Do you want to write a screenplay but can’t seem to find the ‘perfect’ idea? Or maybe you have too many ideas and don’t know how to pick one? Or you have a vague idea but you’re not sure what the next step is?

… Well that stinks for you. Kidding! Then this class is for you!

The goal of this two-session course is to give writers the tools and strategies to best prepare for that first day when they sit down to write page one.

The first session of PREWRITING YOUR SCREENPLAY will focus on getting to the heart of your story idea by helping you to construct or refine a logline (a summary that’s only a sentence or two but is the most important part of your screenplay) that will serve as the ‘road map’ for your writing process.

The second session of PREWRITING YOUR SCREENPLAY will introduce concepts like three act structure, beat sheets and story maps and teach writers strategies for the most helpful way to outline their story before they start writing.

Both sessions will be a combination of lecturing and writing exercises to help generate and refine ideas.

Duncan Birmingham is a writer and filmmaker based in Los Angeles. His short films have premiered at various festivals including Sundance and his feature directorial debut "Who Invited Them" was named one of the best horror films of the year by The Hollywood Reporter. His screenplay Swingles was bought by Paramount and appeared on The Black List. He was the writer and executive producer of the Marc Maron IFC comedy "Maron" and has worked as a writer-producer on various shows including the Starz comedy "Blunt Talk" starring Patrick Stewart. The title story of his short story collection, "The Cult in My Garage" (Maudlin House, 2021), was chosen for the Selected Shorts radio show.

Prewrite Your Screenplay, 2 sessions with Duncan Birmingham