also need to be written in English and need to be original screenplays that the authors have the sole rights to their content.  Furthermore, in order to be eligible, your submission cannot have won any other screenplay competitions or awards in the past.

 To learn more visit: http://elffscreenplay.com

Philadelphia Film Society: Screenwriting Workshop

This course will take place Wednesday evenings, 7:00pm-9:30pm, from April 18 to May 23, 2012.

Upon completion of this 6-week course, writers will have:
a) A full outline of their feature film script.
b) A first act or first ten pages of their script; or writers will adapt a short story of their choice based on a selection of short stories handed out by the instructor.

Holiday Discount Course Fee: $330 (Originally $360). This Holiday Discount is only available until December 31, 2011.

Location: Philadelphia Film Society

1600 North 5th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19122

Contact: 267.239.2941

To learn more visit: http://www.filmadelphia.org

Craig Zobel Screenwriting Workshop - New York

In this class you will transform an idea or a film of any genre into the treatment and outline for a feature length screenplay. Screenwriting concepts such as plot versus character, sustaining dramatic tension, and climax and catharsis will be explored. You will complete the course with key scenes written and a detailed outline to guide you into a finished feature script. There will be an emphasis on character development and scene work, with tips and tricks for overcoming blocks and productive brainstorming. This class is perfect for those new to the art of screenplay and those looking to refresh their foundation before completing a new work. Students will come to the first class with a three-minute verbal pitch of the idea they are excited to work on. We will workshop weekly writing exercises in a fun, low-pressure environment.

Tuition: $400
Prerequisite: None

Duration: 6 weeks

Location:

Simple Studios
134 W. 29th Street, btwn 6th/7th Ave, 2nd Floor

New York, NY 10001

To Learn More About Craig Zobel visit his IMDB Page


Email the Peoples Improv Theater (classes@thepit-nyc.com) to let them know if you’re interested in this class!  If there’s demand, they will try to offer one soon.

To learn more about the Peoples Improv Theater visit: http://thepit-nyc.com

Actor-Screenwriter Danny Strong Interview on BigThink

Screenwriting with Yale Professor Marc Lapadula - Washington DC Metro Area

Learn the tactics of writing and  selling a feature-length screenplay. Participants will learn about  plotting cinematic narrative, creating dimensional characters, writing  compelling dialogue as well as the specific requirements of professional  screenplay format. In-depth analysis, discussion, page excerpt readings  and clips of several classic and successful films will be shown.  He  will also discuss marketing strategies for selling your work.   Near the  end of class we’ll also have a 30 to 45 minute discussion and question  and answer section.

DATE: Saturday, December 17, 2011
 
TIME: 1:30pm – 6pm
 
PRICE: $100

LOCATION: 5033 Wilson Lane, Bethesda MD 20814

For more Information and to Register: Click Here

Final Draft Webinar with Jewerl Ross

Silent R Management's Jewerl Ross Answers Your Questions Live!

A Screenwriting Webinar Brought to You by Final Draft, Inc.The Industry Standard

Jewerl Ross recently brokered one of the largest spec sales of the year: Father Daughter Time: A Tale of Armed Robbery and Eskimo Kisses which Warner Bros. purchased in a bidding war that concluded with sale price of $500,000 against $800,000.

Now, for this exciting webinar, Final Draft, Inc. has a chance to ask one of the top writers' managers for his advice on launching a career in today's industry.

During this informative webinar, we will ask the questions you need to know, like:

• Do writers need an agent and a manager?

• How do you find new clients and what do you look for?

• How can writers land assignments?

• What kind of spec sales are selling in today's market?

• What does a manager expect from a client?

• Should a writer focus on just one genre?

• How can a new writer gain representation?

As an aspiring screenwriter, you've asked these questions on message boards, at conferences, and to consultants. But now is your chance to ask a working Hollywood manager what you need to know about pitching and selling your script in today's industry.

Don't miss this opportunity to find out what manager Jewerl Ross advises for writers who want to break into the business, and how you can use his knowledge to get the most out of your career.

Register now to ensure your spot at the live webinar event for only $25 (plus Eventbrite fees). You will receive an email with instructions on attending this event.

If you chose to be a VIP Question attendee ($50), you may email us your question(s) in advance for our moderator and we will present them to Mr. Ross on your behalf. Ten of these slots are available.

There will also be a live question-and-answer session during the last 20 minutes of the webinar where all attendees can chat questions to Mr. Ross live. These questions will be chosen at random.

If you miss the scheduled time, you will receive an email the morning after the event has closed with a link to watch the video at your convenience.

Register now and spend some quality time with a results-oriented manager who is open to new clients, courtesy of the leading software for scriptwriters in the business, Final Draft.

