Introduce Yourself To The Group

[Michael Greco]

Hello Everyone,

My name is Michael Greco. I have written two feature film scripts, and am co-writing a third. What I hope to get out of this class is to build on techniques and structure for creating a project from conception through re-writes, and to further explore processes for creating stories that are meaningful and memorable. I am a city boy, speak three languages, love art etc., but I also love to be in the wilderness and the ocean periodically.

Looking forward to this ‘Incredible’ journey! Cheers, Michael

[David Pisani]

Hello Everyone,

My name is David Pisani.

I have written two feature screenplays and many, many short screenplays.

My two goals for the class: 1) Write an “A” level feature screenplay that will be received well by agents, managers, and contests. 2) Learn a repeatable model of creating high level feature length work in a time efficient manner.

I left the corporate world about 10 years ago, took a six-week editing class in NY City, and a few months later “somehow” ended up the film editor on an independent feature that screened at more than 15 festivals. This July I am producing / directing a short screenplay I wrote.

I am looking forward to learning a lot!

[Jenifer Stockdale]

Hello Fellow Alumnus and Friends!

My name is Jenifer Stockdale and I have written several screenplays, both feature and short, as well as a couple of TV pilots. I have made several short movies; approximately fifteen for the 48 Hour Film Project and three with a budget.

I hope to be able to bring my screenwriting skills to a higher lever. I am pretty burned out as a teacher and am looking for a way to escape – yet still be able to eat.

I used to always put that I’m from Martha’s Vineyard as my “unique” trait, but now I think it just makes me strange –

[Eclipse Neilson]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Eclipse and I am an optioned screenwriter, and an award-winning author and have four full feature scripts written.

I am dedicated to writing scripts that address causes in the world that might help make the world a better place for all including animals. My favorite genres are drama, fantasy/ magical realism, and inspirational.

My goal is to write the best script I have ever written to stir people’s hearts.

I have worked in a variety of fields in my life – ranging from spirit leader in eco-feminist spirituality to developing bully prevention & environmental programs through the arts for inner-city children to flipping houses in the 1970s.

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Eclipse Neilson.

[Leona Heraty]

Hi Eclipse!
It’s great to see another MSC-15 alumni in this class! 🙂

[Valeriya Ordinartseva]

Hi!

I’m an optioned screenwriter (x4), emerging director, published author.

In this class I want to write my best screenplay, get more out of the box for greater emotional impact and commercial success. I want to gain more tools to contribute to the art of cinema.

People trust me their secrets because I am a good listener, extra empathetic, so they tend to think I won’t judge them. I feel honored.

Let’s have fun!

Best,

Valeriya Ordinartseva

[CLAIRE RILEY]

Valeriya, I’m so glad you are inthis class!

[David gollob]

yes, i agree. totally. welcome Valerya!

[Jack Purdie]

Hello everybody,

My name is Jack Purdie. I have written three scripts: (1) science fiction feature, book adaptation; (2) Christian feature, historical adaptation; (3) historical fiction pilot, based on a short story series. I intend to use the methods and insights from this class to become contest, agent, and manager ready. I split my time between Idaho and Costa Rica.

Looking forward to learning from you all.

Jack

[Arnand Kachigian]

Good morning, all. I’m Armand Kachigian. I’ve written too many scripts to remember (over thirty) and several pilots. Optioned several scripts and have one movie in pre-production (hell) as well as three more being proffered to disinterested producers all over Hollywood.

Taking this class to keep motivated and keep learning. Wishing good fortune to everyone in the class.

[Peter Field]

Greetings! I’m Peter Field, in Portland, Oregon.

I’ve written a bunch of feature-length scripts, one of which was a top 10 finalist in Big Break a few years ago.

I’m currently working on a crime thriller set locally that a Portland producer/filmmaker is interested in.

I hope to use my time wisely in this course. I want to write the best script I’ve ever written!

Good wishes to all.

Peter

[Leona Heraty]

Hi Peter!

I’m glad you’re in this class! I hope all is well with you! 🙂

[Ian Greenham]

1. Ian Greenham

2. 6

3. Raise the standard of my scripts.

4. I’m originally from Australia. I’m a retired Corporate Credit Risk Manager.

[Jerry Thomas]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Jerry Thomas. I have not completed a feature film script. I hope to do that here but also to elevate my entire writing process. I love dogs and my family and I are puppy raisers for Guide Dogs of America.

[CLAIRE RILEY]

Hi Jerry! I love that you are puppy raisers for Guide Dogs of America. I think there is a movie somewhere in there!

[Claudia Wolfkind]

I agree! I work with a non-profit that trains service dogs, puppy raisers are AWESOME!

[Leona Heraty]

That’s so cool, Claudia! 🙂

[Leona Heraty]

Hi Jerry,

That’s awesome that you and your family raise service dogs, how wonderful! 🙂

[Rebecca Sukle]

Hello Fellow Travelers,

My name is Rebecca and I have completed two pilot scripts and one feature. This is my eighth class at ScreenwritingU and I hope to learn and master more skills. I look forward to helpful feedback from more experienced alumni on this same writing journey.

My father’s adventures as a radical union organizer in the early 20th Century labor movement inspired me to research, write, and publish two novels about his adventures.

[Jeff Chase]

Hi Gang,

My name is Jeffrey Alan Chase. I’ve written over 20 features, a number of shorts and a one-hour crime drama serialized pilot. I’ve won or placed in several contests. My last 5 scripts all received a Recommend. Very happy to be taking another SU course as I always come out at the end with a great outline and/or a great script.

I’m a SAG actor, a Nashville songwriter and President of the Tennessee Screenwriting Association.

Looking forward to meeting you all.

[CLAIRE RILEY]

In summary, you’re a BADASS SCREENWRITER! So glad you are in this class, Jeff!

[Bobby Sacher]

Hey everyone – Bobby Sacher here. I’ve written 7 (?) feature scripts, plus one paid page-one rewrite, and one script based on a producer’s treatment; that one’s currently optioned.

My goal here is, as always, to come out with another script – one that finally lands me a manager, something I am ready for, and think I’ve got the scripts for. And of course, to keep getting better as a writer.

I’m a 7th grade ELA teacher (at the moment, can’t wait to earn enough/be in a position to quit, and JUST write), father of 3 boys and about to be a (sort-of) empty-nester. “Writer of the supernatural, the sub-natural, and the simply strange” – which translates to mostly horror-comedy, where I tend to get my kicks.

Can’t wait to get started!

[Kate McMahon]

Bobby, so glad you’re here! Can’t wait to see what you’re working on now!

[Leona Heraty]

Hi Bobby!

It’s great to have another MSC-15 alum in our class! Cheers!

[Joseph McGloin]

Hi all,

It’s been a while since I’ve been in the forums and it’s good to be back here and with you. My name is Joe McGloin, I’ve written 3 shorts for the 48 Hour Film Project (and produced one of them), and 7 features, one a book adaptation with the author/executive producer. I hope to get as much inspiration and as many skills, tips, and techniques as I always get in SU classes. I am 71 and still writing nearly every day; that’s strange.

[Kate McMahon]

Hi Joe! Glad to see you again!

[Jill Clifford]

Hello Fellow Students! My name is Jill Clifford. I am married and have three grown children. Unlike most of the people who have posted here with many screenplays and successes, I worked in the corporate world most of my life as a computer project manager.

I took the incredible ProSeries 51, and was well into the Master Class 6 when I became critically ill. I tried again with the Master Class 7, but was still too ill to continue. Well, I survived! So nearly 5 years later, I am back to get on the horse and back into writing.

I have one New York and internationally published nonfiction book, and my first attempt at a screenplay got to the quarter finals in the Page Awards years ago. I do believe I can be a successful screenwriter, but I am seeking to all the help I can get.

This class sounds amazing and I am looking forward to sharing it with you as we learn!

– Jill Clifford

[Kate McMahon]

Jill, I’m so glad to hear you have recovered! Much continued good health!

[Jill Clifford]

Thank you! -Jill

[Lauren Yaffe]

Hi Jill, So glad that you’ve recovered and are back on the horse!

