Screenwriters' Summit

Together they’ve sold over 2,000,000 books, spoken to over 500,000 people and traveled to more than 40 countries. Famed screenwriting gurus Syd Field, Linda Seger, Michael Hauge, and John Truby all come together at the Screenwriters’ Summit.

Over two intense days, these four masters of the craft will provide you an unmatched depth and understanding of screenwriting and story that is ideal for screenwriters, filmmakers, TV writers, producers, directors and creative executives. Michael, Linda, John and Syd will each teach half-day classes followed by a half-hour Q&A session in which you'll be able to follow-up with any questions you may have. The speakers having taken the time and care to share their outlines with each other to make sure they provide you the best, most engaging material possible without overlap.

CNN called Syd Field, "The guru of all screenwriters," while The Hollywood Reporter said he's "the most sought-after screenwriting teacher in the world." The Los Angeles Times said Christopher Vogler's impact on film is "the stuff of Hollywood legend." Ralph Winter, acclaimed producer of such films as X-Men I, II & III, Fantastic Four and other blockbusters claimed, "John Truby's course is so good I took it twice." And billion-dollar box office screenwriter Terry Rossio (Pirates of the Caribbean 1, 2 & 3, Shrek, National Treasure: Book of Treasures), said, "Michael Hauge's the only screenwriting instructor out there who might be truly wasting his time – because he should be writing screenplays instead. Higher praise I cannot give."

Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear 4 world-class speakers in a single weekend where the goal is simple: to learn, network and have some fun at the same time. The Vancouver Sun called the Summit "a most amazing event" that "drew an incredibly diverse crowd in terms of ages and backgrounds. Great event." With the class size being strictly limited to 175 participants, the Screenwriters' Summit in Los Angeles will be a great and unique opportunity to hear some of screenwriting's best and most-respected teachers.

Linda Seger - Course Outline

Dr. Seger is an internationally known speaker in the area of screenwriting, having taught and lectured in over 30 countries on 6 continents. She has given seminars for studios, networks, production companies, television series, and film commissions, and, as the author of nine bestselling books on the art and craft of screewriting, Seger has appeared in more than 60 radio and television shows, including CNN, Good Morning LA, NPR (National Public Radio), Good Morning New York and more.

Some of Linda’s bestselling books include, Making a Good Script Great, Making a Good Writer Great, Creating Unforgettable Character, The Art of Adaptation: Turning Fact and Fiction into Film From Script to Screen: The Collaborative Art of Filmmaking and many others.

Linda has consulted on over 2000 scripts, including over 40 produced feature films and about 35 produced television projects. Some of her clients include ABC, CBS, NBC, Disney Animation, Turner Network Television, Matinee Productions, Embassy Television, Denmark Radio (Channel 1 Television), Trebitsch Company (Hamburg Studio), ZDF Network (Frankfurt, Germany), Rai Television (Rome, Italy), Swedish Television and more.

John Truby - Course Outline

“Hollywood respects and pays for somebody who stands out from the crowd. In other words, anyone who is an original storyteller. If you have something unique, and if you tell your story in an original way, you are the only place that they can go to get what you have. And that’s why [studios] will pay you a lot of money to do that. That’s why I always say it is absolutely essential that you maintain control over your originality. That is what is unique to you, that is what you have to sell. If you can do that, and then learn the structure techniques for expressing what is original, you will be very successful.” – John Truby

Topics covered will include:

• The variations of deep structure
• 7 steps to a great premise 
• Plot techniques
• How to beak scenes down
• The secret to creating a strong middle 
• Determining the key theme and central moral choice of your hero
• Creating Your Opponent
• Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Detective, Fantasy, Horror, Love, Masterpiece, Myth, Science Fiction, Thriller

Michael Hauge - Course Outline

For our opening session, Hollywood script consultant and screenwriting coach Michael Hauge, best-selling author of Writing Screenplays That Sell and Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds: The Guaranteed Way to Get Your Screenplay or Novel Read, will present his unique approach to creating compelling, commercial screenplays. Michael will show you how to entertain, enlighten and move your audience through story concept, plot structure, character development and theme. He will then reveal his proven method for getting the people in power to read your screenplay. Selected participants will also get direct feedback on their story concepts and pitches.

Topics covered will include:

• The primary goal of all story
• The power of desire, need, longing and destiny
• The essential conflict all characters must face
• Turning plot structure from a complicated concept into a simple, powerful tool you can easily apply to every story
• The six stages of a properly structured screenplay
• The single key to creating character arc and theme
• Creating believable and fulfilling love stories
• The eight steps to a powerful pitch

Syd Field - Course Outline

“It is an inspiring and innovative time to be a screenwriter. All of us embody that future. We have the imagination, the tools, the skills, and we know the craft -- but do we have the courage and the strength to bring our own personal vision into the world? I feel the screenwriter should take responsibility for stimulating the audience into action; to think -- to feel -- to passionately inspire others.” – Syd Field

Topics covered will include:

• Setting up character and story
• Film is behavior – introducing character AS story
• When and why to use Voice Over (VO) narration
• The Inciting Incident and its impact on character
• Setting up the Non-linear story
• Writing effective dialogue
• The Nature of Conflict

Seminar Details:

When: December 10-11, 2011 - Saturday and Sunday
8:30am to 6:30pm each day

Where:
The Sheraton LAX
6101 West Century Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045

We've made arrangements with the Sheraton hotel to offer Summit participants a discounted rate of only $99/night. To book, please call 1-800-325-3535 and mention the Screenwriters' Summit

Cancellation Policy:
If you cancel 14 days or less from the event date, your full fee will be forfeited, but you may assign your registration to another person to attend in your place. If you cancel more than 14 days prior to the event date, then a $75 fee will be retained to cover administrative costs.

PLEASE ALSO NOTE:

• No taping or recording of the seminar is allowed
• A list of local restaurants will be made available at the event
• Lap tops permitted only if they do not disturb other students.
• Please arrive a half-hour before the seminar to sign-in and get your materials.