Classes & Curriculum

Class Seminar Series on STEP ONE: GENRE

Instructor: Ronnie Tharp-Garber

Learn the major sequence of specialized story beats for the following genres: Fairy Tale, Myth, Drama, Action, Comedy, Crime, Detective, Fantasy, Horror, Love, Masterpiece, Memoir/True Story, Science Fiction, Thriller, Cross-over Genre.

Class Seminar Series on STEP TWO: PREMISE

Instructor: Ronnie Tharp-Garber

Learn how to combine character and plot and come up with the techniques for a PREMISE for your story. Let’s learn how to develop the high concept idea. Without a premise, you have no story. Without a high-concept premise, it will be difficult to sell your story.

Class Seminar Series on STEP THREE: CLASSIC STORY STRUCTURE AND TRANSCENDING

CLASSIC STORY STRUCTURE

Instructor: Ronnie Tharp-Garber

Learn in depth about classic story beats and how to transcend them; develop characters with backstory and flaws; identify the protagonist, antagonist, point-of-view character. Learn how to execute character change; develop the character web and the sub-plot. Learn about conflict, desire, moral choice, and sequencing techniques within the story structure.

Class Seminar Series on STEP FOUR: FIND YOUR VOICE

Instructor: Ronnie Tharp-Garber

Learn how to structure your value system within the craft of storytelling and through your characters. Write a story that will change your life, the life of your characters, and the life of your audience. Reach into the depths of your soul, but within a structure.

Class Seminar Series on STEP FIVE: STUDY TRACKED/SEQUENCED SCREENPLAYS

Instructor: Ronnie Tharp-Garber

Learn the nuances involved with the different story structure forms by studying the sequencing and plot techniques from various films.

Class Seminar Series on STEP SIX: STUDY INDUSTRY LEADER THEORIES

ON STORY STRUCTURE

Instructor: Ronnie Tharp-Garber

Using Tracked/Sequenced Screenplays, learn about The Hero’s Journey; how to construct the 3-Act Paradigm; the 22 Steps to Create a Great Story. Learn what works best for you!

Class Seminar Series on SCREENPLAY TECHNICAL STRUCTURE: FOUNDATION

Instructor: Robert Cochrane

Learn the nuts and bolts of the foundation and format of scriptwriting. You will learn about the technical aspects from the inside so your script reads correctly to those who will evaluate it. You will learn about the individual parts of the script, such as sluglines, action, character headings, dialogue, etc. You will see examples of how to use scriptwriting software, such as Final Draft and Celtx.

Class Seminar Series: BEGINNING THE PRE-PRODUCTION PROCESS

Instructor: Chana Lubin-Bernstein

Take your screenplay to the next level: Learn to plan, organize, budget, and avoid issues that will occur during the production process. Understand basic terminology, such as SAG talent and non-SAG talent; gaffers and grips; script supervisor; cinematographer and assistants; and the roles that production crews play in creating films for the big screen.

Class Seminar Series: BUILDING BRAND IDENTITY IN FILM

Instructor: Chana Lubin-Bernstein

Today we live in a visual marketplace. This series will explain the importance of building a strong brand identity before a marketing campaign is launched to promote a film. Learn how color, images, and text are used to create interest in your film from press kits, print materials, movie posters, and film logo designs.

Class Seminar Series on MARKETING STRATEGIES FOR THE ARTIST

Instructor: Chana Lubin-Bernstein

Explore available marketing options for filmmakers, writers, actors, or those who want to be involved in the arts. Learn to plan, organize, and budget for print and social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Understand the importance of creating a personal experience that allows audiences to interact with you and your product.