[Jill Clifford]

Thank you! – Jill

[Claudia Wolfkind]

Keep moving forward, Jill! I completely understand, as a two-time cancer survivor, how everything changes in an instant and you can be knocked down for months or even years fighting for survival. I’m here for you!

[Leona Heraty]

God bless you, Claudia! You are a true survivor and an inspiration! 🙂

[Lori Lance]

Jill, I’m glad that you recovered and are able to be a part of this class.

[Leona Heraty]

Hi Jill,

That’s wonderful that you’re back to good health an focused on fulfilling your dreams. Keep up the great work! 🙂

[Raymond Kelly]

Hello everyone! My name is Raymond Kelly, and I’ve written four screenplays, many shorts, and one TV pilot. From this class, I hope to gain A-List screenwriting skills that I can make a natural part of myself and use to reach my goals as a screenwriter while on the road to being a filmmaker. Something unique about me is that I was born in West Germany on an army base just years before Germany reunified. Looking forward to this and working with everyone!

[Patty Wilson]

Hello,

I’m Patty Wilson. I’m a long-time ScreenwritingU fan. I’ve written 3 features, 2 pilots. I will advance my writing to the next level with this class, as I focus on establishing an emotional experience for the audience. I live in Florida but I am not a fan of the beach. I love the mountains. I’m a former forensic chemist.

[Rebecca Sukle]

Hi Patty,

I too loved the mountains and lived with mountain views for most of my life. We moved to central Florida a year ago. In my early years I worked as a medical technologist and clinical chemist in Ohio. After we moved to Pittsburgh area I got to meet and know Dr. Cyril Wecht when he substituted for our pathologist, a most intetesting man. I bet you came across some good stories in your work.

Nice to meet you.

[Robert Smith]

Hi, friends!

I am Robert R. “Bob” Smith living in Elkton, Maryland with my wife of 47 years and our cat “Smokey.”

I am a retired Episcopal Priest and actor, trained at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute where I appeared in two projects of the Actors Studio. Most recently, I was the lead in a film project and more recently wrote and performed comedy sketches with a local sketch comedy and Improv company – which I left in order to learn screenwriting at ScreenwritingU. I recently wrote m y first full length stage play: a Gangster Comedy, “Angels in Gangland” which as a Zoom Production won the Best Full Length Feature Film at the Cecil County Independent Film Festival.

I am finishing a first draft of my screenplay begun in the ProSeries 80 course. Title: “Moths Around a Flame” about first Best Actor Oscar-Winner Emil Jannings and his fall from grace beginning with his strained relationship with Marlene Dietrich during the production of “The Blue Angel.”

My goal is to adapt my play “Angels in Gangland” to the screen, so I have begun working on a screenplay.

I am a fan of the New York Yankees and Indy Car Racing.

I look forward to being part of the group.

Best Always to everyone.

Bob

Robert R(ussell) Smith

[Amechi Ngwe]

Hi everyone,

My name is Amechi Ngwe. I’ve written at least 20 feature scripts and around 10 pilots. I’ve had two option agreements, one shopping agreement, and sold a show to Nickelodeon last year. I’m hoping to write something that exceeds anything I’ve written so far, and to learn how to write a killer pitch. Something strange about me is I am an introverted person but I love doing improv comedy in front of crowds. I’m really looking forward to this class!

Amechi

[Kate McMahon]

Amechi, great to see you in class! Looking forward to exchanging with you.

[Amechi Ngwe]

Thanks, Kate! Looking forward to working and learning with you again!

[S A]

‘I am an introverted person but I love doing improv comedy in front of crowds.’ – Amechi

Sweet. I’ve studied improvisational theatre and different types of implied improvisation for a number of years. I also enjoy performing in front of crowds, and teaching improvisation as the opportunity arises.

Shimon

[Lauren Yaffe]

Hi Amechi! Happy to see you’re in the class. Hope you’re well.

[Terrie Shaft]

Hello Amechi – glad to see you in this class!

[Mary MacNeith]

Hi Amechi! I’m looking forward to your TV show 🙂

[Rosemary Lismore]

Hello all,

Rosemary 3 time black belt, philosopher, good listener, great cook, good sense of humour, mother of the 2 best daughters on the planet (Yes! But I hope we all say that about our kids). Oh so ready to finish one of my 5 scripts. Looking forward to the daily discipline of these courses to bring out a well conceived, drama induced, intriguing character driven script – or 5.

Looking forward to learning through sharing…

Kindest,

[Jaelle Dragomir]

Hi all,

I’m Jaelle Dragomir. I’ve written six screenplays and several theatrical plays that have won awards and been produced, one in Kathmandu, Nepal.

For this class, my goals are to write a screenplay that will get the attention of ‘A’ list actors, directors, and producers, and be well-received by a wide audience.

I’m a closet stand-up comedian, but a few years ago I performed at the Jon Lovitz Comedy club. I’m a professor that’s evaluated by students with highest compliments: “funniest professor ever!” I’m old enough to wave off wishful thinking as if it were the last black fly in Wyoming. I’m a happily complicated Homo Ludens with only one thing that actually annoys me: a painting hanging at an angle.

I look forward to taking this journey with like-hearted writers.

[Kate McMahon]

Hi Jaelle, great to learn you are taking this class! I, too, cannot tolerate a crooked frame!

[Caroline Fritz]

Hi-

My name is Caroline Fritz. I have written eight screenplays, two scripts for TV, and one play.

My hope for this class is to develop a process for writing screenplays that I can use over and over in the future.

I used to be a journalist and have always loved to write.

Nice to meet everyone!

[CLAIRE RILEY]

Hi everyone, my name is Claire Riley. I’ve written about ten scripts, have had one movie produced, and am working with a producer to get my TV series on a streaming platform or cable channel.

I hope to get two things out of this class. First, I’ve pitch lots of projects and recently thought that I should create the pitch before I write the script. So I loved seeing this class which does just that.

Second, I came up with an idea for horror movie in the horror clas a few months ago, but did not complete it. In fact, I didn’t really start it. I only came up with the concept. So I hope to write the script in this class.

Something about me that I would like to share is that I worked in support staff roles in NYC law firms since 1985. I’ve been at my current job since 2003 and it’s the best job I ever had. I work with fabulous people I adore. And thanks to a generous buyout package from the partners of my law firm, on Monday I will retire from that job so that I can focus all my time and energy on my screenwriting. YAY!

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  CLAIRE RILEY.
• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  CLAIRE RILEY.
• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  CLAIRE RILEY.

[Kate McMahon]

Claire, I am so glad to see you are taking this class. We are going to have so much fun. And CONGRATULATIONS on your retirement!!! You are ready to take the industry by storm.

[Jeff Chase]

Hello fellow BadAss! This is gonna be fun.

[Lauren Yaffe]

Woohoo!!! Thrilled to see you here, Claire! Brooklyn is in Da House!

[Susan Arnout Smith]

Hi, Claire!

I’m absolutely endeared by the fact that you edited your profile three times in three minutes. Oh, those of us bravely meeting head-on this challenge of perfectionism! I can’t wait to meet you here in this group.

Susan Arnout Smith

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Susan Arnout Smith.

[Claudia Wolfkind]

What a blessing! I’m so thrilled for you!

[Leona Heraty]

Congratulations on your retirement, Claire! Whoohooo! 🙂

[Elizabeth Wang-Lee]

Hi Everyone:

My name is Elizabeth Wang-Lee. I was once a film executive. I’ve written a couple of screenplays. I’ve re-written many screenplays.

I currently live in Munich, Germany.

I was working on a sci-fi thriller but life got in the way.

I hope to jump start my writing again as well as raise my writing to a new high.

I look forward to writing the best script I’ve ever written!

Good luck to everyone.

Cheers,

Elizabeth

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Elizabeth Wang-Lee.

[Leona Heraty]

Hi Elizabeth,

It’s great you’re in this class too! I hope all is well with you and Success Masters. I had to drop out of the group as I’m trying to juggle too much stuff, but I really enjoyed my time there and may rejoin in the future. Cheers! 🙂

[Mary MacNeith]

Hi Elizabeth! Missing you at SuccessMasters. Big Hugs 🙂

[Linda Anderson]

Hi Screenwriters,

My name is Linda Anderson. I’ve written 4 screenplays and 4 stage plays. In this class, I’m hoping to adapt into a screenplay, the New York Times bestselling memoir that my husband and I co-wrote.

