Introduce Yourself To The Group

[Rhonda Burnaugh]

Hey there! I’m Rhonda and I have self published 5 novels and have turned 4 of them into screenplays. I don’t think it’s weird, but I’m kind of a psychic and often dream something that comes true. I’ve had several encounters with spirits, but most of them are harmless. Anyway, my work has nothing to do with any of that stuff. Mostly I create psychological thrillers, with a spiritual perspective and a balance of romance.

[victor Valleau]

HI everyone!

I’m Vic Valleau.

Completed scripts, 4 or 5, many incompleted.

ScreenwritingU classes? Several. Most recently 30 day Screenplay class ending Feb 2022.

4. Plan to complete a marketable script.

5. Unique about me. I’m a practicing lawyer, SAG actor since 1995 in Truman Show, and first screenwriting teacher and friend was Syd Field.

[Travis Cody]

@victorvalleau – what scene were you in in Truman Show?!? (one of my favorite films.)

[victor Valleau]

Hi Travis

I was hired as the lead, for the promotional trailer going to convention in Las Vegas. I shot the trailer which raised $10 mil. then dumped me and hired Dannis Hopper and finally Ed Harris.

I’m also in ‘Night Shift’ as studio executive at table with Bob Balaban, Dir. Betty Thomas.

Thx for your interest and question.

Vic

[Sherri Johnson]

Tell us the following:

1. Name – Sherri Lynn

2. How many scripts you’ve written – quite a few

3. What other ScreenwritingU Classes you’ve taken – 30 day screen play, great ending, dialogue class

4. What you hope to get out of the class? – Learn, learn, learn everything I can. Get a better consistency of writing by doing the lessons every other day (or as assigned).

5. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I host a syndicated radio show and also do stand-up comedy.

[Brittany Greer]

Hi Sherri! What’s the name of your radio show? My first job out of college was at CBS Radio in New York.

[Sherri Johnson]

Wow! That’s an AWESOME first job.

I co-host The Brant Hansen Show and The Brant and Sherri Oddcast.

It’s an odd show…😂…but so so fun to work on.

[Lisa Paris Long]

Lisa Long

Sold 1 screenplay. 2 others in the works, plus a stage play.

I’m finishing up the ScreenwritingU ProSeries 81 very soon. I’ve attended several other ScreenwritingU classes over the past few years.

I have the first draft of the script I’ve been working on during the PS 81 class. Now I need to start a second script, so that I have more to market.

I traveled the world with Disney on Ice, and I started my career as an actress.

[Scott Billings]

Hi Everyone

1. Scott

2. About 10 scripts

3. Pro Series and Master Class

4. Learn to layer scripts more easily and fix problems in outline form

5. I started out writing plays, several of which were workshopped in New York. Moved over to feature film about 10 years ago.

[ROBERT Ingalls]

1. Rob Ingalls

2. 7 features and one TV Pilot series

3. Pro Series, MSC, TV Bootcamp, etc

4. Latest trends in movies

5. I’ve flown into the center of hurricanes and typhoons

[Joyce Davidson]

Hi, I’m Joyce Davidson. My Master’s Screenwriter certificate came October 2017. Since then I have added to my first three screenplays by writing five others and partial plays. The only class besides this one that I haven’t taken is Horror which I may attempt soon. I hope to write a script than I truly feel passionate about, one which will touch people’s hearts and minds. The three novels I published and a joint authorship of a memoir, sold on Amazon, Book-a-Million and Barnes and Noble, could make fine movies, but I don’t want to write these. I want to work on viewpoint because I am 92 years of age and it helps to have a younger attitude.

[Lynn Vincentnathan]

Glad to see another senior here. I’m 75. The golden years are great and a great time for screenwriting. I started ideas, research, and beat-boarding for a teen movie (the bullying now is a lot worse than when I was a teen) and I think I’m settling into a young adult romcom for this course. Though I do have a finished script with a 95 year old supporting character/mentor who is just fabulous — a Venusian here on earth passing as human giving confidence to her timid Venusian grandson.

