5 Tuesdays, April 4 – May 2, 7-9:30pm
$275 members/$295 non-members
Testimonials for Kate
In this course, writers who are already familiar with the basics of story structure and screenwriting will be able to take their skills to the next level.
“The devil’s in the details,” says instructor Kate Montgomery. “While there’s more demand now for original content, and opportunities abound, the industry is not easy to impress. You get just one chance to make that first impression with Producers, Agents, and Talent. The good news? You will be taken seriously right away with a screenplay that is original and compelling, one with a solid structure, memorable characters, great pacing, and strong visuals.
We’ll dive deeper into the craft of screenwriting and what separates the amateurs from the pros. You’ll learn how to craft a story that keeps us engaged each step of the way, with a protagonist we can relate to, a through-line that keeps us guessing, a central struggle that makes us care, and a resolution that is genuinely satisfying, even if it’s not a “Hollywood ending”.
With a mix of short lectures, writing exercises, screenings, class discussions, brainstorming sessions, and handouts you can take home with you to refer to later, this class is designed to be interactive and encouraging and to give you the added expertise you need to create work that is truly exceptional and opens doors.
Kate Montgomery wrote, directed and produced the Sundance indie feature Christmas in the Clouds, which won top honors at festivals in Austin, Santa Fe, Vancouver, Philadelphia and Ft. Lauderdale, and endorsements from Oprah Winfrey & Roger Ebert. She executive produced the micro-indie, Ever Since the World Ended, which won at the SF Indie Fest and the London Sci-Fi Film Festival. She has optioned & sold screenplays to producers and studios in the US, Canada and UK, and works for hire as a script editor and production consultant. Her current feature projects include the Italian romantic comedy Pane Vine, and the western Stealing Lily, for which she also wrote the adaptation.