Screenwriting as Scene-Writing

My unique 1-week online course begins Monday, April 1st.

Every time we sit down to write a script, we are faced with a scene. This can be a daunting task considering a script may have 60, 70, 80 scenes or more. In a very real way, screenwriting is at its core scene-writing.

Therefore, it is essential for you to know how to handle writing scenes.

Beginning Monday, April 1st, I will be offering my 1-week online screenwriting course, Core VI: Scene. It is one of an 8-part Core curriculum which comprises the basis of the screenwriting theory I teach in The Quest.

Any scene must have a point, a narrative function to justify its presence. As a building block, a scene exists to contribute to the emerging story and add to the foundation of that story’s structure. If it does not, the scene has no business being in your story.

Here are six questions a screenwriter can use to hone in on the point of any scene:

• What type of scene is it?
• What is the goal of the scene?
• What is the scene’s beginning, middle and end?
• What is the purpose of these characters in the scene?
• What is the conflict in the scene?
• What are the themes in the scene?

The first three questions zero in on the physical structure of the scene.

The last three questions focus on the psychological structure of the scene.

In Core VI: Scene, we will explore each of these six questions, giving you the foundation to be able to write effective scenes.

In addition, we will consider six scene-writing tips which will enable you to craft an effective scene that is an entertaining one as well.

Plus, you will have an opportunity to engage in a series of scene-writing exercises to put theory into practice and upgrade your writing chops.

COURSE DETAILS

• Six lectures written by Scott Myers
• Special insider tips
• 24/7 online forum discussions moderated by instructor
• Writing exercises with peer feedback
• 90-minute live Zoom teleconference with instructor and class members

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE

Screenwriters, TV writers, novelists, and playwrights who want to lock down their ability to craft solid scenes through the use of six scene-writing questions.

BENEFITS OF THE SCREENWRITING MASTER CLASS EXPERIENCE

• Access courses online anytime and anywhere on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
• Learn the craft amidst a supportive, lively, and fun online community from around the world.
• Receive feedback from a screenwriter and teacher who knows the business and has a passion for teaching.

TESTIMONIAL

“Of all the classes I’ve sampled around the web, NOBODY draws the crowd you do, and NOBODY gives as much useful information.” — Cyd Madsen

SPECIAL OFFER: THE CORE PACKAGE

I only teach my Core classes once a year and the 2024 cycle begins next month. Everything you need to know about character-driven screenwriting in this unique curriculum based on eight principles: Plot, Concept, Character, Style, Dialogue, Scene, Theme, Time.

CORE I: PLOT — A one-week class which begins with the principle Plot = Structure and explores the inner workings of the Screenplay Universe: Plotline and Themeline. Start date: [Already offered — Site active].

CORE II: CONCEPT — A one-week class which begins with the principle Concept = Hook and examines multiple strategies to generate, develop and assess story ideas. Start date: [Already offered — Site active].

CORE III: CHARACTER — A one-week class which begins with the principle Character = Function and delves into archetypes: Protagonist, Nemesis, Attractor, Mentor, and Trickster. Start date: [Already offered — Site active].

CORE IV: STYLE — A one-week class which begins with the principle Style = Voice and surfaces keys to developing a distinctive writer’s personality on the page. Start date: [Already offered — Site active].

CORE V: DIALOGUE — A one-week class which begins with the principle Dialogue = Purpose and probes a variety of ways to write effective, entertaining dialogue. Start date: March 11. [Currently running].

CORE VI: SCENE — A one-week class which begins with the principle Scene = Point and provides six essential questions to ask when crafting and writing any scene. Start date: April 1.

CORE VII: THEME — A one-week class which begins with the principle Theme = Meaning and gives writers a concrete take on theme which can elevate the depth of any story. Start date: April 8.

CORE VIII: TIME — A one-week class which begins with the principle Time = Present and studies Present, Present-Past, Present-Future and time management in writing. Start date: April 22.

These eight Core classes represent decades of my work on the front lines of the entertainment business as a writer and producer, and engaging the craft as a teacher as well, over time pulling together a coherent, comprehensive, and cohesive approach to screenwriting theory.

This is not about secret systems or magic formulas, rather the Core content presents a story-crafting process that starts with characters, works with characters, and ends with characters. That process of engaging you with your story universe through your characters and getting you in touch with these living, breathing individuals informs every step of your creative process, leading you to story structure, themes, conflict, subplots, and all the rest. As I say, Character Driven Screenwriting.

SPECIAL OFFER #1: This cycle, a special sale price. Normally the Core classes are $95 each. In 2024, each is on sale for $79!

A popular option is the Core Package which gives you exclusive access to the content in all eight Craft classes which you can go through on your own time and at your own pace, plus automatic enrollment in each 1-week online course — all for nearly 50% off the normal price of each individual class. If you sign up now, you can have immediate access to all of the Core content.

“Joining Scott’s Core classes is one of the best decisions anyone could make when deciding to embark on the journey of writing a screenplay. His passion for teaching and screenwriting could not be more inspirational. I couldn’t wish for a better teacher and mentor!” — Theodora von Auersperg

Imagine not only learning all of the Core content, but also talking with me and other writers every other week for an hour or more in live Zoom teleconferences. If you sign up for the Core Package, you get all that… and more!

SPECIAL OFFER #2: This year, when you enroll in the Core Package, I will send you a personally autographed copy of my book: The Protagonist’s Journey … my gift to you!

“Scott has pulled off a remarkable feat. He’s made a complete compendium of the screenwriting craft while continuing to encourage the antithesis of formulaic writing.” — Peter Craig (The Batman, Top Gun: Maverick)

My book is an introduction to character-driven screenwriting and storytelling. The Core curriculum takes you much deeper into the subject matter and touches on all the key principles you need to know to elevate your screenwriting chops.

For The Core Package and a free autographed copy of The Protagonist’s Journey, go here.

For information on Core VI: Scene, which begins April 1st, go here.

I look forward to the opportunity to work with you!