  

Date: Tuesday, December 6, 2011 

Time: 06:00 PM to 7:15 PM (PT)

 About Jewerl Ross:

Jewerl Ross grew up in Los Angeles and left Southern California to study political philosophy at Yale. After graduating in 1997, he returned to L.A. to work in entry-level positions at ICM and Paradigm before joining APA as an agent in early 1999. Three years later, after making a name for himself selling spec scripts, Marathon Entertainment hired Ross as a manager. In January 2006, Ross left to form his own company, Silent R Management.

With over 12 years in the business, Ross can boast a hot slate of writer and director clients. Ross just sold one of the biggest specs of the year: Father Daughter Time: A Tale of Armed Robbery and Eskimo Kisses by longtime client Matthew Aldrich. Matt Damon is attached to star and Warner Bros. purchased it in a bidding war that concluded with sale price of $500,000 against $800,000. Other clients include comedy writer David H. Steinberg. Best known for American Pie 2, Slackers, and DreamWorks’ Puss In Boots, Steinberg is currently rewriting Furry Friday for New Line and Mandalay Pictures. Hannah Shakespeare wrote the John Cusack starrer The Raven which will be released in March 2012; Hannah has also written TV pilots for CBS, Fox, John Wells, and others. English thriller writers Dominic Morgan & Mathew Harvey just landed director John Moore (Die Hard 5) to direct their spec The Bridge which is currently out to cast. Thriller writer David Logan is rewriting Sebastian Knight at Paramount and adapting Once Were Cops for Articulus Entertainment. In television, Ross represents Brad Buecker, a co-executive producer and director on both Fox’s hit series Glee and American Horror Story on FX. For more information on Ross and his company, please click here

About Online Webinars:

This webinar will take place on WebEx. WebEx is a simple, online, user-friendly interface that allows you to participate in this event by listening to the speaker and moderator through your computer speaker or headphones, submitting questions during the Q&A period at the end of the event, and watching the video of the event at any time after the webinar is complete. Don't worry, the process is easy!

If you would like more information on how the WebEx login process works, watch the following simple tutorial: How do I join a meeting ?

Remember, the event is audio and video-based. Be sure to check your system requirements to make sure that your computer will display the video and play the audio you need to fully enjoy the event.

To test that your computer has the proper requirements to attend the event, use the System Check Tool and read the FAQ to verify that you meet the minimum system requirements.

Refund Policy: If techinical difficulties are experienced or speakers are unable to attend or must be rescheduled, refunds will be issued only in the form of admission to a future event of your choice.

REGISTER NOW on Eventbrite

For questions about Final Draft, Inc. Webinars, contact: webinars@finaldraft.com

Classroom 34 Updates: November 2011

"Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today." - Robert McKee

East Coast Screenwriting Initiative: Expanding on its partnership with Robert McKee’s Story Seminar, Classroom 34 is seeking screenwriters to develop feature length screenplays set in the following states: New York, Louisiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Massachusetts, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, Maryland, and Alabama. To learn more contact Classroom 34 at 1-646-470-3434 for details.

Asunder by Chris Canaan: Classroom 34’s Ola Taiwo has secured exclusive rights to produce “Asunder”, a screenplay by Emmy Award-Winning Screenwriter and Producer Chris Canaan.

One Night in Brooklyn by Esosa Edosomwan: Classroom 34 will associate produce “One Night in Brooklyn”, a feature film by Actor – Writer – Directress, Esosa Edosomwan.

Academy Announces Winners Of 2011 Nicholl Screenwriting Fellowships

Seven screenwriters have been selected as winners for the 26th annual Don and Gee Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Each writer (or writing team) will receive a $30,000 prize, the first installment of which will be distributed at a gala dinner in Beverly Hills on November 3.

The 2011 Nicholl Fellows are:

• Chris Bessounian & Tianna Langham, Los Angeles, Calif., “Guns and Saris”
• Dion Cook, Altus, Okla., “Cutter”
• John MacInnes, Los Angeles, Calif., “Outside the Wire”
• Matthew Murphy, Culver City, Calif., “Unicorn”
• Abel Vang & Burlee Vang, Fresno, Calif., “The Tiger’s Child”

The winners were selected from a record 6,730 scripts submitted for this year’s competition. The competition is open to any individual who has not sold or optioned a screenplay or teleplay for more than $5,000, or received a fellowship or prize that includes a “first look” clause, an option, or any other quid pro quo involving the writer’s work.

The Nicholl Committee, chaired by producer Gale Anne Hurd, is composed of writers Naomi Foner, Daniel Petrie, Jr., Tom Rickman and Dana Stevens; actor Eva Marie Saint; cinematographers John Bailey and Steven B. Poster; costume designer Vicki Sanchez; executive Bill Mechanic; producers Peter Samuelson and Robert W. Shapiro; marketing executive Buffy Shutt, and agent Ronald R. Mardigian.