The DNA of Fiction Filmmaking

At the heart of every movie is its story. In this immersive workshop, you will develop your visual storytelling skills to create a short screenplay – the DNA of a winning film.

You will learn how to grab viewers by their collective shirt collar and more importantly, hold their attention until the final credits roll. Emphasis will be placed on the classic three-act structure, plot, character development, conflict, and dialogue. Through notes and discussion of your work, we will help pick the lock on the stories only you can tell. While the world you create on the page may be fictional, you will get at the emotional truth of the characters’ lives through specifics. Perhaps paradoxical and even a bit counterintuitive, Greta Gerwig said it best, “The more particular you make something, the more universal it becomes.” 

Since the script illuminates the story for everyone who helps bring your vision to the screen, you’ll also discover how best to collaborate with actors, directors, cinematographers, and designers. And in short exercises, you’ll get a chance to experience the many aspects of filmmaking – including acting, storyboarding, shooting, production designing, and location scouting. While sharing work will be the focus of the course, we’ll also take full advantage of New York City as both a set and source of inspiration. After all, this is a fantastic place to eavesdrop, people watch, and capture the magic for all to see.