[Larry Kennedy]

At 64, I worry I’m too old for the industry… but you… YOU ARE MY INSPIRATION from here on out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sanora Bartels]

Hi I’m Sanora. I’ve written only 2 feature scripts, one was a semifinalist in NexTV contest, the other made it to quarter finals of the Page Screenwriting contest. This is my first ScreenwritingU class. I hope to develop my skills and discipline as a writer and find more joy in the process. I have worked in documentary filmmaking for several years and love all elements of storytelling.

[Deleted User]

Hello, I’m Karen Crider, a lifelong writer of other genres, but I have also been in screenwriting for some time as well. I have written 5-6 screenplays. I write comedy and sometimes dwell in fantasy and drama, but they all sift down to comedy in one form or another. I have taken many courses at SU. I hope to get out of this class only what I’m willing to put in. Preferably, a heightened awareness of writing excellence, a closer application of what I’ve learned and learning, and a continued path that enables even greater achievement. I live in the world of metaphor and imagination. A poet’s world that enlarges my borders and allows me to travel without ever leaving home. Nice to meet you…

[Larry Kennedy]

I live in the world of metaphor and imagination…. not a bad place to be! 🙂

[Wynona Bice-Stephens]

Hi everyone, my name is Nona, have written 4-5 scripts, completed the ProSeries and Master Class and some of the shorter sessions. I am very grateful to be in Writing Incredible Movies and hope to complete a draft thriller from start to finish. Something unique about me—my family is currently living a real life ex Fatal Attraction scenario—hoping to embellish it and turn something bad into something good!

[Dagtall Kaye]

Hey, my name is Anthony

I have written 3 feature scripts, and many skits and parodies.

This is my first ScreenwritingU Class.

I want to improve my writing skill, and writing productivity. And I am looking to create a high quality, low budget script, I and my production partners can produce ourselves.

I was a Mr. Mom, my kids are now all adults, 25, 23, 21. I am an artist and musician, and a Certified Stress Management Coach, and 35 plus years practitioner, and teacher, of meditation. I loved that empowerment technique!

I wish everyone a wonderful class!

Peace and blessings!

[Mark Veau]

Hello Everyone!

I’m Mark Veau from Massachusetts. I, along with my business partner and collaborator, Michael Savino, formed Media House Films in 1984 when we produced a short film in college that still gets a lot of attention to this very day, “Attack of the KIller Refrigerator.” We’ve written and produced three other short films (all horror & suspense) throughout the years – most shot on 16mm. One of those projects shot on 16mm won the 25th Annual Houston International Film Festival. Last year we were the subject of the multiple award-winning documentary, “Snapper: The Man-Eating Turtle Movie That Never Got Made.” That project, and all of our previous titles, will be released later this year worldwide in an agreement reached with distributors Terror Vision. Previously, in 1990, “Attack of the Killer Refrigerator” was distributed by Donna Michelle nationwide on VHS. Rarest.org ranks it at #10 of the the rarest VHS tapes All-time and IMDB ranks it at #15 of the most outrageous film and television titles all-time. Copies of that VHS sell for over $1200 on-line as the title and tape have reached “holy grail” status for VHS collectors.

We have written five screenplays but are currently concentrating solely on “Attack of the Killer Refrigerator 2.”

I hope to improve our screenwriting and story telling – the most important aspect of all filmmaking processes – with this six month course. After taking the horror class offered earlier this year – I have no doubt about ScreenwritingU’s ability to lead me to that goal.

Something unique abut me… well, I made my living as a radio personality and program director for 30 years here in Massachusetts (and across the country in syndication) working for some of the biggest broadcasting corporations in the nation. I retired from radio in 2018 to solely concentrate on my family first – and my screenwriting movie career – I love them both!

Even after almost 40 years of doing this, I am excited to learn new ways of improving our writing process and I have no doubt this class will be exactly what we need.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 9 months ago by  Mark Veau.

[Lynn Vincentnathan]

You’ve done really well.

I think WorldFest Houston is a great place to submit screenplays. I’ve won Remis on all my screenplays, one a Platinum Remi. I know this sounds Woody Allen & not empowerment thinking, but my guess that my success there is because you have to actually send in hard copies of the screenplays…. which might mean the competition is less?? 😃

Lynn

[Marcus Wolf]

Hi, I’m Marcus. I’ve written about 8 or 9 feature film scripts, around 20 short subject scripts (some of which I produced) and two TV pilots.

