Film School: A Free Series of Screenwriting Classes
Posted By: Tina Walker Davis
Date Posted: 4/12/2017
Screenwriting is the art and craft of writing scripts for various forms of media, from feature films and television productions, to podcasts and video games. It’s a broad field, which means knowing how and where to start can be the greatest hurdle to climb. In partnership with the Central Oregon Film Festival, Deschutes Public Library is offering a free series of workshops that will help individuals interested in screenwriting understand how to craft a story, as well as how to market it for sale.
Space is limited and registration is required for each class in the series. Individuals can register online at the links provided or by using the Library’s web calendar at www.deschuteslibrary.org/calendar/. All three sessions take place at the Redmond Library, located at 827 SW Deschutes Avenue in Redmond, Oregon. Sessions begin at 6:00 p.m. and run until 7:30 p.m.
Introduction to Screenwriting (May 5): This session will provide the knowledge and tools one needs to get started in screenwriting. This session will examine the reason to write a screenplay, how to get started writing a screenplay, basic structure and formatting of a screenplay, and more. After completing this session you should have the ability to seek out proper screenwriting software as well as information about where to get further educated in the art of writing a screenplay. We will also give you a list of schools and alternative education paths and options to hone in your skills as a screenwriter. May 5, 2017, 6:00-7:30, Redmond Library. Registration required; register here.
Story Building & Screenwriting Structure (May 12): This session will assume that you have all the basic knowledge covered in “Introduction to Screenwriting.” We will do a small recap of the previous session very briefly, and then move to story building and structure. We will examine the three act structure, variations in genre and medium, and how to build a story. With our focus on structure and story building we will discuss the “rules” of story and screenwriting as well as what it means to have a story as opposed to an idea or premise. (Suggested to bring: a laptop that is WiFi capable.) May 12, 2017, 6:00-7:30, Redmond Library. Registration required; register here.
Polishing & Selling Your Screenplay (May 19): This session will assume that you have all of the basic knowledge covered in “Story Building and Screenwriting Structure.” We will discuss taking our story, turning it into a solid blue print, then making it better and marketable. We will go over the options and techniques to sell your work or seek careers in screenwriting. (Suggested to bring: a laptop that is WiFi capable.) May 19, 2017, 6:00-7:30, Redmond Library. Registration required; register here.
About the instructor: James Lyons has made a name for himself throughout the Indie film community from Vancouver, Washington, to Los Angeles, California, as an up-and-coming talent with projects in pre- and post-production. He’s been on various podcasts and local entertainment interviews for his current projects. Lyons writes, directs and produces and studied digital television production at Grand Canyon University. He has produced several local indie series. He lives in Redmond, Oregon.
For more information about these sessions, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Jenny at 541-617-7089.