Categorized | Education, Entertainment

Local writers invited to take best shot at big screen

MEDIA RELEASE

If you’ve got a million-dollar idea for the next blockbuster, bring it to the 2009 Big Island Film Festival’s “Screenplay in a Day” class, Saturday, May 16 at Waikoloa Beach Resort.  bifflogobrownsmall

Three top screenwriters, with credits from 20th Century Fox, Disney, DreamWorks, MTV, New Line Cinema, Revolution Studios and others, teach key concepts to students on all levels in a professional seminar that runs 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.   

At a cost of only $40, made possible through a grant from the county Film Commissioner’s Office and county Department of Research & Development, students will learn fundamentals of screenwriting, such as developing a marketable story idea and structure it for Hollywood format, how to flesh out characters, make an outline, write completed scenes and produce a pragmatic business plan. 

Gregg Rossen & Brian Sawyer are a comedy writing team, currently developing “Model Family,” a TV pilot starring Jamie Kennedy, for 20th Century Fox Television. Other projects include “The Revenge of the Red Balloon,” and Pixar’s 20th Anniversary Special for ABC. 

David C. Garrett co-wrote “Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo” starring Rob Schneider and produced by Adam Sandler, and “Corky Romano” starring Chris Kattan. For TV, he has written episodes of “Living with Fran” and “Malcolm and Eddie,” and is working on a reality TV project for MTV called “I’ve Never” and “Citizen’s Arrest” for the USA Network.

“This is an exceptional opportunity for anybody who’s even thinking about writing a screenplay,” said Leo Sears, BIFF founder and executive director. “Gregg, Brian and David have encapsulated a tremendous about of immediately useful information and technique into this seminar. And if you come with an idea, an open mind and determination, you can literally take home the better part of a screenplay in a day.” 

A wide range of topics will be covered in a short time, including creative and business aspects of screenwriting, such as:

* Creating a marketable high-concept (drama, comedy and horror)

* Three act structure

* Developing non-cliché dialogue

* Drawing on your own life for story ideas

* Step-by-step guide for going from the blank page to a completed script

* Fighting fear and writer’s block

* How to pitch your script to studios and networks

* What to avoid when doing a deal

Advance registration is required and space is limited.  

The Big Island “Talk Story” Film Festival takes place May 14-17 at Waikoloa Beach Resort, celebrating narrative filmmaking with international features and shorts, actor and filmmaker salutes, filmmaker panels, awards brunch and social opportunities for networking and making new friends in film.  

There’s also a very special silent auction to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.  

— Find out more:

Big Island Film Festival: 883-0394, www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com

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