Scene writing class this Saturday, Jan. 27, 11AM-4PM, in Pittsburgh · 3:18am Jan 23rd, 2018
Here's a message I got from the Carnegie Screenwriters, a group of about 30 screenwriters in the Pittsburgh area. I've taken 3 shorter classes from Jim Mercutio, and he's brilliant, knows his stuff, and always packs as much material into his lectures as he can. Most of what he teaches isn't specific to screenwriting.
I'm going. If anybody else wants to go, PM me and we'll meet up there. It would be great to see some of you there. $25 is a bargain for 4 hours of lectures by Jim--he usually charges $25 for a 1-hour lecture. Plus he's just a cool guy.
Scene writing class (fundraiser for Laurie & Dennis Smith)
Pittsburgh, PA, Jan. 27, 2018
Carnegie Screenwriters presents Advanced Scene Writing with Jim Mercurio. This event is a benefit for local filmmakers Laurie Smith Greene and Dennis Greene, whose home in McKees Rocks was destroyed by a fire on Christmas Day. They lost everything in the fire and need our help. All proceeds from the event will go directly to Laurie and Dennis to help them rebuild their lives.
Laurie is a filmmaker who has worked on Carnegie Screenwriters projects with us, including "Test 89" for the 48 Hour Film Project (she won Best Cinematography), and "Silent Tales", the documentary about the Richland Cemetery in Dravosburg.
Jim Mercurio is an award-winning filmmaker and story analyst whose book The Craft of Scene Writing will be released later this year.
Advanced Scene Writing: 4-hour Class with Lecture, Clips, and Discussion
DATE: Saturday, January 27
TIME: 11 AM - 4 PM (Lunch Provided)
LOCATION: The Wilkins School Community Center
7604 Charleston Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
https://wsccpgh.org/
PRICE: $25
There are a limited number of seats and we want to make accurate plans for lunch, so please sign up online. Walk-ins welcome, but pre-registration is preferred.
ABOUT THE CLASS
Don’t think of scene writing as a specialty or niche craft applicable for only storytellers of short-form narratives such as commercials, skits, sketches and shorts. It is for everyone who uses the principles of narrative in their work -- editors, composers, songwriters, actors, directors, producers, novelists, and of course screenwriters -- ALL STORYTELLERS.
Scene writing is storytelling in its purest form.
How can you masterfully “turn” a 100-page script if you can’t master the climactic “turn” of a 3-page story?
The nitty-gritty craft principles of scene writing helps writers succeed both creatively and professionally. This class focuses on craft, and craft usually takes care of much of the business side. Jack Nicholson says he won’t do a movie unless it has at least five amazing moments. The scenes in your script have to be as good as its structure. Structure alone does not lead to a great screenplay.
Regardless of the specific state of the industry, the spec market always favors a script that is ready to go and writers who can deliver a near-flawless, ready-to-shoot draft. It’s not enough to have only a cool concept. A polished script with bulletproof execution can skip the development process and allows producers or agents to submit it immediately to actors or directors -- the linchpins of the packaging process -- whose involvement can lead to a sale and production.
Create more emotional scenes and hone your unique voice while giving your script the best chance to succeed in the competitive spec market.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
- Working definition of a scene and its elements
- The source and essence of surprise and organics reversals
- The importance of climax and how to accentuate it
- How to “break the rules” like Woody Allen, Quentin Tarantino and David Mamet do
- Principles like extended beats and writing to concept
- Rewriting strategies for your scenes
If you cannot afford the fee, contact Jim (jim (at) jamespmercurio.com), and we will make it work.
Updates will be posted on the Carnegie Screenwriters Facebook Page and via email.
I've found two critically important bits to memorable scenes:
In scenes with dialogue, you should be able to close your eyes and follow along with your ears without getting lost.
In scenes with action/events, you should be able to turn off the sound and still understand what is going on.
Good example of first: Just about the whole of My Fair Lady.
Good example of the second: Large chunks out of Men in Black, the chase scene from Bullitt
Good example of *both* : The peak of the hostage exchange scene out of Big Jake
I've registered and will probably make it.
Bad Hoooorse why don't you give more warning, I can't make it
Oh well. Have fun you guys. :3
It's not filmed is it?