WRITE YOUR SCREENPLAY IN 8 WEEKS
So you have a great idea for a film script…but you don’t know how to get it on the page.
Or perhaps you’ve started writing a screenplay but you’ve got lost in procrastination, doubt or uncertainty...
Or maybe you’ve written screenplays before but haven’t been happy with the results (or how long it took)?
In this course, I will simplify the information you need, hold you accountable, and get you over the finish line in two months with a completed first draft you’ll be proud of.
Want to Write a Screenplay?
In this course you will be guided from concept through to completing a first draft in just 8 weeks.
You’ll not only learn everything you need to successfully complete your first draft, you’ll also be held accountable with deadlines and community support.
Whether you’re absolutely new to screenwriting or have experience but want support and inspiration through the first draft process, this program will help you achieve your goal.
It’s Time To Get Your Script on the Page
With weekly lessons and clear assignments as well as community support, you know you will get it done.
WRITE YOUR SCREENPLAY IN 8 WEEKS
What to expect...
A proven system to get your script written - even if you've never written one before.
Week by week, get exactly the information you need to proceed. Amongst much more we'll cover everything you need to complete your screenplay in just 8 weeks, including:
- the underlying structure of all screenplays
- how to format your screenplay correctly without getting overwhelmed
- the real key to writing a standout script
- methods to keep yourself motivated when the writing gets hard
- the secrets to writing unforgettable characters and dialogue that jumps off the page
- next level screenwriting style tips and techniques
It’s time to write your script. No more excuses.
Week 1: Anatomy of a Screenplay
You’ll learn the fundamental underlying structure of all screenplays and start thinking about the style, genre and structure of your own movie.
Week 2: The Foundations of your Screenplay
Without great characters, you don’t have a movie. This week you’ll learn how to create unforgettable characters as well as how to outline your movie and why you should do it.
Week 3: The Anatomy of the Scene
We’ll delve into screenwriting formatting as well as take a look at the building block of any screenplay, the scene and how to write a great one. You’ll also discover what is essential in the first ten pages of your script- and then you’ll write those!
Week 4: Talking Pictures
From here on, you’ll be writing at least 20 pages per week of your script. This week you’ll dig into what makes for good dialogue and how to make sure yours is hitting the mark. You’ll also learn strategies to keep you on track.
Week 5: Second Acts
Now that you are well into writing your own first draft, you’ll learn the dangers of a dull second act and how to make sure you avoid them.
Week 6: The 7 Plots & Screenwriting Style
This week as you march towards completing your 2nd act, it’s time to take a look at classical plots and see if they can help you keep raising the stakes and finish your second act powerfully.
Week 7: The Third Act
The way a movie ends can make or break it. We’ll cover how to make sure yours finishes with a bang and not a sizzle.
Week 8: The Next Steps
As you come to the end of your first draft, this lesson will give you advice on what to do next to take your script to the next level and actually get it made.
BONUS #1: Writing a TV Pilot
Many of the students of this course use it to write TV pilots. In this bonus session you'll learn the essentials of TV writing and how to use the course to achieve this aim.
THE WAY THIS WORKS
1. START IMMEDIATELY
When you sign up, you will receive access to your first pre-recorded video lesson, a downloadable worksheet summarizing the main points of the lesson, and clear assignments for the coming week.
2. WEEKLY LESSONS
After that, each week you will receive access to a new pre-recorded lesson for 7 further weeks (plus bonus material like a lesson on how to sell your screenplay).
You choose when to watch the lesson and when to do the work. If you want to do one per week at that rate, you can. If you prefer to take longer to do the course, you are welcome to.
You have lifetime access to the classes. Your life, your pace.
3. COMPLETE YOUR SCREENPLAY
In every weekly lesson, you will receive clear instructions on what you need to accomplish before you move onto the next lesson. You will feel guided, supported and encouraged – and this will get you to the finish line.
Hello!
I'm
Diane Bell.
Hi, I’m Diane Bell, and I’m a Sundance award-winning screenwriter and director.
I’ve written a dozen screenplays, including two with the legendary John McTiernan (director of Die Hard, Predator, The Hunt for Red October, etc).
My first movie as writer/director (OBSELIDIA) premiered at Sundance and won two awards. It went on to be nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards, including one for best first screenplay.
I’ve attended the Sundance Screenwriter’s Lab and I’ve been teaching screenwriting since 2016. I’ve also written a bestselling book about indie filmmaking, Shoot From the Heart.
The very first screenplay I wrote took me 8 weeks to write….over 3 years. It was optioned and it jumpstarted my career – but three years to write a script?!
That experience is the inspiration behind this course.
I want to help you write your first draft in 8 weeks, over 8 weeks!
The method I share is how I approach EVERY script I now write. It’s been used by hundreds of my students and worked for them.
If you don’t want to wait years to finish your script and want to jumpstart your own career, sign up and let’s do this!
"I went into this course knowing virtually nothing about writing a screenplay. I had a story – a novel I was working on that had good cinematic potential – but no idea what to do with it. Fortunately, Diane’s class helped every step of the way, from the basics to the more nuanced aspects of screenwriting. Whether you have a story plotted out or just an idea to run with, this course can help you reach your goal of getting a completed draft. Highly recommended!"
Sue Gelber
“If you are ready to quit talking about writing a screenplay and actually doing it, take this course. I started with a scrap of an idea and in 8 weeks wrote a full-length screenplay. Now I'm in discussions about it with an independent Hollywood producer. Diane Bell does an outstanding job of taking you step-by -step to reach your goal.“
Judy Christie
BONUS SESSIONS
When you register today, you'll get immediate access to the first of your 8 weekly lessons - and you'll also get these BONUS video trainings (value $997) -
- BONUS 1 - WRITING A TV PILOT - you'll learn the basics of TV writing, what you need to create in order to sell a show and how to use this program to write your own standout TV pilot.
- BONUS 2 - LIES THAT WILL BLOCK YOUR SUCCESS- wave goodbye to procrastination and self-sabotage as you identify and annhillate the most common self-limiting beliefs around writing + selling screenplays.
- BONUS 3 - Agents, Managers and How to Get One - We’ll discuss the difference between agents and managers, who you should be going after now, and how to land one.
- BONUS 4 - SELL YOUR SCRIPT - Learn a real life approach to selling your script (even if you don't know anyone in the industry). An absolute must if you are serious about not only writing your script - but getting it on the screen!
14 -DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
If you try it and decide the program is not for you, let us know within the first 14-days after purchasing for a full refund. No questions asked.
Are my results guaranteed?
I've never written a screenplay before. Is this course suitable for me?
I have written screenplays before. This will be too basic for me?
How much time do I need to devote to this each week?
Do I need to purchase screenwriting software?
Do you read my screenplay and give feedback as I'm writing it?
When does the course start?
What if I get stuck or don't understand something?
