*Please note  all classes are 3 month commitments. (12 sessions, 1 class per week, for 12 weeks)

*This is an online class – students will receive a Zoom link prior to the first class.

Upcoming Term:
September 11th – November 37th
Monday Evenings – 6:00pm – 9:00pm with Laura Adkin

2024 Sessions:
TBA
Monday Evenings – 6:00pm – 9:00pm with Laura Adkin

Cost:
3 EQUAL INSTALMENTS of $249.99

Course description
Creating worlds out of nothing and taking people on wild adventures that change lives is the stuff of gods…and writers! But around every corner lurks a relentless gang of demons: distraction, fear of criticism, self-doubt, and procrastination. We meet aspiring and active writers all the time who have a story in them or a creative project they want to get moving, but they’re stuck trying to make the next move. Get that script started and finished!

Course Summary
Story Basics – Equips you with the foundational story-building tools, techniques, and writer’s disciplines required to develop and finish an original screenplay. We’ll cover story creation, character design, world building, plot outline, script development, and the core habits you’ll need to set goals and deadlines, achieve your milestones, and succeed on your writer’s journey. Includes weekly exercises, film screenings, and initial development of your story outline and beat sheet.

Meet your instructor

Laura Adkin

Laura is a Writer, Producer, Actor and Director. Laura began her professional career in the Film and TV industry almost 15 years ago as an actor and has appeared in numerous TV Shows including Eureka, Almost Human and Arrow as well as films including the indie smash hit It’s A Disaster where she worked alongside Julia Stiles and David Cross. Laura was nominated for a Leo Award in 2013 for her role in the web series Hitman 101. Upon moving into writing and directing, Laura’s films have been featured in prestigious festivals and events including Crazy 8’s and The Austin Film Festival. Her film The Goodnight Kiss was nominated for 8 Leo Awards.

Topics Covered
In this class you will learn and implement:

  • Building (& Sticking to) a Schedule
  • Generating Ideas & Loglines
  • Finding Your Theme
  • Creating Heroes & Villains
  • Building Your Story World
  • Scene Construction & Dialogue
  • Plot Structure & Beat Sheet Development
  • Genre conventions & what audiences expect
  • How to give and receive professional script notes
  • Formatting your script to Hollywood standards