2023 Summer Bootcamp
July 30, 2023
James D. Creviston
Adding Comedy
to Any Script
Humor is a valuable tool in every screenwriter's belt no matter the genre. If you're writing a comedy, make it as funny as possible. If you're writing any other genre, you need to create light-hearted moments to allow your audience to breathe. Humor breaks tension, engages the audience, and creates memorable moments. In the Adding Comedy To Any Script Masterclass you'll learn how to improve your skills as a comedy writer, add layers to any story, and unlock your comedic voice. Add humor and take your screenplay from a 9 to an 11!
(90 minute workshop. 12:00 pm CT)
Workshops and Instructors
James D. Creviston is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, and writer, based in Los Angeles, CA. James began his stand-up career in 2016. He is also the host of The Clean Comedy Podcast as well as the author of "How To Produce Comedy Shows For Fun & Profit: A Guide To Making Money In Stand-Up Comedy".
James has worked on many commercials and shows including The Bachelorette, The Bachelor, and FOX's Lethal Weapon. He is a producer for David's Ark as well as the co-writer of Abracadabra, a web series on Facebook Watch, as well as many independent series and films.
Scott Michael Branan
Utilizing Your Screenwriting Software
to Revolutionize Your Creativity
Are you getting the most out of your screenwriting software? Are you utilizing the built-in functions that help you develop and organize your script elements? Whether you use Final Draft or another brand, your software can do more than word processing and formatting. This workshop delves into software functions that help you with your character arcs, consistency, storyline, plot, and more.
(90 minute workshop. 3:00 pm CT)
Scott Michael Branan Scott is the director of the Beyond Entertainment Family Festival. He is the owner of Beyond Entertainment, a family-friendly and Christian video production company in Cape Coral, Florida. They create high concept screenplays, music videos, and sermon illustration videos. Scott also owns Beyond Audio Visual, a full AV Production Rental and Installation Company which helps fund Beyond Entertainment.
Trevor L. Smith
The EEEEasy Approach to
Mastering Rewrites
When you send out your scripts, how confident are you that your screenplays are going to be optioned, sold, or produced? It is often said that rewrites are not a sign of a bad script, but of a good writer. In this rewriting masterclass, you will learn a professional EEEEasy Approach process for rewriting and polishing your screenplays to ensure that your work takes on a life of its own when you send it out, and actors, industry execs, production companies, agents, and managers actively pursue YOU after reading your screenplays.
(90 minute workshop. 6:00 pm CT)
Trevor L. Smith has been writing, directing, producing, and educating people in creative and performing arts for over 20 years. His original written and visual works have been shown in theaters, secured domestic and international distribution, carried by Netflix and Blockbuster, and his projects have been film festival nominees and award-winners for technical and performance excellence. Trevor is an author, produced screenwriter, award-winning filmmaker, and creator of the EEEEasy Approach to GREAT Storytelling and Screenwriting. He is the founder of Legacy Street Academy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit creative and performing arts school and wellness center.
2023 Fall Bootcamp
October 29, 2023
Workshops and Instructors
Mark Stewart Iverson
The Art of
Character-based Comedy
Laughter is the best (narrative) medicine! As storytellers we must be able (and willing) to “find the funny”, no matter the genre or tone. In this workshop you will learn the ultimate trick to the Art of Comedy: finding the funny deep inside your characters, premises and scripts, and not forcing bad “jokes.” At the end of the day, whether it’s a slapstick romp or a psychological thriller, being able to make people laugh with character-based moments will engage your audience (and potential financiers), leading to your work being produced.
(90 minute workshop. 1:00 pm ET)
Upon graduating cum laude from UCLA Film School, Mark Stewart Iverson co-created, co-wrote and co-directed Hulu's former #1 web series Dorm Life. The hit comedy show racked up three Webby Awards, two Streamy nominations and two W3 Gold Awards. After a spiritual transformation, Mark founded MSI Films with the production of his original screenplay, the award-winning For Prophet, marking his feature directorial debut. Mark currently serves as the Creative Producer for the sustainability docu-series Rivers are Life (The Weather Channel) having produced 16 episodes in 8 countries across 5 continents.
