Writing the Independent Film – a beginning screenwriting workshop ($245/$195 for MIFS & WSF members)

During this six-session workshop, up to twenty participants will gain an understanding of independent cinema and where it fits into the greater context of the film industry as a whole. Participants will learn about specific characteristics that independent producers look for in a script, and how to think about the stories they’re telling with the independent producer in mind. We’ll cover the mechanics and format of screenplay style, and delve into storytelling, character development, voice, writing style and pacing. At the end of the workshop, participants will have all of the information necessary to write a screenplay, will have created a solid premise, logline, and first ten pages of their script in the proper format. Students will also receive lists of important independent films and books about screenwriting for further independent study.

• Week One – Definition, History and Characteristics of Independent Cinema
• Week Two - Introduction to Screenwriting and Basic Industry Concepts
• Week Three – Formatting and Storytelling
• Week Four - Character
• Week Four – Conflict and Resolution
• Week Six – Critique of Work to Date and Goalsetting

Developing the Independent Film – an advanced screenwriting workshop for up to six participants ($225/$175 for MIFS & WSF members)

This advanced six-week screenwriting workshop builds on the skills learned in the beginning workshop (above). Persons interested in this workshop will be required to submit a treatment and script-in-progress that they would like to develop over the course of the workshop. Up to six individuals will be selected, and over the course of eight weeks will receive intensive critiques by the instructor and fellow participants.

As a group, we will analyze the script’s pacing, narrative structure, conflict, resolution, characters and their development. Participants will receive specific feedback and suggestions for improvement from the instructor as well as comments from their peers.

Limited one-on-one consultation will be available during the course of the workshop to discuss specific challenges.

About the instructor

Dan Wilson has been working in film and video production since 1986. In addition to offering production services to corporate, educational and non-profit clients, his company, Bartoli Filmworks, produces a number of scripts every year. Mr, Wilson is the founder of the Milwaukee Independent Film Society, a member of the Wisconsin Screenwriters’ Forum, and a passionate advocate for independent film.