I’m co-author of 17 books about the remarkable relationships between people and animals. We wrote these books over a twenty-year period. They were published by numerous publishing companies and translated into multiple languages. It was quite a ride. Now that I’ve retired from that type of writing, I’m looking forward to learning all I can about how to write and sell successful screenplays. It’s on my bucket list!

[Kate McMahon]

Such an interesting career you have had, Linda. I look forward to meeting you in the class!

[CLAIRE RILEY]

Great to have you in this class, Linda!

[Kevin Ash]

Hello all,

My name is Kevin Ash. I’ve written a dozen or so screenplays and over 20 plays. All my plays have been produced, and several of my screenplays were optioned, several others were commissioned, and a few of my shorts have been produced, still waiting on a couple features that are in pre-production – who knows…

I plan to get a couple of the scripts written that have been on my to do list for several years, at least one of them, and to remind myself of all the techniques and tips that we went over in MSC and Bingeworthy and to build on those… to write even more incredible movies!

I’ve had 3 careers thus far, and am nearing the end of the third, the fourth is to be a full time professional screenwriter and this is prep for that! I began as an actor in theatre/film/tv and am a member of SAG/AFTRA and AEA, the second was as a producer/designer/director of a regional theatre – a member of DGA, and the third is teaching film and theatre in a private school. I look forward to the next part of the journey, and honing my skills with you all! WGA here I come! 🙂

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Kevin Ash.

[Kate McMahon]

Kevin, great to have you in the class. You always bring great insights and a supportive attitude. I’m so happy for you that you are writing full time now!

[Bobby Sacher]

Kevin! So great to hear from you! Been awhile – looking forward to some great back-and-forth!

[Linda Kish]

My name is Linda Kish. I’ve written 5 full length features across a few
different genres, but with my last script, an action thriller, I’ve
found a niche I want to focus on. My goals for this class are to learn
new skills, sharpen skills I’ve learned in other SU classes so they
become second nature, and write a script that sells. In addition to
writing, my other love is sports. I’ve run two marathons and enjoy
watching college sports, the NFL
and golf.

[Tracy Lawson]

Hi, I’m Tracy Lawson.

I’ve written a pilot as part of the Bingeworthy TV class, which received Consider in coverage and advanced to the semi finals and finals in several film festival competitions.

I’m also the author of nine books–six novels and three nonfiction, with a nonfiction travel/history book in production and a historical novel in its first draft.

I hope to develop a top-quality script based on my most recent release, a historical novel that is based on actual events in the life of my sixth-great-grandmother during the American Revolution, find representation, and bring the story to life on a screen–big or small!

I spent the bulk of my working years in educational theater and dance. I taught primarily tap dancing, but have also choreographed 32 musicals for middle- and high school students. I live in the second-oldest house in my town, which has its resident ghost(s). I just took a part-time job at another historic home which functions as the town’s welcome center, and my new office is–you guessed it–in the “haunted” room!

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Tracy Lawson.

[Kate McMahon]

Tracy, it was people like you that gave me such wonderful memories of middle and high school – I was one of those kids who danced and sang my way through countless musicals. SO on behalf of those you taught, thank you! I look forward to sharing this journey with you.

[S A]

Hello Tracy,

I studied theatre and performing arts in college, and graduate school. One of my areas of interest was creative drama, children’s theatre, and theatre for youth. For a number of years after school I also worked on a variety of educational theatre projects.

Shimon

[Mary MacNeith]

Hi Everyone, I’m Mary MacNeith and I’m excited to join another amazing SU class.

I’ve written two TV dramas, one sitcom, and three feature films.

What I hope to get out of the class is learning what the industry is doing now for screenwriting and elevate my stories to get made.

Something unique about me is that I’ve had a gravesite waiting for me since before I was born. Mmmm, I think I have a story there.

I look forward to working with you all!

[Leona Heraty]

Hi Mary!

It’s great you’re in this class too! I really enjoyed my time in Success Masters! Cheers to us! 🙂

[Mary MacNeith]

Hi Leona! I hope you’re doing great and having fun in the class. Hugs!

[Kate McMahon]

Hi I’m Kate from Pinnacle NC. This is my 12th SU class, but who’s counting? I’ve got six features, a short, and a series pilot in various stages of readiness – most of them in desperate need of a better Act 2. I sold one horror feature during the pandemic, but they are still looking for funding to produce it.

By day, I work as sales writer for a logistics company, but with retirement now only two years out, it’s time to ramp up my visibility and do more than stick my toes in the deep blue movie industry sea.

I’m taking this class to finish and elevate a psychological thriller that started as a novel a couple years ago. I have a Hollywood B/C actress as my muse and we have a quasi relationship on Twitter and Instagram that I have been cultivating for two years. Of course, I doubt SHE would characterize it as a relationship, but I like to believe what you manifest will be.

I usually talk about my three ex-husbands as something unique or strange about myself because they are all foreigners – One is British, one is Icelandic, and the other is from Texas. But, today, I will also share that I got braces this year at the ripe old age of 64, to correct an overbite that has long bothered me.

I look forward to learning from all of you!

[Micki Hess]

Hi, Kate, it is great to see you here.

[Patrick McCormick]

1. Patrick McCormick

2. Have done 1 completed & several in the works scripts

3. Goal is to complete, incredible, amazing & highly sellable screenplay.

4. After 50 years of studying movies, am finally creating the ultimate legal & financial system for my personal creative works, & now ready to put myself out there.

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Patrick McCormick.

[Nat Melvin]

Natalie Melvin here from Hawaii with warmest aloha,

I’m excited to meet new folks and to mingle with my fellow talented scribes from the numerous genre classes, ProSeries, MSC & BingeWorthy TV, whom I respect and absolutely adore!

I write drama supernatural, mystery and sci-fi thrillers, which I’ve written, rewritten, elevated…, and continuously doing so for a numerous feature projects and TV shows, a few of which are currently in development with a notable folks from Hollywood via a partnership with my own production company.

What I’m looking for is discipline, accountability, feedback and elevation (that hellish word again) of my mystery thriller feature which was set aside due to its complexity and unforeseen circumstances.

Aside from writing, I’m a three times mother, three times grandma who owns a few successful businesses, each of which immensely contribute to pulling my hair, massive headaches, lack of time and fair exhaustion. Regardless, I’m super excited to get back on track and move my projects forward!

Happy creating to all!

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Nat Melvin.
• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Nat Melvin.
• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Nat Melvin.

[Farrin Rosenthal]

Natalie!!! So good to see you here!!!

[Nat Melvin]

Aloha, Farrin, likewise, finally, we’re in the same class. :0)

[Susan Arnout Smith]

Hi, Everyone!

My name is Susan Arnout Smith and I’m an optioned screenwriter. I have a joyous and abundant personal life, with people who expand my soul. My goal here is to work diligently on structure so I’ll be able to create not only an A-list script, but also will be able to take what I learn about structure and use it as a template for other art forms, especially novel writing. I am a novelist published in hardback and paperback in the US, translated into other languages, and found in other countries. So part of my work here in this class is owning deeply and gratefully what I’ve already achieved, using the spiritual practices Hal recommends to integrate the spirit with the doing. I’m so glad to see people here I already know, and am looking forward to meeting you all.

Oh! And I worked for Bechtel as a rec director building the trans-Alaska pipeline.

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Susan Arnout Smith.

[Leona Heraty]

Hi Susan!
It’s great to have a fellow MSC-15 alum in our class! Yeay for us! Cheers! 🙂

[Tom Wilson]

Hi, Colleagues:

My name is Tom Wilson.

I’ve written two screenplays: one is a feature and one is a TV series.

I look forward to learning how to write a screenplay quickly from the ground up.

I’m a foreign war veteran who helped design space missions at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and am learning to write Drama with Action, and Thriller screenplays.

[Susan Holgate]

Hi everyone,

My name is Susan Holgate and I have written one pilot and three screenplays. My goal for this class is to go further than just writing – actually marketing myself and “getting out there”. I travel a lot and will try to keep up with this course while abroad for most of the summer. I’m in the process of organizing a year-long trip that will be part of another screenplay I have in mind… so fingers crossed.

