Get all the tools you need for successful writing
This 10-series workshop covers a wide range of practical tools for screenwriting. It is a complete course, covering almost all the relevant topics of writing for the screen, from story structure to practical writing tools.
This workshop is for writers, directors and producers, but other professionals such as actors, script editors and commissioning editors will find it very helpful too.
This is an active workshop for inspired and ambitious people. Previous experience in screenwriting is not essential, but a working knowledge of film and TV is helpful. Some weekly writing homework assignments will be given, and we will also discuss scenes in class and conduct team writing exercises.
The workshop is in English with Chinese translation. You do not have to be fluent in English in speaking and writing, but you need to be able to understand it to get the most out of this workshop.
The dates for the fall 2023 workshop will be announced this spring
Each class is a separate module, dealing with a particular topic or subject, but all classes are linked to form a complete screenwriting course. It is not possible to sign up for individual classes. Classes are around 2 ½ hours each.
We will watch movie clips and analyze screenplays. There will be a lecture on the topics, as well as interactive practice sessions, group writing and discussion of homework assignments.
To stay informed about the new workshop dates, please send an email to info@lfvh.com
This workshop will teach you professional tips and tricks that enable you to get the ideas out of your head, into a screenplay and onto the screen itself. It helps you understand and read existing scripts and identify weak spots and areas of improvement.
You will learn how to start the creative process, how to write strong, impactful dialogue, how to create scenes that set the mood, how to write characters that are memorable and real. You will also learn how to create the materials to promote your ideas such as taglines, synopsis, elevator pitches, treatments, etc.
Luuk van Heerde has written over 100 hours of prime-time television in a variety of genres. He is the founder and director of Look Right, an international storytelling marketing and branding agency, and in his spare time writes and edits screenplays and stories. For more information, please visit www.luukfrankvanheerde.com
Knowing how to write a proper synopsis, treatment, tagline, logline and elevator pitch is an essential skill for any screenwriter. Find your focus, discover the weak areas in the structure of your story and keep your creativity flowing. Discover how to present your ideas like a seasoned industry insider.
Almost all successful movies have a similar dramatic structures, Understanding these structures and using them to keep your story flowing is one of the most powerful tools in writing. We analyze the Hero’s Journey and find about plot points, act breaks aHarmers and Helpers and how the Dark Night of the Soul can turn a story around.
We look at typical genre classifications used by Hollywood producers and find out what the advantages and pitfalls are for each of them from a writer’s point of view. We find out how to separate genre from story, setting and time period. We discuss world building, high-concept movies and learn the importance of creating consistent “rules of the world” for them, as well as discovering their impact on action, character and dialogue.
A screenplay is not a novel, but a blueprint for a film. A good screenplay is easy to read and understand, but cannot be written like a book. How to avoid writing mistakes that shifts storytelling problems downstream. How to write with clarity and set the mood and tone, Using decoupage on the page by deconstructing the action in words. Helping actors by writing inspiring character descriptions.
The need to be economical and careful with words to avoid the dreaded “exposition-dialogue”. We unleash the power of spoken language, style, syntax and show how they can be used for character reveal and emotional impact. Learn about timing, pacing and rhythm of the spoken word.
How to use words to create conflicts and become a master at verbal ping-pong. Steering the action without descriptors in between the dialogue. Writing dialogue that feeds the actor’s talent and imagination. This is the most hands-on part of the workshop, with plenty of opportunity to try out your own dialogue writing and find your personal writing style.
Creating rhythms in scenes, beats and acts. Pacing, stretching and compressing the speed of the narrative. Creating anchor points for the story and making sure characters or plot points are not left behind. We will investigate the power or dramatic irony and find out how to use information as a dramatic tool.
Practical tips and tools for laying out structure and getting actual work done. How to manage your creative flow of ideas and make sure they do not get in the way of the writing process. We will talk about the “board”, using index cards and software equivalents to outline your story in a visual way.
What makes a character memorable? Learn how to write heroes and villains the audience cares about, sidekicks, helpers and harmers that are unique and fitting to the story. Layering of the hero’s characters, reveals and secrets, motivation. Expressing the character’s wants and needs through action and dialogue. Using idiosyncrasies, fatal flaws and redemption.
Working with a partner or writing as a team can be heaven or hell, depending on how you do it. Tips on dividing the workload, models for resolving creative differences, ideas for getting a move on and getting unstuck when creativity dries up. Reading other people’s work and offering constructive criticism. Building writing teams and keeping them running.