Fun, affordable classes in the arts, offered through one of Seattle's most respected noncredit schools. For a full list of Seattle acting classes, writing classes, art classes, film classes and more, visit http://www.classesandworkshops.com
It's Time to Write Your Screenplay Sponsored by the ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College Thurdays, 7/16-8/13, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (five meetings) Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle Nils Osmar, instructor Course fee: $125
In this class, you'll learn how to write a screenplay that is grounded in the traditional elements of storytelling, yet expresses something personal and unique without relying on simplistic formulas. We'll focus on plot, genre and character development, identifying and writing for your target audience and more. Plus, you'll learn how to find an agent and how to pitch your screenplay to buyers and producers. We'll wrap up with a demonstration of script formatting using Final Draft. The instructor has written and produced over thirty screenplays and teleplays, including three full-length feature films. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below. If you don't see a link, go to http://www.classesandworkshops.com
- story structure (from the basic elements common to any story, to the "hero's journey" used as the foundation of screenplays ranging from Star Wars to American Beauty.) - how to think visually (film is mainly a visual medium, and screenplays need to based around action before you start thinking about dialogue. In this class we'll start off with some exercises designed to help move people toward thinking visually. These exercises alone often solve some basic storytelling problems and get your screenwriting off to a solid start) - how to identify your screenplay's target audience, and why it matters - how to write concise, effective dialogue and description - how to write loglines (concise descriptions of your story) and treatments. The difference between a treatment and a screenplay. - types of treatments (you'll learn the differences between the treatment you write before your screenplay, and the one you write as a marketing tool after it's finished) - how to write scenes (a scene, like a screenplay, has a definite beginning, middle and end, and moves the story along on its arc. We'll do some exercises to get a handle on scene writing, then write short scenes and share them with the class) - how to write a complete short script (we'll practice writing dialogues and descriptions, practice setting up a story visually, then we'll each write a one minute script, and later in the class, a complete five minute script) - how to "pitch" your screenplay to the big studios, plus some methods for getting your script in through a "back door" - how to format your screenplay (and avoid common formatting errors) - and more. It's a good class both for beginning writers who are not sure where to start, and for people who are already underway on a screenplay but need some tips to get it back on track. We'll do lots and lots of writing, and you'll have a chance to share your writings with the class and get feedback from others about what's working and what's not.
Can you tell me more about the instructor? Nils Osmar has made his living in the arts for over twenty years, working as a writer (short stories, stageplays & screenplays), illustrator (traditional and modern media), filmmaker and teacher. He currently teaches at the ASUW Experimental College, (a noncredit program of the Associated Students University of Washington) and the Wonder School of the Arts. For a full list of upcoming classes, scroll down this page.
Student comments
Thanks for the energy you put into the (Screenplay) course, the writing exercises, the HUGE amount of information, and the fun and supportive atmosphere ... I got past the "panic" mode of feeling like I needed to do everything right in the first draft, I feel looser and happier and am having more fun writing. - L.D., Seattle Thanks again for your encouragement and the fun nature of the screenwriting class. - L. R., Seattle The class was really helpful, especially the exercises in writing scenes and writing a complete (very short!) screenplay. I can't believe what I came up with and what other people in the class came up with for that exercise. It was a real window into the amazing creativity we all have inside of us. - Jan H., Seattle I turned some kind of a corner and writing has been easy since the class. Thank you! - Nathan I., Bellevue I learned a lot about how to write a screenplay. (J.R., Seattle) I particularly appreciated your advice to focus on telling my own stories, rather than chasing some elusive dream of creating what Hollywood is looking for. As you said, there are thousands of wannabees trying to write the next Die Hard or Terminator 2- but who cares - they've been written! I don't have to chase after the latest fad, I can trust myself more and look at what I want to write, and trust that that probably has a better chance of being accepted anyway. - C.B., Seattle Thank you for your explanation of how the pitching process works, and how to find an agent (and how to make sure it's a real agent who can really be helpful.) - M.L.,Bellevue Wow, what can I say Nils, it was really good, thanks for the encouragement and information - Beth G., Kirkland I love the advice to just have fun with it ... - .PW., Seattle The advice about editing and rewriting was perfect for what I needed." - Scott W., Bellevue I'm happy with the result of class... I feel liberated instead of stuck. I've been writing again and am very pleased. - Mike K., Seattle I took a class from ______ last year and felt kind of discouraged afterwards; I think he was a discouraged screenwriter and passed that along! I feel encouraged since your class, and am excited to get back to my screenplay. - Jan., Seattle It was a great (class) for me and I'm totally happy with it. The exercises at the beginning, helping us focus on screenwriting as a visual medium, were wonderful and made a huge difference in my writing. I loved the homework and the exercises we did in class. The first exercise alone made a huge difference in my writing. The explanation about story structure and the Hero's Journey-Monomyth were wonderful and solved a huge number of problems I'd been having. I had read them before but had somehow not connected them with my screenplay. Thanks again for a wonderful class. - Kris T., Kent
Questions about signing up
How do I sign up? To register, call 206-420-1309, or use the Add to Cart buttons above. Online registrations will be handled securely by Paypal Merchant Services.
