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1. Are the classes online and if so, when
are they conducted?
All ScriptForSale.com classes are conducted online in the
most flexible form we could find -- email groups.
The basic structure is this:
- Everyday of a class, you'll receive a lesson with an
assignment.
- You have 24 hours to complete the assignment.
- Once complete, you send it into the group.
- Then, you read how the other writers used that day's
technique in their own unique way.
Most of the classes are designed in 10-day units that
allow you to immerse yourself into a specific area of screenwriting and gain a
deep understanding of it.
2. Will I have to log on at a certain
time of the day?
No. That's why we use email groups. All you have to do is
check email after 6 PM Pacific time and you'll have the day's lesson.
Then, you do it any time during the day. Can't be easier
than that, can it?
3. What makes these classes different
than what everyone else is doing?
Two major differences:
A. Our focus is creating MARKETABLE screenwriting. That
means that every program we deliver will provide insights into how to make your
script as marketable as possible.
Our objective: Scripts that are
irresistible to producers.
You'll see immediately that our classes aren't the
garden-variety classes taught by retired English teachers. We don't spend time
telling you how to format your script or how to use correct grammar. All of
those are important, but they don't get a script sold.
There are nine components to a Highly Marketable script.
They are:
- A marketable concept.
- Roles and relationships that are appealing to A-list
actors.
- A compelling conflict that grips us throughout the
script.
- An intriguing opening that demands we read the entire
script.
- Fascinating scenes and moments.
- Depth and subtext that engages the mind.
- An emotional roller coaster.
- Extremely well written
- A flexible writer committed to the success of the
project.
B. This program is designed to give you a profound learning
experience.
Besides being a writer/producer, Hal Croasmun spent 18 years
designing training programs for Fortune 500 corporations. These programs have
been specifically designed to cause learning in 14 ways, including:
- Information about the skill.
- Writing a scene using that day's skill.
- Rewriting the scene to incorporate new ideas and
learning.
- Reading the other writer's scenes.
- Breakthroughs that occur throughout the process.
- Training the unconscious to generate ideas daily.
- Gaining a healthy perspective on performance anxiety. And
others
So you'll be learning through information, through writing,
and through seeing how others write their scenes. Keep in mind that the
information you receive is a small part of the learning process. It's purpose
is to highlight that skill so you can improve your abilities in that area.
4. What do people say about your
classes?
Go here
and you'll see some common comments about our classes.
At the conclusion of each class, we ask the participants to
fill out an evaluation. Consistently, our classes are rated a 9 or better on a
1 to 10 scale.
5. Where do you list the dates of the
programs?
Two places: On this site. You can find them by going to our
Classes page. You can also see them in the
ScriptForSale newsletter that goes out every two weeks.
Subscribe here.
6. Will I get critiques on my material in
your classes?
Although some of the classes have critiques as part of their
learning structure, these classes are not about critiquing the content of your
screenplays. They are about dramatically improving your screenwriting and your
ability to market the finished product.
You can get critiques almost anywhere. What matters here is
learning all you can so you can elevate your writing to a marketable level.
The reason screenwriters focus on critiques is because it
was the main source of learning in most screenwriting classes. So you really
want to become a better screenwriter. That is what these classes do.
In the High Concept class
and Marketing Your Screenplay class, you
receive critiques from the instructor because these class are directly about
marketing your script.
In all other classes, you receive a critique from the group
members and the instructor critiques one or two participant's work to reinforce
what has been taught. You also receive a critique from the group members on
your final assignment.
7. You are a producer, what's it take to
get a script into your hands?
At some point in the future, we'll set up a process for
screenwriters who meet our specifications to submit materials to us.
For the moment, we have many projects and only have time to
look at the writing of those writers in our classes.
8. If I take your classes, will you
represent me?
As is said above, we look at everyone's work who goes
through our classes, but we only work with those who are ready for this market.
Remember, this is an extremely competitive market and it is not advisable to
enter it until you are truly ready.
When we see writers who we believe to be at the level of the
market, we approach them to discuss ways of working together. |