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We're back in the Writers' Room for the Breakdown Webcast: The First 10 Pages! The first 10 pages - or the opening sequence of the script - is so important and a good "First 10" will establish the tone and genre, introduce the main character, clarify the world of the story and the status quo, indicate the theme, and above all set up the dramatic question. That is why we will be breaking down some of the most memorable scenes and sequences found with the first 10 pages of our favorite film and TV series. We will also explore 7 types of openings and how they can launch your narrative - without falling into the trap of being cliche or derivative. As part of the webcast, you can download the complete scripts we discuss by clicking here. Once you have wrapped up the webcast, make sure to head on over to the Private Writers' Room Lounge to discuss your favorite opening scenes from film and television. And let us know why! Full Bio »
We're back in the Writers' Room for the Breakdown Webcast: The First 10 Pages! The first 10 pages - or the opening sequence of the script - is so important and a good "First 10" will establish the tone and genre, introduce the main character, clarify the world of the story and the status quo, indicate the theme, and above all set up the dramatic question.
That is why we will be breaking down some of the most memorable scenes and sequences found with the first 10 pages of our favorite film and TV series. We will also explore 7 types of openings and how they can launch your narrative - without falling into the trap of being cliche or derivative.
As part of the webcast, you can download the complete scripts we discuss by clicking here.
Once you have wrapped up the webcast, make sure to head on over to the Private Writers' Room Lounge to discuss your favorite opening scenes from film and television. And let us know why!
The Breakdown
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"Thank you Jason--this webinar was PHENOMENAL--I never heard anyone break down first 10 like this--I loved the way you described each way it's done, then the clip, and then the screenplay. It gives us frameworks for watching the first 10 of movies, and options for ways to look at our own scripts. You are a genius instructor!" - Ricki L.
"Jason - you have raised the bar AGAIN with this breakdown. Thank you so much." - Stephen P.
"Ditto, Stephen" - Jenny R.
"Jason, thanks for breaking down the first 10 pages in a new way with so many great examples! So much food for thought as I examine and rethink the openings of my screenplays!" - Martha C.
We're back in the Writers' Room for the Breakdown Webcast: Writing Character Introductions. This Breakdown topic comes from several writers who want to discuss the best ways to introduce characters within their feature and television scripts. So, we'll breaking down the scripts and clips from some of the most notable films and series to see how characters are introduced on the page - and on screen. We will also discuss tips on how you can introduce characters in a way that makes a great first impression - no matter if they are your protagonist, antagonists, or simply the goofy sidekick.
We're back in the Writers Room this afternoon for The Breakdown Webcast with Producer and Writer, Nick Waters. Nick Waters is a Producer and Writer of the horror film, MARGAUX starring Vanessa Morgan and Madison Pettis, currently in post production at Paramount Pictures. Nick is also Producing a comedy with Chloe Grace Moretz, and a psychological thriller he wrote and is producing with a top horror company. Nick produced the horror feature SHELTER IN PLACE in 2020 with The Komack Company - the producers of DEADPOOL and VAN WILDER. He continues to develop other projects to bring to that company. Nick is currently directing and producing a documentary with some of the world's top ballroom dancers. Prior to transitioning into Producing, Nick was in front of the camera as an actor - bringing with him valuable relationships with talent and filmmakers.
Great Characters should have Great Introductions. Join us as we breakdown how characters are introduced in features and TV scripts including Star Wars, Fargo, The Good Place, Mad Men, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Arrested Development.
Dramedy is a compelling genre to write because many argue it best captures the realities of life. There are comedic moments in some of the most tragic of times and dramatic moments that give way to levity. During the webcast, we examine some of the most critically and commercially successful dramedies - including "FLEABAG", PARENTHOOD (1989), THE BIG SICK, and SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK to understand why they work so well. We also discuss ways in which you can develop your characters and narratives so that your dramedy is as authentic as possible.
We’re back in the Writers’ Room for the Breakdown with Laurie Ashbourne. We breakdown produced screenplays focusing on a different aspect of writing every webcast. Join us as Laurie Ashbourne breaks down an episode of True Detective: Night Country.
We're back in the Writers' Room for the Breakdown Webcast: Writing Ensembles! An ensemble film is different from most lone protagonist-driven movies because it has a lot of main protagonists (some who are depicted as supporting characters though) that have roughly the same amount of "screen time" and importance in the screenplay. During this webcast, we discuss the challenge of giving every character in your ensemble a human turn while placing them in the context of the narrative. We examine some of our favorite projects including PRINCESS BRIDE, PARENTHOOD, "BRIDGERTON", THE LORD OF THE RINGS, THE USUAL SUSPECTS, and more to see how the characters - and their goals - come together. We also discuss tips on how you can balance all of the characters in your ensemble piece while crafting compelling obstacles for them to overcome (either together or separately).