I’m in the current Bingeworthy TV Class and one of my pilots is the one I wrote for that. I learned a lot of skills in that class that easily translate to screenplay writing, but I would like to really get better at it.

I first started writing scripts because I wanted to make an independent film. But I tried, and wrote a script that everybody who read it was very unimpressed. I read a bunch of books on script writing and my writing improved greatly, but still isn’t excellent.

While I’d love to sell a script to a producer, I’d also like to write one that I can produce myself and have success in film festivals. I spent decades in another profession that I didn’t like but was good at and worked hard at. Now I’m doing something I really like, so getting good at it is a priority. Empowerment is not a problem for me.

[hari messer]

Hi! My name is Hari Messer. I have written 2 scripts. I have taken Pro Series, Fresh and Edgy, Profound, 30 day screenplay and Thriller classes. I hope to gain the skills and confidence to finish scripts in a timely manner and work with professionals in the industry to bring Profound screenplays to market. Something unique?… I’ve climbed a 14000 ft mountain.

[Christopher Blanchett]

Hi, I’m Chris Blanchett.

I’ve written 8 screenplays (unproduced), co-written a stage play (produced), and a slew of comedy sketches (some of each).

Looking to improve my screenwriting and write a script that can be fully realized with the resources I have access to.

I work at a film school in Seattle and do marketing work with an LA-based production/distribution company.

Look forward to working with you all!

cb

[Travis Cody]

Hi Chris… what type of marketing work do you do?

[Christopher Blanchett]

Primarily general marketing support and press/pr for films being released theatrically… yes, it still happens! ; )

[Andrew Boyd]

Hi Everyone,

I’m Andrew. I’m from England, about 50 miles from London close to the sea. It’s good to be able to join you.

I’ve written a script for a 7-hour mini-series, am working on a novelization of that story, and want to boil it down into a script for a two-hour feature.

I’ve taken lots of ScreenwritingU free classes and have benefited from Hal’s wisdom.

What I intend to do is learn everything from this course so I can develop and complete a truly excellent movie script.

I’m an author and journalist, and have written a number of non-fiction books, including a primer for broadcasters, called Broadcast Journalism.

Favourite movies? Casablanca and The Third Man, but it depends on my mood.

I’ll be joining you from a different time zone, usually one day behind, but I’m looking forward to meeting you.

[Mary Lynn]

Hi People…

I am Mary Lynn Mabray – Houstonian. I’ve written nine scripts. Some good some not so good but the central concept is there. I graduates from the Professional Screenwriting Program at UCLA. I guess the most unique thing about me is that I am multi-talented. I am a professional Interior Designer licensed and credentialed ASID member. I was also a voice major in college. I can grow and cook anything…except liver…cook that is. I am an avid gardner and also create gardens for clients. I have one stunning daughter who is an equestrian and acupuncturist. I sm also the proud Mimi to Reagan’s two boys, Asher 9 and hell on wheels, Jaxon, 4. Animal lover and advocate to save the gray wolf from extinction. I iwned a gray wolf, My Bob…for eight years. They are brilliant strategists, loyal, loving and funny. They deserve to live to keep our ecosystem firmly in place.

[Renee Miller]

Hi, I’m Renee. I have written three scripts and one of them was optioned last August, with production scheduled to start later this summer. I’ve taken too many ScreenwritingU classes to remember, including the Master Certificate Program and the ProSeries. I’m looking to continue to improve on my writing and finish another script that I can be proud of and hopefully sell. Something unique or strange about me? Growing up I was a part of the Junior Olympic Archery Development program.

[Alan Wood]

1. Alan Wood

2. I’ve written fourteen screenplays and been optioned twice.

3. I’ve taken the ProSeries and the Master Class as well as several others. Was on the development team for the ScreenwritingU Horror class.

4. I’m considering this class valuable continuing education in my craft and hope it brings me up to date with what’s going on in the industry.