Jaclyn Whitt
The Power of the Midpoint
You’ve probably heard people talk about the “midpoint” of the movie. A.K.A. the “turn around”, “the reversal” and “the point of no return”. But other than the fact that it happens half-way through, what is it? How do you capitalize on it? Do you need a specific midpoint scene? Unfortunately, this is where a lot of writers lose their readers and screenplays end up at a dead end. Learn how to craft a well-written midpoint that will captivate your audience and position them to fully invest their hopes and emotions in the outcome of the movie.
(90 minute workshop. 4:00 pm ET)
Jaclyn Whitt is a multi-award winning screenwriter in both short and long format, garnering 10 first-place awards in National and International screenwriting competitions. As a script consultant, screenwriters seek out her input during their editing process to strengthen their characters and storylines and tighten their scripts. Producers have sent other screenwriters to Jaclyn to help improve, focus, and re-write their screenplays. Her realistic dialogue, unique characters, and non-verbal communication within scripts have been frequently noted and praised. Jaclyn is an optioned writer with three feature films and a sitcom currently in pre-production.
Bob Saenz
That's Not the Way it Works
Everyone has ideas how the industry works once you write your script. These ideas are mostly wrong. We'll talk about the right ways to get your scripts seen and read, what are the wrong ways to go about it, about rejection, notes from producers and your reactions to them, getting you scripts ready to send out, the effect of A.I. on the industry, and take as many questions about all of these things as we can. This is all based on Bob's experiences as a multiple produced screenwriter.
(90 minute workshop. 7:00 pm ET)
Bob Saenz is a screenwriter and actor. His 20 credited and produced works include Hallmark’s “Help for the Holidays”, “Rescuing Madison”, “Sweet Surrender”, “Sound of Christmas”, “The Right Girl”, “Christmas in Love”, “The Christmas Yule Blog”, “The Farmer and the Belle”, “Church People”, “A Christmas Star”, “Brush with Christmas”, and this December 2023’s GAC Family film, “A Dash of Christmas”. He’s done multiple rewrites, book adaptations, and script polishes for hire on film and TV projects for Producers, Production Companies, Streamers, and Studios.
Bob is the author of the popular screenwriting book “That’s Not the Way It Works” and he speaks, teaches, and panels at writers’ conferences and film festivals across the country. His acting roles include a 6-year run recurring character run on the TV show “Nash Bridges”, Hallmark Hall of Fame’s “Valley of Light”, Francis Ford Coppola’s “Jack”, David Fincher’s “Zodiac”, Finn Taylor’s “Unleashed”, “Church People”, and “The Village Barbershop”, among dozens of others.
2024 Winter Bootcamp
January 28, 2024
Workshops and Instructors
George Escobar
How and Why Proper
Screenplay Formatting Matters
Proper screenplay formatting provides the essential blueprint for a film production. It conveys critical information like scene settings, actions, and dialogue that allow the creative team to visualize the story during pre-production. The precise descriptions aid planning and budgeting, while stage directions give actors a sense of their character's emotions and motivations. Formatting standards like scene headings, action lines, and character names also distinguish between essential story information and direction. This gives the director creative latitude to interpret the screenwriter's vision. Overall, a well-formatted screenplay empowers each member of the filmmaking process to contribute their vital perspective.
(90 minute workshop. 1:00 pm ET)
George Escobar is an award-winning writer, director, and producer of seven faith-based feature films and over a dozen documentaries, including the Oscar-nominated “Alone Yet Not Alone.” His films like “Come What May” and “The World We Make” have been distributed by Sony, Amazon Prime, Netflix, PureFlix, and others. A multiple award-winning screenwriter, Escobar sees opportunities to develop content that positively impacts families. He has taught over 3,500 students in filmmaking from a Christian perspective. Escobar has worked with top Hollywood executives and talent over his 25-year media career, including a stint at the American Film Institute, and recently served as Executive Producer at Focus on the Family. He is currently developing two new features - “Missileman” with producer Terry Rossio and “Trapped: The Story of Anita Dittman.”
