How It Works

By following the TSA Script School program, writers can set deadlines and hold themselves accountable. The program will consist of ten modules of instruction and guidance, followed by eight sessions of writing accountability. Each session will be separated by 2-3 weeks to give writers plenty of time to work on the homework assignments while maintaining forward progress.

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The TSA Guarantee

Screenwriters who are serious, commit to the program and stick with it will have a completed first draft of a feature-length screenplay in less than nine months. Specifically, Script School students will help you:

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1. Complete a script that is within industry standards

2. Develop a proven and consistent writing process that will aid you in future writing projects

3. Achieve one of the certification standards for TSA’s mentorship program

4. Identify weaknesses in your own stories and others so that you can give better feedback

5. Be better able to make and defend your story choices

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Course Schedule & Homework Assignments

• All Script School classes will take place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 7:00-8:30 pm cst unless otherwise noted.

• ​For best results, we encourage participants to tune in live, but past lessons will be available to TSA Members in the Member Portal. Non-members will not have access to the course archive until they join TSA.

• Dates for sessions are subject to change and guest lecturers may be added as they become available - check the TSA Calendar for the latest updates.

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First Semester

 

Module 1 - What’s the Big Idea?  (Feb. 19)

Examine ideas, loglines, budget, & genre, as well as methods for generating ideas, IP, Public Domain, and how to turn your ideas into loglines. Understanding the Protagonist and force of antagonism.

Instructor: Bob Giordano

• Homework 1: Develop your idea into a Logline

• Homework 2: Identify a Lab Partner (groups of 2 or more) and pitch them

• Homework 3: Read at least one screenplay

 

Module 2 - Mapping the Course  (Mar. 5)

Discussion on three-act structure, page counts, format, and the sequence approach to story structure. Start thinking about conflict - physical and emotional.

Instructor: Bob Giordano

• Homework 1: Develop your Logline into three acts

• Homework 2: Begin cataloging ideas on your story’s plot, characters, and theme

• Homework 3: Read a produced script

 

Module 3 - Macro to Micro  (Mar. 19)

Deep dive on structure, outlines, treatments, and synopses. Clarifying your Protagonist’s goals, actions, decisions, & visual storytelling.

Instructor: Bob Giordano

• Homework 1: Refine ideas for plot, character, and theme

• Homework 2: Start reading scripts (one per week for remainder of program)

 

Module 4 - And So It Begins…  (Apr. 2)

Act One structure, waypoints, and the first 10 pages. Also included will be character-defining introductions using film clip tutorials.

Instructors: Cat Stewart & Bob Giordano

• Homework: Outlining Act 1 / Seq. 1-2

• Extra Credit: What will you do with your script when it's done?

 

Module 5 - Journey Through Conflict  (Apr. 16)

A deep-dive into Act 2 structure, which includes sequences 3-6; rising and falling action; setups and payoffs; and constructing a midpoint and the second plot point that takes us into Act 3.

Instructor: Bob Giordano

• Homework: Outlining Act 2 / Seq. 3-6

• Extra Credit: Who would you cast in your script?

 

Module 6 - The Big Finish!  (May 7) 

Act 3 structure; final sequences; successful resolutions to plot and character arcs.

• Homework: Outlining Act 3 / Seq. 7-8

• Read a produced script

 

Second Semester

 

Module 7 - What Does It All Mean?  (May 21)

Discuss character & character arc and how that relates to plot and theme. Examine the protagonist's want/need/goal dynamic. Tools for more emotional storytelling and how to express your philosophy and beliefs through your characters.

• Homework: Continue building plot and character arc

• Extra Credit Homework: Complete and pitch Thematic Premise worksheet

 

Module 8 - Give Your Substance Some Style!  (June 4)  

Scene structure & style techniques using recent screenplays as tutorials.

• Homework: Break down a movie, either alone, or with Lab Partner

• Homework 2: Review your story's Outline and define purpose(s) for each scene

 

Module 9 - In the Beginning…  (June 18)

Creating an opening scene (and the first ten pages) that will hook a reader and signal that they are a master storyteller who is in control of their writing using film clip tutorial.

• Homework: Develop three different opening scenes for your script. Share with Lab Partner and choose the best one

 

Module 10 - Talk, Talk, Talk  (July 2)

Dialogue techniques using film clip tutorial.

• Homework: Share "final" Outline with Lab Partner

 

Third Semester

 

Module 11 - Sequence 1

Review Sequence 1

• Homework: Write Sequence 1 scenes

 

Module 12 - Sequence 2

Review Sequence 2

• Homework: Write Sequence 2 scenes

 

Module 13 - Sequence 3

Review Sequence 3

• Homework: Write Sequence 3 scenes

 

Module 14 - Sequence 4

Review Sequence 4

• Homework: Write Sequence 4 scenes

 

Module 15 - Sequence 5

Review Sequence 5

• Homework: Write Sequence 5 scenes

 

Module 16 - Sequence 6

Review Sequence 6

• Homework: Write Sequence 6 scenes

 

Module 17 - Sequence 7

Review Sequence 7

• Homework: Write Sequence 7 scenes

 

Module 18 - Sequence 8

Review Sequence 8

• Homework: Write Sequence 8 scenes

 

Module 19 - The Finish Line!  (Nov. 5)

Celebrate completion of First Draft!

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