5. I am a filmmaker and a punk rock lover.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 9 months ago by  Alan Wood.

[Amy Falkofske]

Hi! My name is Amy Falkofske. I’ve written four feature-length screenplays. I have taken the rewriting class and the Pro Series. What I hope to get out of this class is the process of going from one draft to the next just as if I were doing a writing assignment. Something about me is I have two Beagles and a Cockapoo. The Cockapoo we got from my mom when she moved into a retirement home. We are about to become foster parents to yet another Beagle, probably one who is pregnant, so we will officially be a zoo!

[Renee Miller]

Hi Amy,

Glad to see a familiar name in the class.

[Amy Falkofske]

Hi Renee,

I sent you an email when I saw that you were in this class!

[Travis Cody]

<div>Hi! I’m Travis Cody from Las Vegas</div><div>

I’ve written 2 features and a full series bible. (Treatment, script and episode break downs for five seasons.) I’ve also published 15 non fiction books with three more set to come out this year.

</div>I haven’t had the privilege to take any SU classes… so this is my first.

<div>I’m great with concepts… so I’m looking for some useful strategies to be able to take everything in my head and finally get it written down!</div><div>

I’m also a stand up comedian who’s performed at the Comedy Store in LA. 🙂

</div>

[Lisa Paris Long]

Hi Travis,

I lived in Las Vegas for years. Love it there. Now I live on the East Coast.

Welcome! I’m finishing up the Pro Series now and I know you’re going to love ScreenwritingU.

Lisa

[Brittany Greer]

Hi! I’m Brittany Greer. I’ve written 1 feature and I’m currently working on a TV pilot. My career is in real estate and interior design, however I want to learn the skills to turn my writing into my career. I’ve worked on a few independent films and love being on set, so I’d love to make my creative projects my full-time focus. This is my first class at Screenwriting U.

Once upon a time, I was a volunteer EMT and delivered a baby in the back of an ambulance on the way to the hospital!

• This reply was modified 2 years, 9 months ago by  Brittany Greer.

[Monica Arisman]

1. Monica Arisman.

2. How many scripts you’ve written? 5.

3. What other ScreenwritingU Classes you’ve taken? I’m an alumni of MSC 5, and phase 3 & 4 of MSC 14. I’ve taken the Action class, Thriller class, contained class, and several others.

4. What you hope to get out of the class? My MSC 14 script did quite well last year in several screenplay competitions – 1/4 finalist. But I can’t seem to figure out why it won’t move on. I thought I found someone who had the answer only now it’s not finishing at all! So instead of spending all that money on subjective coverage, I thought I’d do this class and find the secret to rewriting War Angels to win!

5. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I like to walk. That’s where I usually work out script issues.

[Dana Abbott]

Dana Abbott

I wrote 2 screenplays years ago that were agent represented (not sold), I’ve completed 3 screenplays in the past year (1 for PS81), and I am currently working on 2 more.

I have completed ProSeries81, 30 Day Screenplay, and How to Get Paid Writing Assignments courses at ScreenwritingU.

I intend to use WIM to improve my skills as a screenwriter and develop the next script in the franchise series I started during ProSeries81

[Antonio]

A sequel? Now reading that will count as a bonus for me joining this class! So glad to see you here, Dana! 🤗

[Nancy Meyer]

1. Nancy
2. I have written 3 scripts, 1 was optioned
3. BW 5, MSC 14, 30-day script, contained and several others
4. I would like to have a polished script for my portfolio to be more marketable
5. I’ve moved about 20 times in my life and once again this friday!

[Josh Gloer]

Hey writers! I’m Josh Gloer.

I’ve written 6 features, two made on a micro level (you’ve never heard of them, trust me) and one has been optioned twice.

I’ve taken Pro Series and a re-writing course at ScreenwritingU but its been a decade. Life.

I hope to get a completed script out of this class. But I want to raise the bar. I want to write better, and have something at the end that people will actually want to read.

Unique? I guess its relative, but I’ve written and produced 15 years of docu-series.

My schedule is weird, so I’ll be a day behind many of you, but I’m here and eager to learn!

