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Mark Troy

Screenwriting

About Mark Troy
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Screenwriting 101: Introduction to Screenplay Writing
Screenwriting 102: Advanced Screenplay Writing
How to Sell a Screenplay (without selling your soul)

Screenwriting 101: Introduction to Screenplay Writing (10 Weeks)

This is an introductory class in structuring and writing a screenplay, whether meant for Hollywood or independent production. Students will develop their story ideas into industry accepted pitches, write loglines, step outlines and agency queries while writing the first draft of their original screenplay. A second class will be offered in rewriting and polishing a final draft.

COURSE SYLLABUS

Each week will be given homework for discussion in class, a lecture, suggested films to watch, an assignment for the student's portfolio or project, and schedules for an optional chat.

Class 1
1. Turning ideas into story
2. Books to read about film writing.
3. Where to buy scripts to read (on line and in stores).
4. Software writers use.
5. What a "pitch" is.

Class 2
1. Film format.
2. Understanding why film format is so specific.
3. How format fits into storytelling.

Class 3
1. Screenplay Structure.
2. How to write SCENES, DIALOGUE, and ACTION.
3. Combining the three formats of film language into screenplay form.
4. Turning dialogue into ACTION.

Class 4
1. What is an outline?
2. What is, and how do you write a beat sheet?
3. What is, and how do you write a treatment?

Class 5
1. How to writing interactive Dialogue.
2. The music/rhythm of dialogue.
3. Dialogue that sounds like conversation.

Class 6
1. Character Development.
2. Conflict of characters.
3. Character emotions.
4. Dramatic Tension.

Class 7
1. CAMERA terms. Shots.
2. What is Action?
4. Rewriting.
5. Developing your own distinct style.

Class 8
1. The Establishing shot.
2. Opening 10 -pages.
3. Bringing an audience into your world.

Class 9
1. Putting it all together.
2. What is a Reader's Report.

Class 10
1. The Biz!

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About Mark Troy

Screenwriting 102: Advanced Screenplay Writing (10 Weeks)

This is the next step in the program for screenwriters who have taken Screenwriting 101 or have some experience in writing in the form.

This class concentrates on the development of your studio-bound or independent film idea -- designed to take you from initial conception to finished First Draft. This includes some rewriting and polishing of your script.

*This outline addresses the entire class, but students are encouraged to work at their own speed.

COURSE SYLLABUS

Each week will be given homework for discussion in class, a lecture, suggested films to watch, an assignment for the student's portfolio or project, and schedules for an optional chat.

Class 1
1. Review of all writing software programs.
2. Books to read about film writing.
3. Where to buy scripts to read (on line and in stores).
4. Delivery of pitch of your script (due).

Class 2
1. Developing tone and style in the first 2 pages.
2. How to find tone from other movies.
3. Delivery of your first 10 pages of your script.

Class 3
1. Finding character Arcs.
2. Combining characters to make stronger thru-line
3. Turning dialogue into action to keep story focused and moving forward.

Class 4
1. Delving into the THEME of your script.
2. Working your Theme into your pitch (and story)
3. Delivery of First Act of your script.

Class 5
1. Writing an introductory letter for agents for managers or producers.
2. In-depth discussion of a movie chosen by the class that is currently in release.

Class 6
1. Scene breakdown.
2. Using a scene you have written and learning how to edit.
3. Delivery of your script up to the midpoint. (Optional)

Class 7
1. Casting your movie.
2. Who are you writing for?
4. Why do you think this idea should be visualized?

Class 8
1. Turning establishing shots into drama.
2. Cut cut cut. scenes that don't push story forward.
3. Finding who in your script is the voice of the audience.

Class 9
1. Cutting "weak" dialogue
2. Delivery of your First Draft Script (Optional) hand in for review all that you have.

Class 10
1. The Do's and Don't of the Biz!
2. I deliver to you all the notes and future ideas on your script (those scenes that have been delivered so far)

How to Sell a Screenplay (without selling your soul) (8 Weeks)

Class 1
1. How to know when your script is ready to be read by professionals.
2. Cleaning up format.
3. Proof-reading shorthand
4. Who gets to read your script first
5. Is your 'pitch' ready, understandable, and genre-friendly?

