Truth: We hear time and time again from Hollywood execs that writers who think the rules don’t apply to them often come across as amateurs. The rules of drama matter. Producers want to read something that feels totally fresh but still follows screenwriting norms. Unless you already have an established filmmaking career, don’t try to break the rules until you’ve mastered them. Screenwriting Essentials will give you a deep understanding of how to use screenwriting conventions to write a standout script that feels original. 

Truth: Making a movie is a collaborative effort. Everyone involved will look at the script for the information they need to do their jobs. If you're trying to make the movie yourself, you may not have a big budget to pay talent and crew. All you have to convince them to be part of your project is the script. It's not good enough for the story to make sense in your head, it's got to be on paper. Having the fundamental elements of a great script in place is absolutely critical for making a successful movie.

Truth: Knowing is way different than doing. Nine out of ten client scripts we read are missing crucial screenplay elements, even when the writers “know” them. The Key to Storytelling Method teaches you how to construct a standout script from the ground up, so the critical components of a successful script are actually there.

Truth: Very, very, VERY few writers can sit down and complete an amazing script without a lot of prep work. Most people who try to "just start writing" get lost or frustrated when their story fails to come together. Doing foundational work takes a ton of the anxiety out of the writing process. When you’re not worried about where your story is going, it frees you up to be amazingly creative on the page. The Key to Storytelling Method gives you a process for thinking through all the key components of your script so you can be relaxed and open to creativity while you’re writing. 

Truth: You can learn to be a better writer. All writers start as beginners. The successful ones work hard, study the craft, and dedicate themselves to improving. Like every artist, you will get better with practice. Screenwriting Essentials will give you writing tools and techniques you'll use for the rest of your writing life.

Truth: A vast majority of the dramatic principles taught in Screenwriting Essentials apply to all types of storytelling–character development, scene structure, dialogue, physical writing, etc. Applying screenwriting conventions to his fiction writing helped course instructor, William Akers, write and sell his novel. Especially for fiction writers who hope to someday see their stories on the screen, a knowledge of screenwriting is invaluable.