[Patty Ruland]

1. Name?

Patty Ruland

2. How many scripts you’ve written?

3, one complete, two near completion

3. What other ScreenwritingU Classes you’ve taken.

MSC 15, Fearless, the one on getting writing work, and several others.

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

The sacred–the ability to light people up with my work, a phrase from the opening video I really like. In fact, a manager did light up when I floated a new project I’m working on by her. It’s a distinct, unmistakable reaction. I got it. I felt it. I want to pursue that project and finish it because I do not want to let her, and myself, down. That reaction is now the gold standard for me

The profane–I want to find a way to make more money. I work as a publishing contractor, and the pay is abysmal. My recent emergency surgery woke me up to the fact I will be my sole support for the duration, so I need to be able to do that–support myself from now on out. To be more profane: I want to be rich, rich, rich. (I’ve been poor, poor, poor all my life.)

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

I have no musical talent whatsoever, though my mother was a voice prodigy. I can’t sing, play, or dance. Curiously, I have a great ear. I do. I dream and hear songs in my head–in fact, I’ve written several for my children’s movie script. People love them. I just can’t get them out of me and into the world, save for including them in my script.

[Paul Dees]

Hi folks,

I’m Paul Dees. I’m a writer/director/producer and I’ve written 4 feature length scripts, one of which is being packaged by a production company as we speak. I’ve also written around 15 fifteen short film scripts that I made into movies while I was in film school.

This is my first ScreenwritingU class, and I look forward to learning more about the entire writing process, from coming up with an idea all the way to pitching a script and getting it sold. In addition to being a filmmaker, I’m a singer and a guitar player, and I love playing and watching sports, cooking, reading, water skiing, rock climbing, and spending time with my wife and our two kids.

I’m excited to be a part of this class, and look forward to learning with all of you.

Cheers,

Paul

[Andrew Foerster]

1. Drew Foerster

2. 15+ scripts written

3. I’ve taken the ProSeries, Master Screenwriting Certificate and most of the other smaller classes like the Horror, Thriller, Contained Movie and Comedy classes.

4. To write a script that sells, get representation and double the quality of my writing

5. For my day job I write and direct 1-hour long educational films and we have just wrapped post production on our 36th film.

[Joe Donato]

Joe Donato

I’ve written 2 market-ready scripts, 4 scripts that I’ve written over the past 3 years and are currently pitching and rewriting to make them market-ready. I’ve also written 2 shorts, and 2 tv spec. scripts.

I’ve taken the Subtext Secrets, Contained Movie, Power Players, Pro-Series 78, Comedy, and the 30 day screenplay. I also enrolled in the “Professional Rewrite” class but have only done the first two assignments so far.

the main thing I hope to get out of this class is the repetition of all the other stuff I’ve learned in Hal’s classes, but just getting that info re-packaged and presented in whatever Hal’s new class structure is. I also know the value of having these assignments that will keep me writing every day and making more and more of these skill-sets second-nature. I also am hoping to find other quality “feedbackers” with which to exchange scripts with.

Something unique: two months into the pandemic, I suffered a back injury that has left me with some nerve damage/impingement in parts of my body. As a result, I can’t play guitar or piano anymore, or reopen my dance studio, or move around comfortably with a camera anymore (I used to do all these things comfortably pre-pandemic) Two years since the injury and I’m only slightly better, thus seriously affecting future career-plans. This is what has propelled me to return to plan A for my life, and my childhood dream: writing movies. (I can still type!)

[Antonio]

Hello, everyone! This is Antonio Flores. I am a former journalist from Mexico City. I am a permanent resident in China where I graduated as a professional Wushu (Chinese Martial Arts) coach from Beijing Sports University in 1991. I taught/coached Wushu in China for more than 20 years. In a couple of days, I will be completing Pro Series 81, which was an eye-opener. I have a lot of rewriting to do and strategies to review. I have taken Mini-Movie Method, Killer Action, Writing the Profound Screenplay, and several other ScreenwritingU courses. Since WIM is the start of a new era, I believe this is the place I have to be.