Alexandra Boylan
Create Your own Career in Hollywood (or anywhere)
Alexandra Boylan has gone from a struggling actress to an award winning filmmaker. She has created eight feature films from conception to completion, landing distribution deals with Netflix, Hulu, Universal Studios, Vertical Entertainment and many more. This class will cover everything from screenwriting, to production to securing distribution for your film. We will discuss:
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How to write (or find) a sellable screenplay
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The Art of Pitching
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The importance of Poster Artwork, Trailers and the first ten minutes of your movie.
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Distribution
In an ever changing landscape of the film industry this class is essential to secure your own career and control your projects, from start to finish.
Don’t wait for someone else to make your dreams happen. Make them happen yourself. With the hard-won knowledge from this class, you can be the master of your own creative destiny!
(90 minute workshop. 4:00 pm ET)
Alexandra Boylan is a dynamic award-winning filmmaker, writer, producer, and actress who has been trailblazing through Hollywood for nearly two decades. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Boylan is known for her fearless pursuit of meaningful content. In addition to her numerous acting credits, Alexandra co-created The Boylan Sisters Production Company, a successful film studio that focuses on faith-based, family-friendly content. Their first feature-length film, Catching Faith, streamed on Netflix for two years and has spawned a sequel, as well as paved the way for other critically acclaimed movies such as The Greatest Inheritance and Switched. Their latest venture, Identity Crisis, also serves as the basis for a YA novel, which she co-authored with her sister and business partner Andrea. Alexandra has previously published the widely regarded how-to guide entitled “Create Your Own Career in Hollywood: Advice from a Struggling Actress Who Became a Successful Producer” and is an active member of Influence Woman and Women in Film Los Angeles.
Script Reader Panel
What do industry professionals look for in a screenplay? How do you write to grab their attention? What do you need to avoid so you don't sabotage your own success? Our panel of actors, producers, directors, and festival readers will share the inside scoop on what they look for and what they pass on.
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(90 minute workshop. 7:00 pm ET)
Brandon Richardson
What Does a reader look for in your script?
Brandon Richardson is a certified professional Script Reader and has read for:
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Houston International WorldFest Film Festival
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WildSound Film Festival
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Big Apple Film Festival,
New York City -
Zoodiker Writing and Editing Los Angeles
Brandon provides script coverage and has the ability to analyze screenplays in depth from themes, dialogue, plot/story points, character developments, etc. He loves to work with writers, studios, and executives to really bring these stories to life!
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Mark Stewart Iverson
What does a Director look for in your script?
Upon graduating cum laude from UCLA Film School, Mark Stewart Iverson co-created, co-wrote and co-directed Hulu's former #1 web series Dorm Life. The hit comedy show racked up three Webby Awards, two Streamy nominations and two W3 Gold Awards. After a spiritual transformation, Mark founded MSI Films with the production of his original screenplay, the award-winning For Prophet, marking his feature directorial debut. Mark currently serves as the Creative Producer for the sustainability docu-series Rivers are Life (The Weather Channel) having produced 16 episodes in 8 countries across 5 continents.
VC Rhone
What Does a Producer look for in your script?
V.C. Rhone is a produced writer, a published author, and multi-format director and producer with extensive background in narrative shorts, documentaries, web series, docuseries, as well as curating and programming several film festivals. She is often sought out as a script analyst and consultant by writers, producers, and casting directors, with many of her clients going on to option or sell their works, as well as receive multiple awards. V.C. is managed by GLM and has several projects currently in development.
Gigi Orsillo
What does an actor look for in your script?
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Since appearing in the spy comedy Sleeper Agent (2020), Gigi Orsillo has quickly made her mark in faith-based films. Family Camp (2022), was her theatrical debut, alongside Disney star Leigh Allyn Baker and "The Skit Guys" Tommy Woodard and Eddie James. Gigi was also featured in Running the Bases (2022), Pulled from Darkness (2022) and The Happy Camper (2022).
A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Gigi was raised by parents in the film business. At two years old, she starred in a Christmas commercial for a local mall that aired almost 20 years. She went on to work steadily in television and film, including both hosting and acting roles, before finding her true calling in the faith-based space.