This session covers:

• 3 Act Structure – breaking a story into beginning, middle and end
• Turning Points – take the action in different directions
• Proper Formatting – learn industry standards and techniques
• Writing Action/Description – the greatest mark of an experienced writer

This session covers:

• Building Your Protagonist – explore background, need(s), character flaw(s), and transformation
• Building Your Antagonist – make your protagonist real, explore need(s) and downfall
• Types of Conflict – the three major human strains
• Hallmarks of Great Conflict – techniques to building greater conflict

This session covers:

• Plot by Act – techniques for creating and sustaining the momentum of the film through Act One, Act Two and Act Three
• The Functions of Subplot – how to use subplots to enhance your story
• The Structure of Subplot – usually the source of most loose-ends in a story

This session covers:

• Good Dialogue – 6 techniques for improving your dialogue
• Make It Even Better – a checklist for rewriting to a finished draft

• The structure of a screenplay and how to advance your story
• Formatting techniques that can draw attention to your writing
• How to use action & description to engage your reader/viewer
• The three types of conflict & how to use them to create and sustain your story’s momentum from Act One to Act Three
• Why and how to use subplots in your story
• Six techniques that will help you write dialogue
• When to rewrite and what your final draft should have

• For writers interested in creating a screenplay.
• Explores the screenplay including its basic elements and provides students with techniques & methods needed to write one of their own.
• Learn about the specifics of screenwriting–from writing, formatting, storytelling, and rewriting–and come away with the experience of writing your first draft.

The Screenwriter's Bible by David Trottier

"Great instructor and great course. I learned a lot. I found the instructor's feedback to be kind, encouraging, but above all, useful. By the end of the class, I felt equipped to move forward. Many thanks Don." - Cat Hobson

"I really enjoyed this course, the feedback I received was incredibly helpful and it really boosted my confidence. Having an expert instructor was a great help . I’d highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn screenwriting!" - William Hunt

"This course was exactly what I needed. It gave me direction and insight. What I loved best was that the homework was not mandatory, which in turn encouraged me to do it for myself and not for the class, that freed my thoughts and anxiety." - Cheryl Schmidt

"This course is very worthwhile for any novelist who would like to understand storytelling in a different way." - Susan Llewellyn

"I really enjoyed this course. Don’s feedback and encouragement and the lectures were very informative. I got a good leap forward on my screenplay. I definitely will be back. Thank you!!!" - Susan Bradford