5 Tuesdays, January 17 – February 14, 7-9:30pm
$275 members/$295 non-members
Testimonials for Kate
So, you’ve finished the first draft of your screenplay? Congratulations! This is no small feat. Celebrate. Brag a little. And take a break—you’ve earned it!
But now get ready to sit back down and start working on that rewrite.
“I’ve never heard of a first draft that was camera-ready,” says instructor Kate Montgomery, “so the key at this stage is to identify what works and what is not quite there yet. Many imperfections will be instantly obvious as you return to your script after a short break. But others will ‘hide in plain sight’. This is why it’s so helpful to have the support and feedback of fellow screenwriters who can help you spot any weaknesses or missed opportunities—and who will thank you for helping them to do the same.”
In this course, we’ll all put our first drafts through a series of “passes” to check and double-check the plotting, character development, dialogue, and pacing. Each screenwriter will learn the Hollywood process of script analysis known as “coverage”. At the very least, your screenplay should be a polished and professional writing sample that opens doors with agents and producers.
“Writing is re-writing,” says Kate. “But this doesn’t have to be a tedious chore. Through reader feedback, scene readings, and fun brainstorming and improv sessions, you will have the opportunity to see your script though fresh eyes and explore alternatives to what is currently on the page.”
Kate Montgomery wrote, directed and produced the Sundance indie feature Christmas in the Clouds, which won top honors at festivals in Austin, Santa Fe, Vancouver, Philadelphia and Ft. Lauderdale, and endorsements from Oprah Winfrey & Roger Ebert. She executive produced the micro-indie, Ever Since the World Ended, which won at the SF Indie Fest and the London Sci-Fi Film Festival. She has optioned & sold screenplays to producers and studios in the US, Canada and UK, and works for hire as a script editor and production consultant. Her current feature projects include the Italian romantic comedy Pane Vine, and the western Stealing Lily, for which she also wrote the adaptation.