How to Sell your Script with Evan Smith

Description

As if writing screenplays wasn't hard enough, Hollywood has developed a host of rules and obstacles designed to block new talent from breaking in. (Thanks, Hollywood!) This course was created to help screenwriters bend those rules and sidestep those obstacles as they strive to launch a successful career.

COURSE TOPICS will include...

* The battle plan
* Hunting agents (and managers)
* Treating this business as your business
* The world's most powerful sales tool
* Contacting people who don't want you to, and what to do when you connect
* The dreaded query letter
* What to submit, how
* Signing with an agent
* Prepping stories for a pitch
* Stepping into the meeting
* Making the sale
* Contracts and money
* What to do if you don't live in LA

This workshop will be structured as a 4-week boot camp, though students can participate as much or as little as they'd like. Weekly lessons will feature targeted, step-by-step business strategies and homework assignments that have practical applications (including critiques of your phone spiel and a story pitch). Students will have direct access to the instructor so that they can receive one-on-one feedback. Course material will identify many handy resources available to writers and include a list of recommended reading.

We'll cover a lot of ground but have fun doing it--this course is about writers helping writers, no pressure added.

IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR YOU?
This course is about breaking down doors, not how to write a script. It is designed to help all new screenwriters, whether they want to work in sitcoms, dramatic series, or movies. (When tactics differ for the different fields, this will be pointed out.) This includes writers who are already trying to get work, those who are planning to try in the future, and those who are simply investigating the process as they contemplate career options. Though no one can guarantee that you'll land an agent or sell a script, this course can help you increase the odds that you will achieve success.

Course Creator: Evan Smith

Evan Smith is the Chair of the Screenwriting Program at Syracuse University's Newhouse School and the author of what many have described as the seminal book on sitcom writing, Writing Television Sitcoms. Evan has written comedy and drama for Paramount, MTM, Fox, USA, and various producers, and has worked as a programming VP responsible for developing network TV-movies, specials, and series. Evan is widely acclaimed for his seminars and articles on screenwriting theory and technique, particularly those featuring his method for creating "premise-driven comedy." He also serves as a private script consultant for screenwriters and entertainment companies.

To enroll, or learn more information, click here.