I hope to learn enough from Hal and all of you to keep moving forward with my writing as I conquer the fear that has relegated my scripts to the file cabinet – so far.

[Reginald Joseph]

Hello, everyone,

My name is Reginald L. Joseph and I live in sunny Florida.

I am an Optioned Screenwriter and have written 4 full length features and 15 shorts. My biggest goal for this class is to learn some
new skills. I am also looking forward to sharpening all of the skills I learned in the ProSeries and MSC. Aside from writing, I love to ride my Harley and watch really good movies and TV.

I am looking forward to learning with you all.

-RJ

[Holli Castillo]

My name is Holli Castillo from New Orleans.

I’ve written several scripts and four tv pilots, as well as written and produced several shorts.

I hope to get my head back in the game. I was getting script requests on my last tv pilot and then it kind of puttered out. Then we had a hurricane and everything kind of stopped down here. Or maybe it was just me. Either way, I hope this is the fire I need lit under my ass.

I’m one of a small group of appellate public defenders in Louisiana. You don’t want to need me as your lawyer, because if you do, you’ve already been convicted of a felony, likely a murder, rape, or armed robbery, and you’re probably doing a lengthy stint in prison.

[Claudia Wolfkind]

Whoa…. I can not even imagine! Good for you for all you do! I’m sure it also spurs all the creative juices!

[Dr. Ronald G. Dalrymple]

Ron Dalrymple, wrote some 25 scripts, won Best Script award from NYLA International Film Festival 2020, right before covid, which crushed the event; won awards from Austin Film Festival; Worldfest Charlston Film Festival; Austin Revolution Film Festival, 2018; 13Horror.com Film and Screenplay Contest 2017.

Wrote, directed and produced two films now on Amazon Prime, co-produced or contributed to 6 other films.

Best-selling author of several books on Amazon.com

General lunatic.

Looking forward to creating a whole new series of action thrillers.

Great to meet you all, let’s have some fun!

Dr. Ron.

[Lauren Yaffe]

1. Lauren Yaffe here, hailing from Brooklyn, NY.

2. I’ve written 4 features, in various stages of completion, and 6 shorts.

3. My hopes for this class are to give me a kickstart out of the wheel-spinning stage I’ve been in for a while and back into a dedicated writing practice. I also hope to add new tools to my writer’s toolbox. I’m especially excited to share feedback with my WIM buddies, old and new!

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I love worms. My writing for children is often about worms and the natural world, aimed to inspire the world to compost!

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Lauren Yaffe.

[Aaron Can Hoff]

Hello All,

I am Aaron Van Hoff. I have written 12-13 SPs. I am hoping to increase the velocity and quality of my writing with this class and I know that Cheryl and Hal are always good for great instruction! So, I was born in Napa, CA and I don’t drink… I think that covers the unique, strange and unusual, not sure about the special.

Can’t wait to work with everyone!

AV

[David Scott Smith]

Hi Everybody, David Scott Smith here.

I’ve written 5 screenplays, including 1 produced film I co-wrote, called “Show Me What You Got” available on iTunes, Amazon and Tubi.

My goal is to utilize Hal’s great classes to develop a book I and my partner have just optioned into an awesome screenplay.

Something unique, special or strange… I’m all of those adjectives, and more!

David

[Bill kellas]

Bill Kellas

I’ve cowritten five books on healthcare and am known as a Dr House kind of problem solver .

I’ve been in Hal’s courses since 2012 and am now switching my problem solving approach to TV & movies as the twisted action thriller is my wheelhouse. I’m Dyslexic. Sooo I’m good at

increasing the tension and misdirecting until the character arch becomes almost impossible climb,like life sometimes.

Looking forward to travelling together and learning from all of you also,

[Mac McCord]

Hello! I am MAC McCord down ]n Chapel Hill, NC. I am a playwright and screenwriter; also and violinist and flute teacher. I am working on polishing my short film that I have received a grant to make, and have lots of idea for future movies. I look forward to this class!

[Veronica Turowski]

Hi! I’m Veronica and I currently live in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

I have five recommends on my feature scripts. I enjoy writing horror and thrillers. I’ve taken numerous SWU courses including Pro Series 60 and MSC9. I want learn new techniques so I can write more efficiently. I would like to do more marketing to get my scripts optioned and eventually find a manager.

My husband and I traveled across the US last summer (over 26,000 miles in our car) which was thrilling and a blessing in gathering ideas for different concepts.

What is truly unique about me is that I had a traumatic brain injury in a car accident in 2002. I went from having an almost photographic memory to being compared to someone with Alzheimer’s. My kids still call me Swiss cheese brain, which I find hilarious. For years, I couldn’t read, but when my memory improved, I started reading again. Much to my dismay, I discovered I had turned dyslexic. I still have memory issues, but I won’t let it stop me from writing scripts, which I love doing.

I fear marketing because of my memory issues.

[S A]

Hello Everyone,

1. My name is Shimon.

2. My writing tends to be focused on paid writing assignments for ‘interactive’ projects that would often (though not always) be thought of as games. In particular, I’ve been writing for XR (augmented, virtual, and mixed reality) projects the last few years.

3. There is always more to learn, whether that is relearning or learning new things. Improving the processes and approach I can use for paid work, and the results they can generate will make me more employable.

It will be a nice change of pace to focus on a solo project for this course.

4. I’m from Bermuda, an archipelago of islands in the Atlantic Ocean.

Thank you,

Shimon

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  S A.

[CHERAMI FISHER]

Hi, I’m Cherami!

I’ve written 10 different scripts. 2 were produced as episodes in an inspirational, family TV series. Highly recommend the ProSeries and MSC programs!

I hope to:

+ Get my 3 current scripts (2 feature films/1 TV Series) produced (prefer sold as plan A/optioned as plan B)

+ Acquire IMDB Credit(s) in 2022+

+ Attract a GREAT Manager & Literary Manager/Agent asap in 2022

+ Secure paid writing assignments this year

I’ve lived and worked all over the world (30 countries). To overcome my lifetime fear of heights, I bungee jumped in New Zealand. Then, I was able to trek up Mt. Everest in mom’s footsteps to scatter her ashes in 2013 (in my 50s). Like mother, like daughter – we both cured our cancers by climbing impossible mountains to victory.

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  CHERAMI FISHER.
• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  CHERAMI FISHER. Reason: typos
• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  CHERAMI FISHER. Reason: Added SU recommend

[Leona Heraty]

Hi Cherami!

It’s great to have a fellow MSC-15 alum in our class! Your trek up Mt. Everest is so inspirational! Keep up the great work! Cheers! 🙂

[Liz]

Hi – I am Storm (Elizabeth Dwyer), I have written 2 feature scripts (SciFi/Post Apocalypse) Some Shorts, and currently writing a Thriller episodic and co-writing an episodic Female comedy. I hope to learn about more tools to actually sell myself/scripts. I have not put myself out there to producers. So this is the area I hope that I can gain more confidence and make that big jump. I am so looking forward to making that jump, fear is keeping me back. I want that fear I have to turn into confidence. Always learning and bringing forth more than I thought I can do.

I am a SciFi nerd and I am finally letting the outside world know how much I love Science Fiction especially love Gene Roddenberry. I will be attending my first Star Trek Convention this year.

[Farrin Rosenthal]

Hi all,

My name is Farrin Rosenthal. I’m a professional, optioned screenwriter who’s been taking ScreenwritingU classes for years, (love them!), completed the ProSeries and MasterClass.

I’ve written more than one and less than a million scripts.

What matters more than how many is if I’ve learned and grown as a writer from every script I’ve written and I have.

I specialize in comedy, but want to try other genres and get out of my comfort zone. I know and hope this class will help me continue to grow as a writer and write the best scripts in my life, ones that will sell.

Something unique about me? In 2013, I was lucky to acquire the last remaining original Jurassic Park Lithograph sets that Universal sold in 1994. I started a website, DinoArtPrints.com and exhibit my Jurassic Park Collectibles at various comic conventions in the Western U.S., including San Diego Comic-Con.

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Farrin Rosenthal.