[Frances Emerson]

Hello. My name is Frances Emerson. I’m not sure if I’m related to Ralph Waldo Emerson, we haven’t done a real DNA match yet. But my grandpa Charlie sure did look like him (except for his bald head) and I swear in my younger days’ photo I look just like his picture I found on the internet, a picture that was painted of him when he was 17 years old. So, I guess I can say in that respect, I am.

I live here in the Finger Lakes section of New York State (wine country!) on the northern tip of Seneca Lake. About 20 minutes away from my house is Seneca Falls, NY. The birthplace of the Women’s Rights movement. And then further down the road east toward Syracuse, is Auburn, NY where William Seward and Harriet Tubman made their homes. The movie Harriet shows it in its final scenes. I think the interior of the now museum. AND Barack Obama once visited this area and worked out in one of the Auburn City public athletic centers. And where Wells Fargo, the stagecoach business, began—to name one of the many businesses started there.

We’ve had movie stars come and go in this area. John Wayne for one. Paul Newnan, for two, when he raced. I have one of his Budweiser caps. Frank Capra was inspired to write It’s a Wonderful life by the main bridge in Seneca Falls. Geneva is the hometown to Lauren Holly, and Romulus, NY, down the road, is home to Christopher McDonald, who I had school lunch with many years ago when he and his brother Danny came home for a visit. I could go on.

I am a New York certified public school teacher. I’m certified in Social Studies and Mathematics 7 thru 12. But I mostly sub and have subbed for many years. And I’ve waited on tables for many years. I am also a published writer. I’ve had several articles published in local newspapers and newsletters and two magazines. One article, I’m very proud of, I interviewed Nick Sagan, Dr. Carl Sagan’s son. The other was done just a couple of years ago which took center stage in the magazine about our Finger Lakes Community College students who are learning to make wine and run vineyards and wineries. I could write another Sideways with what I have learned from doing that article! That was one of my proudest moments as a writer.

But this is not why I want to write for movies. I’ve loved movies and TV shows ever since I can remember. And I have almost always wanted to write, especially for them. I’ve had many ideas over the years. And I have tried. And as Hal said in his opening teleconference, I have gotten some very bad feedback, which I won’t go into with you. But I just want you to know. Hal’s right. Put it all aside, because what they told you isn’t relevant. And what you wrote and have written isn’t garbage. You JUST NEED the write teacher and the right course. And honestly, forget writing groups—for now, too. I can tell you openly and honestly from being a teacher and having experienced some REALLY BAD writing instructors and writing groups in my day. LET THEM ALL GO!

[Lynn Vincentnathan]

Hi everyone,

I’ve written 4 scripts, all involving climate change. They’ve done well winning various contests, but have weaknesses. I hope this course will help me do better on my next ones.

I’ve taken many “free” classes here and several shorter courses, such as the ones on dialogue, rewriting, and subtext.

I’m a retired anthropology professor, but have been writing fiction for decades — including a published romance novella, THE MARRIAGE SEASON, set in India. 😁

I recently attended (online) The Hollywood Climate Summit – Writing Climate: Pitchfest for TV & Film. It was really educational with great tips for climate change screenwriting.

Lynn Vincentnathan

• This reply was modified 2 years, 9 months ago by  Lynn Vincentnathan.

[Ron Chepesiuk]

Hi there. A little late. Had problems with the technology. I’ve written 14 scripts, three of them have been optioned. I’ve been taking SU courses from 2017 .With this course I hope my writing 200 percent. I have a black belt in karate, am a Fulbright scholar, and have published 42 books. One of my books is being adapted into a TV series.

[Dawn C Crouch]

1. Dawn C Crouch

2. 10 features, 1 TV – 2 options

3. PS 31, MSC4, BingeWorthy TV and others.

4. Always looking to improve Pitching and writing skills

5. I am a former dancer with Houston Ballet and now write a series of nonfiction instructional books – the Garage Ballet Series.

