Hi, everyone. I have a bit of an unusual request...
My father is about to turn 70. He's been a regular businessman his whole life. 2 years ago, out of nowhere, he wrote a screenplay. He didn't tell anyone he was doing it. He just did it. We all know that it has almost no chance of being made, but somehow he's managing to actually get meetings with some big named producers. He even submitted it to some festivals/contests and is progressing through the rounds. No one in my family can believe this.
Now, again out of nowhere, he's writing another screenplay.
So apparently, he's serious about this.
For his birthday, I'd like to get him signed up for some serious classes or working groups or a coach or something that could help him. But I'm not sure what that would be. My uncle (who happens to be an Oscar nominated screenwriter) suggested I check out Stage 32. So here I am. Any recommendations?
I have loved “MasterClass”. Not only for writing, but for expanding my thinking that goes into my writing. I am currently standing applauding your Father. Well done Dad.
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Why can't your uncle just give him coupla hints? If he already writes, I'd guess he already knows the basics...you have Academy nominated relative, sure he knows some people around the industry...
I'll eat my hat if this is legit. Do you realize how ridiculous this sounds?
Your uncle is an Oscar nominated screenwriter yet you act surprised that your dad is "actually getting meetings with some big named producers"? And this same uncle suggested Stage 32? Really???Is there a lounge I've missed where the Oscar nominated screenwriters hang out here on Stage 32?
And secondly, if your dad is already getting meetings with big name producers he's doing something very few people ever achieve, so why in the hell would you want him to take classes from instructors who have probably never had a meeting with the big name producers your dad is already talking to?
Lol thanks everyone.
Indeed, my uncle is giving him feedback. I just think he'll enjoy and benefit from non-familial feedback as well.
And yes, this is legit. Would be a pretty weird thing to make up. (Why would anyone make this up?). Though, yes, I also realize how ridiculous it sounds. We all think it's bananas that my dad is doing this. Anyway, Dirk, I hope your hat is tasty :)
Gene, this read like classic trolling. Hopefully it's not and your dad has great success, or at least is enjoying the process. And hats are never tasty, that's what hot sauce is for. I won't discuss how I know that :)
Thanks, Dirk. Not trolling. The whole thing is as honestly insane as it sounds. It's like, if Bruce Springsteen had an older brother, who at the age of 68, decided he wanted to learn to play the guitar and be a rock star.
I should also clarify that my uncle, who is indeed on Stage 32, is not helping him get the meetings with producers.
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Check out Dave Trottier's workshops and classes at keepwriting.com. I took a 3-week online workshop and learned a lot. Dave's a nice guy and very responsive to questions. He also does one-on-one mentoring--not cheap, but available. He's the author of "The Screenwriter's Bible," which has been invaluable to me.
Generally, I would recommend a live webinar rather than a pre-recorded one, especially if he's new to it, so he can ask his questions live. With the ones available, you may want to let him choose what's interesting to him: https://www.stage32.com/education/
That being said, one of the best classes that Stage 32 offers for new screenwriters is a four-part webinar, with examples of scripts to study as well: https://www.stage32.com/happy-writers/classes/Introduction-to-Screenwrit...