[Jane Turville]

Hello everyone,

My name is Jane Turville and this class will be my 5th ScreenwritingU class. I’ve written 9 feature length scripts, 5 short scripts (which I produced) and 1 pilot script for a television series. I’m very excited to be part of this class. In a few of my other classes, I’ve breezed over some of the concepts in the lessons in order to keep up. My goal with this class is to make enough time in my schedule to actually apply the concepts and learn from them. I’ve spent the last two months trying to complete other projects so that I can dedicate energy to digging deeper into ways I can make my writing better. The lessons Hal and Cheryl present are wonderful and I want to take more time and have more focus for each of them. Plus, I’m excited to try writing a script starting with a pitch, instead of working on the pitch after the script is written.

I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you better and working together to create wonderful, saleable scripts!

[Leona Heraty]

Hi Jane!
It’s great to see you again! I hope all is going well for you and the Success Masters is doing well too! Cheers! 🙂

[Jane Turville]

Hi Leona, thanks for your note. Glad to see you again too. It will be fun to write alongside you and so many other talented folks. Hope that you are well and enjoying life!

[Sandra Nelles]

Hi Everyone,

I’m Sandra Nelles and I have written 4 screenplays (3 features and 1 tv pilot). From this class, I hope to write an incredible script that wins contests and gets optioned. Something unique about me is that I have lived in various parts of the country and worked in several occupations including retail, criminal justice, foster care, and mental health. Looking forward to this amazing class.

[Leona Heraty]

Hi Sandra!

It’s great to see you again! I hope you’re doing well and Success Masters is good too! Cheers! 🙂

[Sandra Nelles]

Great to see you Leona!

[Michael HARRIS]

Hello All:

My name is Michael Harris, I’m an actor/filmmaker from Northern Indiana. My acting claim to fame is a featured role in the baseball classic, “Eight Men Out.”

I’ve written 12 short films, am in the process of writing my first completely original feature and adapting another feature from a novel. I’m currently seeking funds to produce the adaptation later this year. I’ve rewritten/adapted two other feature screenplays.

In preparation for my upcoming feature I have spent the last year talking producing, directing, screenwriting and acting class from multiple sources. I’m greatly looking forward to this one.

My goal for the class is simply to elevate my writing skills— setting a new paradigm of writing ability. Rather that sell scripts my goal is to create and develop quality work that elevates the human condition which I can self produce/direct.

Something unique about me, I grew up in a funeral home….

Looking forward to getting to know and learn from all of you.

[Gisele FRAZEUR]

Funeral Home takes the cake in the interesting department!

[Pat Fitzgerald]

Hi Everyone,

I’m Pat Fitzgerald

I’ve written three screenplays, two are pretty good, the third . . . never mind.

I’m taking this class as a means to claw my way back into writing. I lost my writing way a few years ago, and when I learned about this class I could not resist it. My hopes are to elevate my writing, gain confidence that I can complete a quality project worthy of placing well, if not winning contests.

I’ve spent the past several years serving as caregiver to my late husband who suffered from dementia, which goes a long way in explaining why I lost my writing way. I’m finding myself again as a regular human who enjoys life and is truly fond of the screenwriting process. I look forward to working with everyone.

[Paul Mahoney]

Welcome back, Pat. Caring for someone with dementia is a full-time job x 3. I am sure your husband was thankful for your love and support.

[Claudia Wolfkind]

Hi Pat, as someone who has been caring for a family member for the last 20 year, I completely understand the “losing your way”… unless you’ve been there, you don’t understand the drain on your soul and creativity. I’ve got your back.

[John Trimbach]

I’m very much looking forward to this class as the ultimate professional screenwriting path to success. As a recent alumnus of the Pro and Master series which guided me through writing The Six Billion Dollar Boy and Mountain Justice, I’ve already benefited from that experience – based on those two scripts, I was recently hired by a production company as their chief writer after connecting through Linked In. So after this class, I’ll have four marketable scripts to launch a new career. Thanks to Hal for his tireless efforts to teach us the easy way, the right way, and really the only way in this current environment. Now, if only I can remember which hand holds which globe…

See you in class!

[Leona Heraty]

Hi John!

It’s great to have a fellow MSC-15 alum in our class! Yeay for us! Cheers! 🙂

[John Trimbach]

Thank you, Leona. Great to be a part of something special!

[Marcus Armstrong]

Hello everyone,

My name is Marc Armstrong, I recently moved from Las Vegas to Estes Park, CO, and am a hospital CFO by day. I took the BingeWorthy TV course a year ago and worked toward completing a script, but it is still a work in progress. As I stated in that class, I am literally the least-experienced person in this room. I took this course to “double down” (salute to Vegas) on my commitment to follow the process and keep writing no matter the quality. I want to focus on being creative, instead of being perfect. In six months, I would love to have completed a solid movie screenplay and become a more confident writer.

I was in the same Springfield, MO high school graduating class as Brad Pitt. Doesn’t do a thing for me, but it is a unique fun fact.

I look forward to learning from all of you.

Marc

[Marianne Post]

Hey there,

My name’s Marianne Post. I’ve written 2 feature screenplays and countless voice-over scripts for my day job.

I hope to walk away from this class with a marketable screenplay and the tools to confidently repeat the process while having fun doing it. That second part is key. Anything I create that I don’t have some fun with turns out “blah” at best.

My background is post production. In my current role, I leverage that to create training materials and present webinars at Avid Technology (Media Composer). Yep, I get paid to support editors’ post-production dreams while pursuing my screenwriting dream:)

I look forward to working with this talented crew.

Cheers,

Marianne

[Hope McPherson]

Hi everyone.

I’m Hope McPherson and, like a few other fellow SU alums, this will be another of several SU courses I’ve taken (e.g., ProSeries40, MSC8, and Binge-Worthy 4).

I’ve written several scripts, although two features and a pilot are the ones for which I’m still trying to find homes.

<font face=”inherit”>Every SU course I’ve taken has been terrific, and in addition to writing a new spec script, I’m hoping to expand and deepen my skills. It’s happened with each of the other courses I’ve taken, so I’m </font>optimistic<font face=”inherit”> it will happen again. I’m also looking forward to connect with new SUers and those I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with before in other classes and on FB.</font>

I’m a fairly boring person in general, but I do have a small (beautiful now in the spring!) Pacific Northwest farm, with a few goofy goats and a haughty llama.

[Farrin Rosenthal]

Hi Hope, great to see you here!! You are far from boring! Are your goat’s names, Moe, Larry, and Curly?

[Hope McPherson]

Farrin, I was so glad to see that you were one of the familiar names in this class! I know of three alpacas named Larry, Moe, and Curly, as a matter of fact, but my four goatie knuckleheads are Nettle, Buckwheat, Poppy, and Lilly Buttercup. <s>

[Gisele FRAZEUR]

A llama! That is cool!!!!

[Paul Mahoney]

Hi all,

My name is Paul Mahoney. I love writing features approx. 20, one tv pilot and approx. 10 shorts. In March, I had a drama feature get a cinema release in Australia. Comedy is my favourite genre. Like many of you I am trying to constantly improve my skills and scripts. I’m also interested in writing a book, so it seems that I’m fortunate enough to have a few experience novelists here.

Possibly something unique is that when was younger I learned how to artificially inseminate cows and this year I’ve been named a global ambassador for dementia international.

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Paul Mahoney.

[David Miller]

Hi, David Keith Miller here.

I’ve written 44 screenplays, 21 of which were produced; and 10 teleplays, 5 of which were produced. But when you break it down by scripts per year it’s less impressive. Presently one spec is optioned with offers out to actors, two scripts for hire are working toward production, two specs have soft options and a director just asked to option a spec.

I hope to become a better writer so that I can get my work recognized and produced at a higher echelon of the business.

While I used to think there was a great deal special about me, events have led me to the inevitable conclusion that there isn’t. That’s either wisdom or defeatism, take your pick. Seriously, besides once having been a Broadway singer and Shakespearean actor, the only things special about me are special about all of us in this group: I, like you, love words, and what they can do; I, like you, love stories, and how they can save us; and I think and feel too deeply about people and events in a way that can only find a respectable outlet in words on a page, as I imagine is the case for you as well.

