THE IDEA -- STEP ONE in building a great screenplay. There is no more important skill to up and coming writers than the ability to catch the attention of executives and readers with a short intro to their work. Lew Hunter co-Dean of UCLA's graduate screen writing program calls seminar leader James Dalessandro one of the best pitch men he has ever seen. His pitch for his novel and screenplay 1906 resulted in an extensive Hollywood bidding war.

Learn how to master the most challenging skill of a screenwriter's career: how to pitch a story that sells. Concise storytelling helps not only a completed script but is the key building block in weaving a compelling plot. Your livelihood in the film industry depends on the presentation of your ideas in a short but entertaining way. Walking through plot points will not stimulate your buyer to believe you can capture the tone of an amusing thrilling or dramatic story. Learn how to be a storyteller.

Learn the multiple techniques that will keep the reader in your 'created reality' throughout your script. Study the most common mistakes made by professional and advanced screenwriters.

Most screenwriting books and seminars attempt to teach the frustrated screenwriter what to do; this seminar will outline how to do it. Author Karl Iglesias will discuss the ten essential habits of highly successful A-list screenwriters such as Ron Bass Akiva Goldsman Eric Roth and more offering students an insider's view at how the pros discipline themselves create original material conquer the blank page eliminate writer's block and persevere in Hollywood. Students will also get an insightful look at the realities of the business directly from the top writers in Hollywood.

We will again interview Guest Of Honor Shane Black, and then throw the session open to audience questions. Ask away about the next Lethal Weapon, his his upcoming Cold Warriors, his most recent film Kiss-Kiss Bang-Bang, how to break into action feature writing, or any other question you can think of!

The opening of your screenplay is your single most powerful weapon for acquiring an agent or securing a deal. Most Hollywood executives won't read past page 10 if they're not immediately involved in your story but will forgive an abundance of weaknesses later in the script if you grab them from the moment they begin. Using examples from several Oscar-nominated screenplays this seminar will show you how to insure that your opening scenes draw readers into the world you've created set the tone of your screenplay establish empathy with your hero lay the groundwork for character growth and theme and compel readers to turn the page. Michael also gives selected participants direct feedback on their opening scenes which you can read directly on the screen as you hear his commentary and suggestions.

JOHN AUGUST is the acclaimed writer of Tim Burton's Big Fish and the indie hit Go. August has also collaborated with Burton on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the animated film Corpse Bride, and the 2011 Disney release Frankenweenie. August has also delved into action screenwriting by having a hand in both Charlie's Angels films. His last project was the lauded film The Nines, on which he made his directorial debut.

Living out of state and working a full time job? No problem! How I broke in and got my first option, the importance of screenwriting contests, how to get a Manager, why having a Manager is far more important than getting an Agent, crucial skills that you must have to make it to the next level, what to expect in a studio meeting - from someone who had no idea what to expect and thinking outside the box to get what you want. Program Manager's note: This is one of two been-there-and-have-the-T-shirt-to-prove-it sessions on breaking in from afar. The other is with new writer Mark Golik. This is valuable insight--attend both if you can.

An interview with David Milch, acclaimed and multiple-Emmy-winning television writer and executive producer.

So you wrote a screenplay… what's next? Learn how to get an agent manager producer and a deal. Understand how to write scripts competitively for the studios target trends and choose commercial subjects. Learn how to collaborate and develop your material with development execs producers and financiers how to have a meeting with a studio executive that can hire you how to find and what to look for in your relationships with directors and actors. Most importantly how to create longevity in a career that begins with the first sale.

As a screenwriter who progressed from writing query letters to produced scripts and being a major studio writer, Gary Whitta is able to speak comprehensively on one of the most enduring questions about screenwriting - how to break into the industry and how to successfully navigate the business once you're in. From what makes a successful spec to pitching projects to studios and handling development notes