Don't cry into your Hagen Dazs. Write female-driven screenplays that hang with the big boys. This seminar will help you brainstorm original stories with female leads, replace 'soft' scenes with active moments, and create bold characters, all without falling into tired stereotypes.

Drawing across the genres, this Master Class focuses on heroes and their flaws, fears and needs that build their worlds and unlock the second act. The session winds up by combining worlds, plot and journeys to give these heroes one last chance to achieve their potential and inspire us all.

STAGE THREE -- THE VOICE. Structure is mathematical: the true creativity in American film lies in the strength of The Scene. If the paragraph is the building block of fiction the Scene is the heart of film. In this lecture James offers insights into writing memorable scenes characters and dialogue that appeal to talented actors and directors

In the process of developing plot and character writers often lose track of what is important and meaningful. Understanding how to utilize the Transformational Arc greatly expands a writer's ability to identify and stay focused on unifying principles that link plot and character to the thematic emotional and even spiritual dimensions of a story.

This seminar will present Evan Smith's acclaimed method for creating 'premise-driven comedy ' an organic approach that focuses on developing a story's humor from the ground up. Attendees will learn how to weave comedic elements into a story premise to automatically generate funny scenes and seamless jokes throughout a script.

Character and story are not separate enterprises but two sides of the same coin. This presentation addresses some of the most common errors writers make regarding character issues. It offers insights into principles guaranteed to support the creation of memorable worthy fleshy characters that are essential to the success of any worthy screenplay.

In every successful screenplay the Hero takes two intertwined journeys one of achievement and the other of transformation. As your characters pursue clear visible objectives they must also confront their deeper fears and desires in order to find true fulfillment. This presentation will provide a unique understanding of the ways plot structure and character arc are united and intertwined and provide the tools to create deeper more compelling and more commercial stories and characters by exploring your hero's wounds longings identities and destinies.

The goal of this seminar is to understand why your hero or heroine is the only character who can star in your script. By connecting the plot's Premise-Question with your character's goal can you build the rock-solid foundation needed for a strong first draft.