[Farrin Rosenthal]

Hi David, 44 screenplays and almost half produced? Wow, that alone makes you special! Thank you for what you wrote about all of us in this group!

[Tina Steffan]

Hello all,

I’m Tina Steffan from Berlin, Germany.

I’ve written 3 features (one option), 3 TV shows and half a novel 😉

So far my genre was sci-fi, but my next projects are going to be horror.

I’m a media designer, creating event concepts for Google and Netflix among others. I also developed an automatic restaurant for SAP.

Let’s connect

https://www.instagram.com/thetinasteffan/

https://www.facebook.com/tina.steffan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-steffan/

[Farrin Rosenthal]

Hi Tina, so good to see you here!!!

[Tina Steffan]

Hi Farrin! Such a great class 🙂

[Leona Heraty]

Hi Tina!

I will connect with you on Facebook and LinkedIn. Cheers to us! 🙂

[Veleka Gray]

1. Veleka Gray

2. 37

3. What you hope to get out of the class?

A breakthrough in my courage so that I just love writing the way I naturally do and to forever let go of the fear of not being good enough.

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you?

I wrote my first novel at age eight. Also, before I became an actress, I was the only Veleka in America. But once I was on TV, pregnant women took my name, and now there are probably hundreds or thousands of Velekas.

[Tom Wilson]

Hi Everybody:

I’m Tom Wilson and I’ve written two screenplays.

I hope to greatly improve my character and structure work.

I’m a foreign war veteran, helped design space missions at JPL and now pursue writing Drama – Action – Thriller features and TV series.

Looking forward to breakthroughs in this wonderful class.

[Michelle Damis]

My name is Michelle Damis. I’m an actor, stunt performer, and most recently a writer. I have completed a pilot and a feature. I plan to finish my next feature with this class, I find the structure Hal uses helps me stay on track while simultaneously learning about writing in general. I had to get over a hump and decide whether I was wasting my time in terms of writing. My last course gave me the confidence and a completed project that I’m really proud of and have a blast writing.

Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I have performed live with the Temptations, been a Budweiser girl, and have pulled my car in front of a “bad guy” running from the cops in the middle of a car chase so they could catch him.

[Micki Hess]

Hello, Everyone,

Hi, my name is Michale, I go by Micki. I have written six scripts, none option, YET! I have not being writing since July, had four eyes surgeries, now I can see.

I hope to get out of the class is ways to write intriquing, incredible and breathtaking mixed with laughter in my scripts. I am so excited to write again.

Something unique, special, strange or unusual about me: I can toe snap, it is like a snapping your fingers, this is a newly found. I did thins while on the phone with my husband and we both laugh. I am bit strange, I do keep my strangeness to myself.

I can’t wait for this class to start. See you all around.

[Erik Wooten]

Hi, great writers, I am Erik Wooten, I have written three and a half screenplays and have taken a few courses with Screenwriting U, all of which were excellent. From this class I hope to elevate my writing to the best it has ever been but also in the process to achieve the ideal balance between my vision for the new script and high marketability, and even high commercialism. Also, to revive the genre into which my story fits! Best wishes to everyone here….

[Laura Koons]

Hello! My name is Laura Koons.

I have written many award winning short scripts. Never had the confidence to submit a feature screenplay due to my own dreaded perfection trap. Plan to overcome that by empowering myself to move forward.

My passion and hope is to be a full time paid screenwriter. Every class I have taken by Hal Croasmun has elevated my writing exponentially. WIM is going to be the best class yet!

Something unique… I had the incredible opportunity to play tennis with Sir Richard Branson at his BVI home on Necker Island. He’s a bit of a prankster, but his ace serves are no joke.

[Rick Meyer]

Hi all.

I’m not sure about the procedure, if this is where I introduce myself before I am enrolled officially. But anyway, Rick Meyer here. I’ve kicked around theatre, film, TV, etc for many decades. Got serious about writing in the ’90s while mixing sound on Broadway shows. Mostly focused on novels (my first love) the past few years. Won a New York Foundation for the Arts for my first one and had an excerpt from it published. Placed high in several screenwriting competitions with a couple of screenplays. I’m in this class to kick my screenwriting back in gear.

[Edward Brown]

Edward Brown wrote 5 scripts hope to finish rewriting script and sell it

I love sailing, writing, dancing with charming mothers

[Terrie Shaft]

1. Terrie Shaft (but find me on the Alumni FB group as Terrie Cooper Lee)

2. Two complete scripts. 3 partial.

3. I would like to get a marketable script and a solid screenwriting process out of this class.

4. I compete at the equestrian sport of eventing – which is sometimes called a triathlon for horses.

[Andrew Kelm]

Hi Everyone

My name is Andrew Kelm. I’ve written 7 or 8 feature scripts, 3 TV pilots, several shorts, a few treatments; I have written shorts produced by other people as well as shorts I have directed and produced myself. I am also a produced and published playwright.

I intend to use the skills offered in this course to write the best script I’ve ever written.

There’s nothing about myself I want to hold up as a calling card, but I don’t want to hold back either. I’ve been at this for twenty years; I’m gay; I work as a technical writer; I live in Toronto, Canada; I’m still freaked out about marketing but I am committed to working on it — and I will actually do it one day… This evening, I am watching the great 1923 Harold Lloyd film, Safety Last, that I stumbled across while putting together a presentation for my day job, and I am thinking about how great it is that part of our discipline as writers is to follow the paths that open up in front of us wherever they lead. I don’t think that thought makes me unique, special, strange or unusual, but I think that process is what makes us all unique, special, strange and unusual, and I look forward to interacting with the other unique, special, strange and unusual people I already know and those I will meet along the path of this course.

[Leona Heraty]

Hi Andrew!

It’s great to see you again! I hope all is well with you and that Success Masters is going well too. I really enjoyed my time there! Cheers! 🙂

[Gisele FRAZEUR]

My name is Gisele Frazeur. I have written two scripts. My hope is that this class will help me write moving and marketable scripts with great precision and consistency. Some interesting things about me……I own rare breeds of dogs – – which served as inspiration for the dog treat company I own and run.

[Gisele FRAZEUR]

woof

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Gisele FRAZEUR.

[CJ Knapp]

Hi my name is CJ Knapp – I live in Kansas City MO at the present but have moved extensively and lived in Luxenbourg and Toronto Canada as well as many places in the US and have loved every place I have lived for the exposure and the experience!

I have written numerous scripts but probably only 5 that are market ready and most have been optioned. I have written a TV series which was also optioned but has reverted back that needs to go back to market. I have also completed several writing assignments.

I am thrilled to see so many talanted and familar faces in this group – I am honored to continue my journey with all of youl!

I hope to get out of this class what it takes to move past being optioned to being produced.

Something unique about me – is not so unique – I love to travel, cook, read, and especially write screenplays. I have a hubby, 2 pugs and an incredible cat that keep my daytime busy while I try to write. Probaby the most unique aspect to me is that by the time I was 16 we had already moved 18 times – and no, my father was not in the military. Life happens.

I have taken pretty much all of Hal’s classes and apparently I am a slow learner as I have taken the refresher for several of them!

Happy Writing one and all!

[Leona Heraty]

Hi CJ!

It’s great to see you again! I hope you’re doing well and that Success Masters is good too! I really enjoyed my time in your group! Cheers! 🙂

[Claudia Wolfkind]

Hi Everyone!

My name is Claudia Wolfkind. I’ve written 8 features (two that were optioned) and a couple of TV scripts and I also produced/wrote a reality TV series on gold prospecting that ran for 13 episodes.

My hope for the class – elevate my writing to the best it’s ever been, write faster than I’ve ever have (consistently) and… and… write and sell this particular script that I’ve been wanting to write for years. Would love to get a great manager from this and possibly paid writing assignments since I need to retire (from working) and need to make my dream of writing fulltime a reality.

Something unique and interesting… I was hired to create a television channel from scratch, with no programming budget… which I did, The Outdoor Channel. I then became head of programming and development for almost 5 years and produced hundreds of hours of content including The Gold Prospector’s Show which ran on TNN. During my tenure I was the only female executive among some … let’s just say very interesting men. My novel The Flannel Channel/AKA The Devil Wore Flannel will get written one day.