Does that mean I need to have a Paypal account to sign up? No. You can use Paypal if you want, or pay using any Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card or American Express.
How do I pay using a credit card? Start by clicking the Add to Cart button, then click "proceed to checkout." You'll be taken to a page where you can choose how to pay. If you want to use your credit card just click at the bottom where it says "Use your Credit Card or Bank account," then enter your credit card information.
Can I pay by check? Yes. If you'd like to pay by check, just download this form, print it, and mail it in with your check or money order. If you have trouble downloading or printing out the form, email Seattleworkshops@aol.com and we'll mail you a form.
How soon will I receive a confirmation email when I sign up? You should receive a confirming email within a few hours of registering (usually sooner). If you don't get a confirming email, call or email Nils Osmar, instructor at 206-420-1309 Seattleworkshops@aol.com or Nilsosmar@gmail.com
What is your refund policy? 1) If you sign up for a class, and then it is cancelled, or if the date or location are changed in a way that prevents you from attending, you will receive your choice of either a full refund, or a tuition voucher for the full amount paid. 2) If you sign up for a class, then change your mind or are unable to attend, and notify the instructor before the first meeting, you will receive your choice of either a refund of 2/3 of the course fee, or a tuition voucher for the full amount paid. 3) If you notify the instructor after the first class meeting, but before the second meeting, that you have decided not to attend you will receive your choice of either a refund of 1/3 of the course fee or a tuition voucher in the amount of 2/3 of the amount paid. 4) If you attend some meetings of a class but miss some meetings, you can make up the meetings you missed the following quarter at no charge.
Wonder School home page Nils Osmar home page
Other summer quarter classes
Art classes in Seattle Drawing for absolute beginners ___ SATURDAYS 9 am-10:45 am ___7/11-8/1 (four meetings) Learn to Draw Faces ___________ SATURDAYS 11 am-12:45 pm___7/11-8/1 (four meetings) Figure Drawing __________________ SATURDAYS 1 pm-2:45 pm___7/11-8/1 (four meetings) Cartooning 101 __________________SUNDAYS 11 am-12:45 pm___7/19-8/9 (four meetings) Perspective Drawing for Beginners____SUNDAYS 1 pm-2:45 pm___7/19-8/9 (four meetings) Acrylic Painting for Beginners ____________SUNDAYS 3 pm-5 pm__7/19-8/9 (four meetings) Exploring Color _________________SUNDAY 10 am-5 pm___ 7/12 only (one-day workshop)
Writing classes in Seattle Writing Fiction and Short Stories ______WEDNESDAYS 7/15-8/12, 7 pm-9 pm (five meetings) It's Time to Write Your Screenplay_THURSDAYS, 7/16-8/13, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (five meetings)
Photoshop classes in Seattle Adobe Photoshop __________FRIDAYS 7/10-7/24___7 pm-9:15 pm___ (three meetings)
Acting & Filmmaking classes in Seattle Let's Make a Movie ___________________ TUESDAYS 7/14-8/18 (five meetings) Filmmaking for Beginners _________FRIDAYS 7/31-8/21, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (four meetings) Documentary Filmmaking___SUNDAY 8/16 only (one-day workshop) Beginning Acting ____MONDAYS 7/13-8/10, 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (five meetings) ***
*** all classes are held on or near the UW campus in Seattle, except for Beginning Acting, which is held at the Seattle Center/Center House. Exact locations and driving directions will be emailed out when you sign up
Questions? Call 206-420-1309 or email Seattleworkshops@aol.com