Hal Croasmun's ProSeries course

[theube]

Has anyone taken Hal Croasmun's ProSeries course? If so what was your overall opinion of it?

Thanks in advance!

[Skatch]

I've taken Hal's ProSeries course along with most of the classes he offers. I got a lot of value out of them and the level of my writing has vastly improved.

[theube]

Thank you Skatch.

[suitsue]

Over-priced, assembly-line email dispatches and a peer forum.

The only thing they do well is HYPE.

[robfp]

I'm doing the Subtext course now. No feedback at all included in the course and it appears suitsue has a point about assembly-line email dispatches. Appears to be a press the button on day one and Screenwriting U's computer takes over. Having said that I am benefiting from the course. It's like an electronic workbook with daily deadlines. Do the work- get the benefits. Some feedback would be good.

[NikeeGoddess]

what i find most interesting is the question brought some people out of the lurking woodwork.

[jcarends]

If you're looking for a course where an all-mighty, all-powerful, all-validating instructor blesses you and your writing, or mentors you, or babysits you, this course isn't for you. It's purposefully designed NOT to be that.

If you seek insights into the craft itself, and how to understand, handle and wield the tools of that craft at a deeper, more deft and informed level, then by all means, look into it. Taking one of the standalone classes at ScreenwritingU.com is an inexpensive and useful way to sample the process and to get a sense of how the instructional materials are designed and work...and how well they fit, or don't fit, your approach to screenwriting at the level you're currently at.

I've taken post-grad level writing courses, attended retreats and workshops, read most all the books that all of us have on our shelves. None of them "flipped on the switch" nor elevated my writing to the degree this course did. It absolutely transformed and professionalized my approach.

That said, it's not going to do that for everyone. For me, I think the value flowed from the class material and assignments into my writing because 1) I was ready for it, 2) open to it, and 3) absolutely committed to do every assignment. Most important, I wasn't looking for validation -- especially from the instructor (which is expressly and clearly stated as NOT PART OF THE EXPERIENCE).

What I needed and what the material provided access to was a deeper understanding of how to think about and execute the writing process at a higher level of craftsmanship...and professionalism.

It delivered. In spades.

[HLTassin]

Yep, I agree with jcarends. I did the free teleconferences, and I enjoyed them both. One was on the Rewrite Process (my favorite), and I think the other was on What Producers Want...

They took about an hour, and I got a lot out of them.:)

[burbankjim]

I have taken two of the courses. Sub-text and dialogue. I HIGHLY recommend the series. I LEARNED so much from Hal's series and will eventually take the entire 6 month series. If you don't have the money to pay for the entire series he has payment plans or you can take a class or two like I did.