[Kevin Cunningham]

Howdy, I’m Kevin M. Cunningham.

You may know me from such ScreenwritingU programs as Proseries, Bingeworthy TV, and the Master Class.

I’ve written two worthy feature scripts, a bunch of self-produced short scripts (48 hour or equiv), and a bunch of, well, let’s call them “training” scripts…

I want to write a sellable feature script in this class.

Something unusual about me? I was a Humanities Major — at MIT. (Psychology and Literature)

Looking forward to working with all of you!

[Rebecca Sukle]

Hi Kevin,

Good to see you in this group.

[Barbara Jacksha]

Hi everyone!

I’m Barbara Jacksha. I’ve written a few feature scripts, a few shorts. I’m here to elevate my writing and apply what I learn to a novel series I’m working on, one that grew out of the ProSeries 32b script I wrote. Something unique about me: I work very intuitively. I’m currently spending time in meditation with the narrator of the series, a crusty old gent who is telling me a lot of what I need to understand about the arc of the books.

[Kelly Joseph]

My name is Kelly Joseph. I have written five screenplays. I hope to learn some strategies and techniques that can help me grow as a writer.

[Kevin Patrick Goulet]

Hi All, Kevin Patrick Goulet here.

Scripts: Two features, two episodic specs, a short stage play (produced), many unfinished ‘works-in-progress’ (just ideas or…?), some crappy poetry. Actually, lots of crap everywhere -but some nuggets in there worth mining -and why I am here.

The ‘Get’: raise my writing to a new level… Find a new ‘means’, bullitt-proofing my process, fully realizing goal of solid + finished scripts ready for eyeballs -and become worthy of landing a strong agent and/or manager relationship. Then it’s off to the races.

Unique (?) about me: Voice over/actor (25+ yrs). Raced motorcycles (motocross) for a decade as a young kid.

Special: my son & daughter (twins) are graduating high school this month, leaving for college in August.

Strange (?): Currently gearing up for a ‘no budget’ short film (writer) to be shot on Apple iPhone 13 Pro ‘cameras’ this summer by a very small crew of like-minded story-tellers.

Unusual (?) Acting in the short film too… which means having to lose weight for the role I’ve written for myself… (down #20lbs. so far, #15lbs. more to go…). My character lives in a van on the edge of the desert, just outside L.A. … (yikes)… no desire to appear emaciated, but need to have that ‘hungry’ look.

Ultimately from this class I want fruition. Time is short- so finishing scripts, eventually having getting them ‘green-lit’ at the Pro level… getting paid to write, goals for all of us. And to work with interesting directors, actors, producers, crew, production people- who have the same desire as me/we all do: tell unique, visceral, heart-felt stories. Great luck to us all.

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Kevin Patrick Goulet.
• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Kevin Patrick Goulet.

[Joaquin Gray]

Hi

My name is Joaquin “Ibn Gray”

I’ve written three scripts (really 50 plus YEAH I’m including ALL of the drafts)

Well, I hope to gain EVERYTHING Hal and Cheryl want to share about the film writing process. Although I’ve written some stuff (my scripts) before I truly believe when the student is ready the teacher/s will appear. I’m so ready.

Let’s see something unique about me. What can I say other than I’m a writer! Cliche? Okay I started my first screenplay (texting) thumbing in the notes app of my iPhone, in 2019 while on a business trip with my wife. I had no idea what I was doing nor did I know that I would soon fall deep in love with writing.

Joaquin

[hilton Garrett]

Hey everyone,

My name is Hilton Garrett, and I’m looking forward to working with y’all in this class.

I’ve written two feature scripts and one pilot. None produced. Yet. I hope to change that in this class.

Nothing much remarkable about me. I just want to write powerful, engaging scripts and get them produced.

Glad to be part of the group.

[Susan Chan]

Hi Alumni!

My name is Sassy Chan.

So far I have written 2 TV specs, 1 Pilot, and a few features.

I hope to be more prolific with writing high quality screenplays.

I’m legally Susan on my Facebook page. I love animals, watching bloody kung-fu/ sword fights, and supernatural/spiritual themes — just to name a few.

[Teresa Rodriguez]

My name is Teresa Rodriguez.

I’ve written one screenplay and two TV scripts so far. I specialize in writing profound stories that encourage and inspire, featuring diverse casts.

I hope to get a phenomenal fourth script out of this class that will help me get a manager and a script deal.

I’m a former TV News Producer/Anchor/Reporter. I’ve written multiple news stories and projects for ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS.

I finished the Master Screenwriting class earlier this year. It’s an honor to take another class at ScreenwritingU.

[Leona Heraty]

Hi Teresa!
It’s great to have another MSC-15 in this class! Hope you’re doing well! Keep up the great work! 🙂

[Viva Tomlin]

Hi, this is Viva. Did I just lose all I wrote because I hit reply instead of subscribe or post which I now see? Any way to retrieve it?

[Renee Brown]

Hi everyone,

Renee Brown here.

I have 2 scripts and working on a 3rd.

What I’m up to: Gain solid wisdom on how to merge my etherial concepts with commercial appeal while maintaining the magic and wonder.

Something unique…. I take my popcorn with honey and hot sauce and I eat it with chopsticks!

[Jacqueline Murphy]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Jacqueline Murphy and I’m delighted to be part of the group and meet you all!

I’m an actress who’s also a writer and filmmaker. I’ve written one feature film, on TV pilot and a short. I’ve taken several classes at ScreenwritingU-Pro Series, Binge Worthy TV and am also ScreenwritingU Alumni. I’ve also taken several writing classes at Sundance Co//ab in TV Core Writing & Sci-Fi, Fantasy Writing.

Fun thing about me? I LOVE to DANCE! And dream about being on “Dancing With The Stars!” I also have my Registered Nurse Degree and after finishing acting school at the AADA I broke into NYC soap operas with a Recurring Role on ABC-TV’s “All My Children” as Nurse Thomas. It was my “lucky break” into show biz and this led to many other roles in TV & Film.

I started writing in 2016 when I co-wrote my short film “The Admired” about a frustrated modern day LA actress who dreams of being a glamorous movie star in 1940’s Hollywood and makes a deal with a handsome “Devil” to time travel there. This led to over 50 awards on the film festival circuit.

Encouraged by this I started taking classes at ScreenwritingU in 2018 and wrote “The Admired” TV pilot in the Binge Worthy TV Class. In the ProSeries I wrote my first feature film “Yellowbird and the Titan” based on a true personal experience as a young nurse in NYC 1990 with the rise of opioids. Currently working on 2nd draft of both projects.

I hope to keep the momentum going and build on what I’ve written and “Realize my Dreams” and wish you all the same!

Warmly,

Jacqueline

[Daniel Turner]

Hello Everyone,

My name is Daniel Turner.

I have written several scripts, a couple of features and shorts.

I hope to learn not just how to write better, but what to write. To learn what makes a script a compelling read.

I was born left handed but I didn’t want to be different and use the special scissors , so I switched and am now right handed.

[Viva Tomlin]

Hello everyone, my name is Viva Tomlin

I have written only two scripts but many plays, two novels, two musicals and a ballet that have been performed in a number of countries; I worked until the Pandemic with communities on the use of dramatic writing to process and present information, fantasy and speculation…. Great for engendering science fiction, my passion. I know I will get out of the course everything Hal promises is possible, namely a brilliant highly marketable screenplay as I intend to do exactly as asked, get every assignment in on time and thus become everything I need to be with highly honed skills. I have to . . . I have the chance of a lifetime; a multi billionaire filmmaker waiting to read my script. My unique thing I bring to the table is that I have at least some science fiction credentials; I am a cosmologist and my grandfather was one of the Illuminati of what was then Persia. He discovered the formula for transmutation of elements into any other but was told by the Master, the son of the Prophet founder of the Baha’i Faith, to throw it into the sea as the world was not (ethically) ready for it yet. I look forward to friendships and enjoying learning with you all and from you all.

[Lori Lance]

Hi everyone!

My name is Lori Lance. I’m excited to be a part of this class and glad to see a few familiar names here. I’ve taken SU’s Pro Series, Alternative TV, Fearlessness, and the Profound Movie. I’ve written eight features and a few tv scripts. What I hope to get out of this class is to learn to write scripts that sell.