Class 2
1. Getting your foot in the door.
2. How to play the game of 'Hollywood' as a writer.
3. How to use the phone to impress.
4. How to impress in person.
5. Get in to parties!

Class 3
1. Writing a letter of introductory to an agent. 2. Where to find an agent?
3. How to make yourself sounds important.
4. How to make your script sound sellable.
5. Your resume come to life! (Even if you don't have one)
6. What is the agents job?
7. What is a managers job?
8. Agent fees vs. manager fees.
9. Do you need a lawyer?

Class 4
1. What does a letter to a producer/production company or studio look like?
2 Taking the next step in introducing yourself to the big guys.
3. Where do you meet big boys anyway?
4. Why go to an agent rather than a producer?
5. Why are you doing all the work even though you have an agent?

Class 5
1. Taking a meeting.
2. When to show up? (the answer is 'Not on time')
3. What to wear.
4. How to prepare your material.
5. What to bring.
6. Do you accept food at a meeting? (this could be a trick question)
7. How long do you wait for a follow-up phone call or e-mail.
8. Is e-mail a good way to introduce yourself into the business?

Class 6
1. How to read a reader's report.
2. Are reader's reports a good way to judge your work?
3. Independent vs. studio films.
4. How to get your independent film made. Where do you start?

Class 7
1. What is an option?
2. How much money do you get for an option?
4. How much to sell your screenplay for.
5. Do I need to know cameras, or editing to sell my script?

Class 8
1. The twelve things NEVER to do when selling a screenplay.
2. Becoming familiar with the unions (WGA)
3. Joining the Writer's Guild of America
4. Very helpful websites.
5. What to do next....

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About Mark Troy

Mark Troy has had over 40 major plays produced around the world including "Desperation" (Samuel French Short Play of the Year), "Belladonna's of the Court" (Five Valley Theatre League Awards including Best New Comedy, and being published by Brooklyn Publishers this Fall), "Century Village Boca," The Proposal," "Birdy" (All finalists at The Actors Theatre of Louisville Short Play Festival), "Balloon" (Chicago Dramatist Short Play Winner), "Getting You Bupkus" and "The Misguided Production" (both Malibu International Play Festival Winners), "Everyone I know" (Los Angles Play Festival Winner),"The Plot" (Winner Riant Play Festival Week 1, NY, Winner SlamBoston, Best Play, Moston MA.), as well as "The Secret Nymph of New Hyde Park", "New York Scenes", "Peking Duck", "Family Calamity", "Aggravation" and "Avenues", and "Tsuris" with Ed Asner and Betty White. His plays have been seen in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Australia, Scotland, and The Philippines.

In film, Mark has projects in development at Columbia Pictures, Castle Rock Entertainment, MGM, and independent projects at Newman Entertainment, Fogel Entertainment and Saratoga Films and Victor Constantine. He has worked with Rob Reiner, Tom Hanks, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Robin Williams. Mark wrote an early draft of the "Guru" with Heather Graham and does script doctoring for TV shows such as "Third Watch," "Ed," and "Four Your Love" among others. He also wrote the cult classic "Zipperface." Presently he is working on a sequel to "Men in Black."

Mark has taught/lectured at Harbor College, Gettysburg College, Queens College, Learning Tree University, Universal Studios, Learning Annex, and many theater groups around the country.

Visit Mark's web site here: http://www.curtainrise.com/

Student Comments

I have to say that after reading probably every screenwriting book and taking almost every screenwriting seminar offered, I found Mark to be the most helpful, insightful resource for a screenwriter. He's the only one who finally set me on the right path with my script, which I had revised, prior to attending the class, at least four times and had consulted 2 script doctors besides. It was going nowhere until I enrolled in his class. Again, thanks bunches and give Mark two gold stars.

Jeanine Barone

Mark was extremely fast in turning around feedback on my writing. I was able to finish an outline for my screenplay which is exactly what I wanted to do. His comments and suggestions were excellent. All in all - good, valuable experience. Would I take this course again, knowing what I know about it. Sure! Mark's help got me pointed in the right direction.

Julie Zak

Perfect pace and content. Mark Troy is a great teacher. He mixes his knowledge and sense of humor to make the class enjoyable and beneficial.

Artie Leary

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