[Niraj Trivedi]

Hello,

My name is Niraj Trivedi. I’ve written 3 screenplays, well really two, but I wrote a web series that was basically a feature in disguise so I count that as my third. I’ve also written a few shorts, mainly in film school, but some post-graduation. But it’s been several years since I completed anything. Strangely enough, my creative pursuits of filmmaking and acting lead me into Madness, where I fell into homelessness and mental illness for three years with my mentally ill girlfriend, whom I met through acting. I call that period the Dark Time. After I finally escaped that Hell in 2019 I tried to piece my life back together, getting back on the creative path. I signed up for a Binge Worthy class but only completed one lesson. I didn’t know that I had picked up a number of additional mental health issues, including C-PTSD, and this became an obstacle. Too much trauma that hadn’t been faced and dealt with. I tried the following year to sign up for a MSC but I withdrew from that when the Pandemic hit and I was laid off. But if I search my heart, I know I used the pandemic and my layoff as an excuse to drop out, out of fear and self-doubt. Two strike outs with Screenwriting U lead me believe that my creativity was just permanently dead thanks to prolonged traumatic stress.

What I realized was that if I really wanted to move on with life it wasn’t enough to just deal with the trauma from the Dark Time. I had to transform my character entirely. To do so I underwent a 10 month yoga teacher training program. The program emphasized personal transformation and was emotionally and psychologically grueling but I came out the other side with an empty mind, open heart, and on the way to becoming whole.

I re-entered the film industry on a tv show in the Health and Safety department while also working in the AD Dept as a PA. I know, weird. The show itself had so many scenes dealing with trauma, mental illness, and other triggering situations it too became a grueling emotional and psychological ordeal. At least I had my yoga training to deal with such things. I used the show as an opportunity to face fear as much as I could and developed what I call Bravery Training or a Courage Habit. If I felt fear I faced it, if I felt discomfort I sat with it.

While on hiatus between season 1 and 2 I began fitness coaching for a friend of mine who fell ill. I wasn’t in that great shape but she just need someone to fill in for her. I felt fear so of course I forced myself to do it. And I’m in the best shape of the last several years thanks to that adventure. At some point I had the deep realization that I was on the Hero’s Journey and had been for quite some time but didn’t know it. And most people don’t realize they are on their own quest as well.

Months ago I decided if I couldn’t work in the creative arts and I could work in the healing arts so began taking classes on psychology and life coaching while still working those long days on set. I reached a turning point when I decided to take advanced yoga teacher training. Part of the training is the continual discussion of archtypes and mythology. As the program went on something sparked to life in me again. Something I thought was dead. And interestingly enough while we were on hiatus the show got canceled. And now THIS door has opened.

What I really want out of this program is to continue the process of self-transformation, using mastery of craft as a vehicle for self-mastery. My life has only changed as much as I’ve been willing to change. Yoga gave me an empty mind and open heart, my Atlanta adventure onto set and in fitness hear in Florida gave me a fighting spirit. Now I seek the Alchemist’s power. I know I’ll have to become more disciplined, vulnerable, courageous, compassionate, wise, humble, creative, studious, etc. and so much more to become successful as a writer and as a person and it’s a journey I look forward to traveling with my fellow adventurers.

[Gregory Kiernan]

Hi everyone!

My name is Greg Kiernan.

I’ve written seven full-length screenplays.

I’ve taken the ScreenwritingU ProSeries 24 and the MasterClass 15 courses.

What I’m hoping to get out of this class is to take what I’ve learned already, learn more and elevate all of it to the point where I’m writing like a pro and I can sell at least one of my scripts.

Something unique about me? I have red hair, freckles and eleven siblings.

[Kevin Luck]

1. Kevin R Luck

2. I’ve written or co-written a handful of scripts, and worked on several other people’s scripts.

3. I seem to have taken a ScreenwritingU course about once every 5 years, plus numerous single sessions over the years. Specific full courses are “Creating Scripts for Stars” and “Fresh & Edgy Screenwriting” so far.

4. I want to write an incredible screenplay that actually has a chance of getting made.

5. I built a stop-motion studio in my (double) garage.

[Cheryl Conway]

Hi All! Another Cheryl:)

I’ve written 8 scripts. Many other SWU courses: Pro Series, MC4, Comedy Writing, 30 Day S.P.

It would be wonderful to write the best script of my life, stay empowered, and complete a calling card script by the end.

Unusual ? Owned a vineyard in Argentina.

