You could sign up for an L.A. or NYC screenwriting class (L.A. writing lab, Robert McKee, mediabistro, etc.) with an online component, but there's no substitute for face-to-face instruction. That's why you should check out the Miami Film Workshops, run by Harriette Yahr, with support from the Miami Light Project, cinevisun, Tigertail, the Miami World Cinema Center, and the Miami-Dade Office of Film and Television.

Classes in screenwriting and directing are starting up in less than two weeks. Each is capped at 14 people, so individual instruction is guaranteed. And to help those of us with full-time jobs, the classes are held after work and on the weekends at the centrally-located Light Box Studio (3000 Biscayne Blvd., #100, Miami). Plus, in between sessions you'll get more feedback via email, etc.

Email Harriette to secure your place or go to the website to get more info.

SCREENWRITING 101 - Part 1 - The Basics

TWO CLASS TIMES OFFERED PLUS A WEEKEND INTENSIVE LISTED BELOW.
Wednesday Evenings 5:45-8:45 pm. August 26, Sept 2, Sept 9, Sept 16**(I'd like to know which night during the week works best for most people. If you'd like to attend, and Wednesdays do NOT work, please let me know.)
Sundays 10:15-2:45 August 23, 30, Sept 6

This course covers the basics of screenwriting: story structure, character, industry standard script formatting, dialog, copyrighting your script, and much more, including individual personalized feedback on your writing and screenplays. Registration fee: $ 325.00 plus 15.00 Materials Fee. These are small workshop classes so you get individual attention. Class size very limited. We will also be doing in-between class assignments during the week (these are highly recommended to get the most out of class, but you can choose to work as you wish) and you will recieve personalized instuctor feedback on your writing, including during the week. Materials include a notebook of resources/handouts. Click on link above for full information.

SCREENWRITING 201 - Part 2 - Digging Deeper

Saturdays 10:15-2:45. August 22, 29, Sept 5** Registration Fee: $295.00 Plus 35.00 Screenplay Writing Book and Materials Fee. Now that you understand the basics, it's time to dig deeper into character and plot development, dialog and nuance. We will also discuss production viability and how to tailor our screenplays to our budgets. You will receive feedback on your work and - as a powerful learning tool - you will also be offering feedback on your collegue's work. This workshop will also include special events to be determined: it will either be a Screenplay Reading to be held in September where you will see a screenplay's words come to life, a trip to a film lab where you will see how post-production affects story, and/or a guest talk by an industry film agent. Book to be announced; if you own it, you may deduct from Materials fee.

**Note: The price for Screenwriting 101 and 201 includes personalized instructor comments and feedback on your own screenplays. There are "hands-on" writing assignments and "between-class" homework, as well. You'll get individual attention and you will get a lot out of our short time together. Screenwriting 201 Students will also be evaluating their peers' work. (Please Note: Service fee for Credit Card/Paypal. Cash, checks also accepted.)

Announcing "Get Fast-Forwarded" Intensive Weekend Workshops

*NEW* WEEKEND SCREENWRITING 101 INTENSIVE - Part 1 - The Basics

Saturday/Sunday September 12/13, 2009. 10-5:00*** (We break for Lunch)
Registration Fee: $ 425.00 plus $ 15.00 materials fee. Includes consultation follow-up***.
***Included with this workshop -- so that you can apply your new knowledge which is important -- you will have one week after class ends to email a scene or short screenplay that Harriette will "mark-up" with individual feedback and suggestions. In addition, you will also have a telephone follow-up to answer questions if you choose. Please be committed to learn A LOT this whole weekend, including doing a short homework assignment Saturday night. Discounts available for households and students.

*NEW* WEEKEND FILMMAKING/DIRECTING INTENSIVE

Saturday/Sunday September 26/27th, 2009. 10-5:00 (We break for Lunch). Optional field-trip during following week included (see below).

Small class size: Enrollment Limited to 16 Students. Early registration recommended. Registration Fee: $ 495.00 includes Materials, Cameras, Tapes, Handouts. $75.00 fee required to reserve your spot.

Everything you want to know about how to make a movie! It's a "Filmmaking/Directing" intensive because the worshop touches on all aspects of the flmmaking process, including producing, pre-production and post-production. I want you to be comfortable with knowing how the whole process of making a film works! Then, we will focus on Directing with hands-on exercises that will teach you what directing is all about, and help you develop more confidence as a director. Course will include lectures by a Guest Cinematographer and Producer. Topics covered include: Proper "Shooting Script" format. An overview of "Script Breakdown" and Budgeting/Scheduling. For the Director: Creating Storyboards, Shot Lists, determining "Coverage." Understanding shot choices, the language of Cinematography, working with your Art Director, Assistant Director, Wardrobe Stylists, Script Supervisor, and Editor. A Field-Trip to a local Film Lab is included (during the following week), where you will see how post-production works first-hand! Student discounts available.

5-WEEK SCREENWRITING 101 TELECLASS / ONLINE WORKSHOP - Part 1 - The Basics

7-9 pm EST - Available Throughout USA

Class Forming for Fall. Dates to be announced. Please email to get on notification list. This course includes individualized feedback on your writing via email.

Email Harriette to secure your place or go to the website to get more info.