Archive for February, 2010
2nd Workshop started with a blast of snow
Three persistent writers have joined the second Writing 4Film Workshop. Clockwise from the left is Darrell Henderson, Milton McGriff, Nadine Patterson(me!) and Pheralyn Dove. Big shout out to High Point Cafe at Allens Lane for making us feel right at home. Watch this space for more information on their projects and other Philadelphia Independents!
Overview: A four-week workshop with award winning independent filmmaker Nadine Patterson that explores the process of writing for film. Various methods for writing screenplays, treatments and outlines will be explored. Recommended for writers, poets, directors and producers who have an idea for a writing project or a film, whether it be documentary, experimental or narrative.
Add comment February 15, 2010
Writing 4Film Class 2010
Third Cycle/Date to Be Announced
Overview: A four-week workshop with award winning independent filmmaker Nadine Patterson that explores the process of writing for film. Various methods for writing screenplays, treatments and outlines will be explored. Recommended for writers, poets, directors and producers who have an idea for a writing project or a film, whether it be documentary, experimental or narrative. Space is limited to six participants per class. Send email to hipcinema23@yahoo.com to register.
Day and Time: (TBA)
Cost: $80
Location: TBA
Preparations for Workshop:
1) Have a journal/notebook that you can use for in-class notes and notes in the field.
2) Your script, treatment, or outline has to be in a format that other people can read and comprehend. Please be prepared to submit weekly assignments in one of the following formats: Microsoft Word, Final Draft or Movie Magic Screenwriter.
3) If you want to write for film you should understand the process of making films. A film is “written” three times by three people: the writer, the director, and the editor. Here are books on the creative process from those points of view.
Recommended Reading:
Screenwriting by Ray Frensham (a Teach Yourself Publication)
The Screenwriter’s Bible by David Trotter
Letters to A Young Artist by Anna Deavere Smith
Catching The Big Fish by David Lynch
The Conversations: Walter Murch and the Art of Film Editing by Michael Ondaatje
Making Movies by Sidney Lumet
On Directing Film by David Mamet
Filmmaking for Dummies by Bryan Michael Stoller
Essential DEREN, Collected Writings on Film by Maya Deren
4) Read scripts, good ones and bad ones. Read scripts of films you have seen or haven’t seen. Click here, start with this one, written by a writer. And then you can try this one, written by a famous director/writer click here 
What is the fundamental difference between these two scripts?
5) See films, shorts, documentaries, online, on tv, on the big screen. Each format is a different experience. Become a critical viewer. Become aware of what you like or don’t like, and figure out why.
6) Write your story, your script, your dreams, your thoughts. Write your blog, your report, something. Write everyday. Use your hands and write with pen & paper whenever possible.
2 comments February 7, 2010
