Are you an aspiring screenwriter looking to polish a draft, complete a script, or develop new material? In Advanced Screenwriting, students will be guided by faculty, Jason Greiff, an experienced screenwriter who has written for Universal and Marc Platt Productions. Read on below for our interview with Greiff about the class and why it could be a good fit for you!
What can students expect from the Advanced Screenwriting class?
JG: A fun time. I try my best to make the class an enjoyable experience for students who already know the fundamentals of scriptwriting and now want to “play” with the tools of the trade. The course is for those looking to complete a script, revise a script, or a start new script. In its online format (i.e., not remote/zoom), students can log into the course on their own schedule throughout the week. We handle the material via topic threads. There’s a workshop thread where students post work and get feedback from classmates and instructor, and there are also ongoing discussion threads (writing exercises, Q&A, etc.) throughout each class week. I’m not sure if it’s just been luck or if I have anything to do with it, but I’ve been teaching this class for years and it always has students who are supportive of each other.
What inspired you to teach this course?
JG: Students who took the Beginning Screenwriting class and wanted a follow up course. Also, I wanted to have more room for feedback. One of the challenges of an advanced workshop class that meets in real time for, say, 2 hours and 20 minutes (a typical in-person class), is time management. So many writers wanting feedback on their work, so little time each class… In the asynchronous online format that runs 24/7, we don’t have this issue, so writers can submit a great amount of work and get a great amount of feedback each week (without the pressure of beating the “class bell”).
What are some of the most common challenges when it comes to completing a script? How does this course help overcome those challenges?
JG: Maintaining the drive to make it to fade out/the end. When we’re writing on our own — especially if we’re not being paid to write something — it’s difficult to be self-disciplined and stay on track. If no one is expecting you to submit pages by a particular date, then it’s very easy to put writing off for tomorrow. And tomorrow. And tomorrow. While a writer absolutely does not need to take a class to write a script, it sure helps to have deadlines. A class like this provides those deadlines as there is a workshop schedule and weekly exercises. A class like this also provides a small community of folks with the same goal and interests. It’s easier to meet goals when you have a supportive group encouraging you and cheering you on.
What advice would you give to aspiring screenwriters?
JG: Always be reading scripts. Put down the “how to” books and pick up produced scripts (just pick up your iPad and then Google “scripts pdf” and you’ll find thousands of scripts). Also, there are lots of resources out there to help you along, from podcasts hosted by working scriptwriters to interviews with scriptwriter on YouTube. And while doing all this, always be writing. Set a schedule and get at least 20 minutes a day of writing.
What do you find most rewarding about teaching this class?
JG: Health insurance. No, I joke. It is an easy question because the answer is without doubt the students. It’s cliché, I know, but there truly is nothing more rewarding than when students are appreciative for having had a positive experience in the class. It’s also extra rewarding when students go on to have success with their work. As a teacher, I’ve been fortunate in this area, with past students having gone on to sell and make movies and television shows with all the big studios, networks, platforms, etc. (It’s also great when successful students come back to share their experiences with my current classes.)
Advanced Screenwriting starts February 27. Register here.