The Best Screenwriting Teacher

Watching movies and reading scripts.

Reading scripts.

reading. scripts.


Oh, and maybe watching movies.

god given talent

There are two people I credit for 90% of my drama/ screenwriting knowledge. I won’t broadcast their names, because I'm not certain they'd want me to. Plus, I'm still struggling with execution and I’d hate for someone to dredge up something I’ve written here as an ugly counter example.

Not that anyone would do that. I’m sure this is, you know, a completely unnecessary precaution.

I just hope they know who they are. Maybe some of you do, too, but this way, should any flack come out of it - I can always say I was talking about someone else.

Consider this a public “thank you” to a couple of semi-anonymous exceptional teachers.

sarajb,

You should really go into politics.

the whip.

Deadlines.

Porn.
Hands down (my pants) Porn. I watch them for the plot.:hat

I'd pick Bill Martell over any of the other "big-name teachers" based on content and likability. McKee is nauseating.

The ones who have screenwriting credits are the ones I'll listen to the most.

Way too many "experts" out there holding conferences have never sold a script. Some have optioned a few and make a living "teaching" the rest of us? A lot of the names you list have assisted ProCos develop or re-write a script but how many have actually sold their own?

I think you get a better education from reading the RIGHT how-to books, then reading as many GOOD screenplays in your genre.

My favorite teacher was a guy who used to teach at UCLA. He was an old pro who'd been around the block, a damn good writer and raconteur who was still passionate and knew the craft as well as the art. Really inspired me and took me under his wing.

Also taught me one of the most depressing lessons about the reality of the screenwriter's career when he called me up one day after I'd been out of class for awhile and asked if I had any work for him. What? I said. He said he could give me detailed notes on whatever I was writing for 100 bucks. I politely said no thank you (I didn't have the extra money anyway). Then he stunned me by saying "this is kind of embarrassing, but...can you make me a loan? 50 bucks?"

A loan? I didn't know what the hell to say. The guy wasn't a druggy or anything (maybe he had a gambling problem but who knows). He was in his 60s with a wife and had rent to pay. Depressed the hell out of me.