Cheers to everyone succeeding –

[David Holloway]

Hello to Everyone. My name’s Dave Holloway. I’ve written three scripts. I took the Pro Series and MSC 7. Also a class on comedy writing and one on writing a screenplay in 30 days. What I hope to get from this class is to renew in my mind some of the things I learned several years ago, but that might have faded, as well as to acquire some new information about outlining, marketing and (I’m sure) other things that the class will teach me. Something unique I did was catching a foul ball at an Oakland A’s baseball game and giving it to a woman sitting behind me, out of whose hands the ball had slipped before coming to me (sorry if that’s not unique enough). I did receive a round of applause from some fans sitting to my right, which felt good.

[Keith Segal]

Hello, my name is Keith Segal, I’ve completed 3 scripts and am currently working on my fourth. This will be my first Screenwriting Course and I would like to become a better writer in general and learn as much as I can about the process in general.

[Larry Kennedy]

Hi, my name is Larry Kennedy. I’ve written five scripts which have filled my apartment with copious mounds of white paper when, as an Irishman, I seek more of the green… paper that is. Alas, I have not sold a script, so no green paper for me although – thankfully – the beans and pasta still keep coming! I’ve taken several courses from SU and one from UCLA. What do I want from this class? The same as always: I THINK my ideas are decent. I BELIEVE my writing is smooth and readable, and I KNOW my ideas have solid, relatable themes. Unfortunately, I write great scenarios in search of a plot journey. I’m always seeking my second act… and a Marsha-Mason-like muse. Hmm? <font face=”inherit”>Something unique, special, strange or unusual about me? Well, first off, I would NEVER admit to being strange despite the flying saucers that fly over my apartment protecting me during the night. Obviously, OBVIOUSLY, I have an unusual – and arguing bad – sense of humor. I am nothing special compared to any other human being, although I am unique in so many, many, different ways. Relating to screenwriting… I am also an actor, Improvisor, and produced/directed/edited a short film. The </font>existential<font face=”inherit”> screenwriting question, of course, is if God is a screenwriter and, if so, am I his main </font>character<font face=”inherit”> or just a bit player in a script called LIFE? By studying writing and acting I have learned there is no such thing as a bit player, just people who have more lines than I do. Bloody b^57@*ds!</font>

[Vaughn Jelks]

1. Hi, I’m Vaughn.

2. I’ve written 4 complete scripts and have started/stopped probably twice as many more.

3. I’ve taken other ScreenwritingU classes, including “Getting Your Script to Power Players” and more.

4. I hope to master writing incredible screenplays that will successfully sell to Hollywood and get produced

5. I was actually a professional actor as a child. I went on to film school and have even worked in Hollywood on a few paid writing assignments

[JOEL STERN]

Hi Everybody!

My name is Joel Stern, and this is my first screenwriting course.

I’ve written five screenplays and “Word Games”, a supernatural thriller was a Finalist at the Cannes Screenwriting Competition in 2017, and won Best Screenplay at the Toronto Horror/Thriller Screenwriting competition in September of the same year. It was pretty cool watching actors perform a full two hour table read of my script on YouTube.

My other scripts include a police drama, an action drama about the 2007 mortgage meltdown, and two comedy screenplays about the hereafter. I want to eventually make the audience laugh and cry and talk about my movies long after they see them.

I began writing 10 years ago but I admit, I’m a writer not a marketer and I want to be able to gain enough knowledge and confidence to get a manager to get ‘er done!

I anchor sports on IHeart Radio (NBC NewsRadio, Bloomberg Radio Network, WBZ-AM in Boston and KNWN in Seattle to name a few.

So far I’m learning a lot and I hope you are too!

[David Penn]

Hey everyone… my name is David Agnew Penn. I’ve written a lot of scripts (30 or so)… I’ve taken the ProSeries, the Masters class, and a handful of others… I hope to increase my skill set to have my scripts at the professional level, ready to be produced… something unique/strange about me? Well, let’s see: I once worked as a traveling carnie after high school, sold newspapers door-to-door (during the LA riots, no less), managed a tanning salon during my college years and spent 6 glorious months in Costa Rica:)