Online Screenwriting Summer Class Choices

[ILikePie]

Hey Guys,

I have been "perfecting" my screenwriting craft for the past 2.5 years. In that amount of time, I have managed to complete 3 scripts. Taken into consideration that my only learning of the craft came from books, movies, and reading screenplays, I think I have done pretty good.

My first script had a great idea, but was not executed was well as it could (go figure). My second script was better, but still had a few flaws. My third script is getting there, but still needs work.

All reviews of my script have come fromm writing peers and contest placing. I made the quarterfinals in a couple contest and made the top 1000 at PGL, but nothing further.

Okay, now that you know the history, here is my situation. I want to be a screenwirter. I see myself doing nothing else. I love the work, the stories, even the time spent squinting my eyes at the computer screen. But, I want to make my craft better.

I am a teacher, and we get this really cool benefit called summer break:D I work part time during the summer, but I decided this year to focus 100% on writing. Living in West Texas, there are no local schols for writers. So, I've decided to go online and see what I can learn.

Basically I have narrowed down my choices to UCLA Online Professional Summer Program ($1,000 - 10 weeks) and the Gotham Writers Workshops ($400 per Workshop - 10 weeks each) Again, I said I am a teacher, so that alone should tell you my financial situation.

Questions:
1. Has anyone participated in either of these programs? Good? Bad?

2. Would a program like this benefit me? I have the bascis down, but I always want to get better.

3. Are there any other programs you can think of that I might receive a better "learning experience?"

Basically, I am wondering if it is worth my time and money, or if I should stick with what I know from Trottier, Field, Hunter and peer feedback to guide me.

Thanks again for any input

John

[cck45]

John,
I took the UCLA summer online program. I think it was definitely worth the $. You have to put the time in to do the assignments for it to be worthwhile. The instructor will give you feedback on what your write and also you'll get comments from the others in the class.

[cafebuzz]

I took a UCLA extension class. It was still UCLA. It was still online, but it was $485 for 10 weeks and I learned a lot.

I think it's helpful when you're online to be associated with a major university respected for its screenwriting program.

I've heard the UCLA summer online program is great, too. This extension class was just cheaper.

Buzz (the caffeinated one)

[SebsWrtrDad]

My experiance with UCLA's professional program wasn't online - it wa at the school - still there was a lot of online back and forth between classes and some stuff we did online instead of in person for various reasons.

I think it's a really worthwhile program.

Regardless of what you do - Gotham of UCLA - do something. You can't survive on feedback from contests and feedback from peers is fine to a point (I guess it depends on who they are). But the teachers at UCLA (can't speak for Gotham) are industry professionals -- they'll give you honest, accurate feedback from an industry POV.


I know about having no cash - BELIEVE ME -- but this is the sort of investment that you need to make sometimes. If you need to flip burgers to pay for it, so be it. It'll be invaluable...

[psychicmuse]

I have a certificate, not a degree, I couldn't take the UCLA online writing class.

You have to have completed a four year program and my training was here and there and everywhere. I went to a year of TV school, then attended military TV school, then went to filmmaking school.

That probably doesn't add up to a four year program, but when I graduated from the filmmaking class, I was working in the industry.

THis kind of sucks, man, I hate the way colleges are sometimes. I mean, if it were a film degree or writing degree that was a pre-requisite, I could understand.

But you could have a degree in horticulture and be eligible for the UCLA class.

[SebsWrtrDad]

Jeez Muse, I had no idea that was a requirement. I mean, I remember filling something out about my degree, but...... well it was a while ago.

That sucks. You would think experiance within the industry would count for something.....