I have two adult children and two eleven-year-olds that my husband and I adopted from China. I do not work outside the home and am blessed to be able to spend time writing. I am passionate about creating family-friendly entertainment.

Looking forward to taking this journey with you guys, and I hope to stay empowered.

[Kevin Sockwell]

Hi everyone,

My name is Kevin Sockwell. I’ve written about a ten full-length and 4 short scripts. My goals are two-fold. I have been out of writing as I handled my father’s illness ,death, and now estate which was exhausting and very consuming. So, I want to get into the grove again of writing.

Bigger goal is to develop a script that leads to a connection with a producer or agent to develop my craft and get a foot in the door.

Unique — well, I was once scolded by a mall manager for I was playing Santa and was too jolly.

I look forward to working with you all!

[Rick Meyer]

Rick Meyer here.

Two novels with a third in the works. One full length stage play and four one-acts. I adapted one of them and made a short film from it. Three screenplays and three shorts scripts.

I hope to get my screenplay chops back on track after working on novels primarily for the last few years.

I’ve worked nearly every job in theatre and film during my career which began at the age of three in my first AEA production. I retired from mixing sound on Broadway shows in 1997. Now I trade stocks for my own account and write.

[Jamie Handley]

1. Jamie Handley

2. How many scripts you’ve written?

6, and a whole lot of half finished ones.

3. What you hope to get out of the class?

My first goal is to have an amazing script ready for market. Second, excited to learn new process, to be “OUT OF THE BOX”, be more empowered than I have ever been. I write drama, rom-com, thriller/crime, political views on various subjects and strive to write a series with spin-offs and develop a brand of my own. Television, as we once knew it is not a consideration but don’t rule it out. Third, STAY CLEAR OF PERFECTION!!! My list of classes are too many to list from classes taken over the years which include many notable teachers. But when I came across SCREENWRITINGU, that was it. Hal’s (and Cheryl’s) methods is the cherry on top in my opinion. Hal’s classes are AMAZING. I’ve learned so much and appreciate every class I’ve taken (about 75% of what is offered!). So I am really excited for this journey with this class. Also, looking forward to meeting fellow classmates. I’m a native Californian, live in Arizona and film/scriptwriting has always been my dream. Now it’s time to make my dream come true.

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you?

Unique – Well, that is really subjective. What I consider unique isn’t really unique to me but could open the eyes of some people and give pause. I was the first woman photographing college football (USC) BUT it took a cigar and cowboy hat so that I didn’t distract the players, which is why they were reluctant to allow me on the sidelines. A photographer from Fox assisted in allowing me a pass. Special – I’m still writing and won’t give up. Time to make it happen.

We look forward to working with you all!

[Leona Heraty]

1. Name? Leona Heraty

2. How many scripts you’ve written? 2

3. What you hope to get out of the class? I want to elevate my writing and write a comedy script!

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I love cheezy B sci-fi movies from the 1950s, like It Came from Outer Space and TV shows from the 1970s, like Rockford Files.

[CLAIRE RILEY]

I love the Rockford Files, too!

[Bob DeCarli]

Hi everybody,

My name is Bob DeCarli. I have written several feature screenplays, as well as a pilot. My most recent screenplay, an action/thriller, caught the attention of a high-level manager who, although he did not sign me, has been open to hearing my concepts and providing feedback on them.

My immediate goal is to complete two more action scripts that exceed the quality of the one that caught the manager’s attention. I hope to gain the skills to write more top quality scripts quickly and consistently.

A little about me:
–I’m married with an an eight-year-old son.
–My wife has been EXTREMELY tolerant of my pursuit of a screenwriting career.
–I live in Mendocino, CA.
–My first career was as an attorney, a highlight of which was arguing before the US Supreme Court.
–I served as a volunteer firefighter/EMT for several years, thereby gaining some interesting perspectives and story ideas.
–I spend too much money on vinyl records.
–I still have laserdiscs.

I look forward to working with and getting to know you all.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 12 months ago by  Bob DeCarli.

[Kristin Donnan]

Hi there,

I’m Kristin Donnan, and I’ve written a handful of features (one optioned; one received an 8 on the Black List), a doc TV limited series, and a few IMAX scripts. Whenever I get revved up to work on my own projects, though, I get derailed by work-for-hire (I’m a book writer/editor)—and so I am taking this class to “put myself on the schedule.” I’ve loved my other ScreenwritingU classes and have gotten a lot out of them; they make me really realize how much my understanding of the industry has changed since I went to film school a long time ago.

This class provides the hope that I can finish something that’s going to avoid the usual pitfalls, because of the streamlined nature of the course.

As for the personal side, I grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and after living in NYC and LA, doing the professional stuff, I came back to the country (to cover a great story—Dinosaur 13) and never left. I’m working freelance from home and helping my ranch friends with their cattle. If you’ve never heard a mama cow cooing to her new baby, Google it up. It’ll put a smile on your face.

[Christopher Dalbey]

Hello Everyone!

Christopher Dalbey here … I have written 9 feature scripts, two TV pilots and bibles, developing a third with a SU Alumni currently.

My hope is to strengthen my approaches to developing projects and heighten my awareness while going through the re-write processes.

I currently reside in PA but hail from New York City. I’m also a SAG-AFTRA actor and booked recurring roles on streaming networks and leading roles on award winning indie films.

Looking forward to being apart of this journey with all of you!

Cheers,

Chris

[Sharon Axcell]

Hey y’all!
I’m Sharon Axcell from the UK. I’ve written probably 15-20 scripts (feature-length) plus who knows how many shorts. Varying quality – hopefully increasing along the way….! Optioned screenwriter, but I’m hoping to get more of a consistent ‘Recommend’ from coverage. And hence more of my projects actually produced.

Something unique, special, strange or unusual? I’m a rocket scientist by education…!

Have fun, all!

[savanna]

Hi I’m Savanna Mapelli and I welcome interactions

I publish on human rights laws and treaties and teach humanitarian law

I’ve written and arranged a successful table reading of my first stage play (tobefrankplay.com)

I blog on Medium as SavMap

The meal I can prepare best is hot buttered toast. Message me for the recipe.

S

[Jon Scheide]

Greetings all,

I’m Jon, though I generally respond to my last name “Scheide” because there are always so many Jons, Johnathans and Johnnys on film sets (not to mention the rest of the planet).

I’ve written a few scripts, both for myself and as works for hire, but I’m always looking to up my game, so I’m here to focus on one project, elevate it, and get it made.

Adding up front, I’m on location in Tessaloniki, and I literally start shooting tomorrow, plus it’s 10hr ahead, so I won’t always be on the calls, but I’m around and I will do my best to contribute to the group (and don’t get too jelly~ Thessi is kinda the Cleveland of Greece).

~Scheide

[Peter Symons]

Hi Everyone

My name is Peter Symons. I’ve written seven scripts and had Jean Claude Van Damme attached to one project. I hope to write a kick ass marketable script and meet new colleagues!

[Anthony Sigala]

Hi everyone,

My name is Tony Sigala, born and raised in South LA, on a clear day I can see the Hollywood sign. I have written 4.5 screenplays and 2 tv pilots. All of these projects have been through SWU classes. Of course, I’m looking forward to creating another, especially with so many familiar faces.

Unique, I have a massive movie collection, 5 to 7 thousand VHS, DVD, and still growing. They are stored at lake house. When guest see “The Collection” for the first time they are setback, kinda disgusted and wonder what I’m thinking…but before long I can’t get them away from it! They want to blow off the lake and river activities and watch movies instead. Soon they reminisce bout the days of the video store search for a rental. The crazy part, I only pay $.20 each, more or less, eBay and the like, are treating them like sports card now. Currently, there’s a bibbing war on A Raiders of the Lost Arc, first print, VHS, high bid $1,400.

I’m really looking for to creating more with you all.

[Deb Griffith]

I am Deb Griffith. I have written five feature scripts and one television pilot. I live in the midwest. I also work in movies and television, most recently on documentaries. I love movies, I love being outdoors. I am looking forward to improving as a screenwriter

[CLAIRE RILEY]

So glad you are in this class!