Creating Diverse Characters that Soar (& Sell)

Description

The reality in the movie & TV marketplace today is casting plays a key role in getting a movie greenlit. What drives an actor to sign on to your project, especially if the payday is less than their usual quote, is a compelling, 3-D character that an actor can sink their teeth into. Additionally, the layered role allows the actor to do the kind of research and preparation in character development that actors look for and long for.

Are characters not the way we usually see them? How do we give them flavor, depth and diversity to make them stand out? How do we, as creators of fiction (of all media), go about creating layered, flesh and blood characters that rivet our audiences, get the financiers to pay attention because "meaningful talent" (i.e. has value domestic and foreign) has signed on?

Join Marilyn R. Atlas and Devo Cutler-Rubenstein on Thursday March 26th from 6:15pm to 9:15pm at the Writers Store to find out!

This dynamic, interactive course will cover:

# How to create (and what constitutes) a 3-D character

# How to recognize diverse POVs, and avoid cliché, on the nose characters

# How to generate dialogue and behavior that give insight into the character

# How to create memorable (i.e. marketable) characters

# How to use exercises and screenwriting tools that will redefine stereotypes & spur your imagination on the way to creating multi-faceted characters

# 50 question check-list on layered character development

# Additionally, insider tips for today's ever changing market for unforgettable characters

Attendees should be familiar with at least THREE of the following films: AS GOOD AS IT GETS, DO THE RIGHT THING, NOTES ON A SCANDAL, REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES, WHALE RIDER, DAMAGES (TV), MAD MEN(TV), WEEDS (TV), IRONMAN, CRASH, THE WRESTLER, ON THE WATERFRONT, TROUBLE IN PARADISE & ANY DAVID MAMET. We will discuss certain films that created memorable fully-fleshed out characters and we encourage the attendees to bring suggestions. You will also have a chance to bring those burning questions for a wrap-up Q & A at the end of the evening.

DATE: THURSDAY 3/26/09
TIME: 6:15 - 9:15
ADDRESS: The Writers Store 2040 Westwood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025
COST: $35 (IF YOU SIGN UP BY 3/13/09) $50 THEREAFTER

ABOUT Marilyn and Devo:
The instructors have thirty years plus entertainment industry experience developing entertainment product for all markets as studio exec, producer writer and director of award-winning movie and television.

Marilyn R. Atlas is an award-winning producer and manager of actors and writers with several projects in development that focus on diversity, including the forthcoming SUBURBAN TURBAN and the musical adaptation of her film for stage, REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES. Devo Cutler is a former studio exec/CEO, The Script Broker ®, produced writer & director, and author of WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA? WRITING SHORTS and Adjunct Professor at USC's Summer Program. Marilyn and Devo will entertain you, and it is the promise of the course to answer your questions and give you invaluable tools to create compelling characters that will help you sell your projects.

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