Online Screenwriting Course

Sell Your Script

A 3-week Online Course to begin February 15, 2012

With Dave Trottier

Course Objectives: To help you create a laser-focused strategic marketing plan that you can use to sell your script and/or move forward your screenwriting career.

Course Texts: The Fifth Edition of The Screenwriter's Bible by Dave Trottier.

Course start date: Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Requirements: A completed script and Internet access. If you don’t have a completed script, you will need to get Dave’s permission to attend.

SYLLABUS

Week 1 (February 15) – Pitching and assembling your selling tools.

Reading: Pages 281-296, 26-32, 292-295 and 324-362. If you wish, review or scan pages 296-318; you’ll be asked to read them later.

Homework Assignment #1: Read pages 314-316 in The Screenwriter's Bible, and make a list of personal industry contacts that you have of any kind, regardless of how "lowly." It may be that you don't have any, but give this some thought. Add to the list the names of people you know who know someone in the industry. This assignment should not be submitted; it's for your personal use.

Homework Assignment #2: Drawing from the direction found on pages 292-295, make a list of your strengths. This assignment should not be submitted.

Week 2 (February 22) – Agents, producers, and markets

Reading: Pages 319-324 and 363-400.

Homework Assignment #1: Review your lists from last week’s homework. Now make a list of additional tools or contacts (including organizations) that you might use to sell your script. In addition, are there some additional opportunities that you have become aware of that might help further your screenwriting career (besides those that would help you sell your script)? Write them down, too. Do not submit this assignment.

Homework Assignment #2: Submit a one-page query letter or a one-sheet, whichever you prefer.

Week 3 (February 29) – Your strategic marketing plan

Reading: Pages 296-318.

Homework Assignment: Create the Project Plan worksheets found on pages 302-310. These are for your own use, and are not to be submitted. After you have completed these, complete a Weekly Action Plan (page 311) for your next full week; submit this to Dave.

COURSE POLICIES

Deadlines: All homework assignments may be submitted anytime they are ready. There are no hard deadlines. Take whatever time you need. I will evaluate all homework assignments and return them to you in a timely manner.

Communication: We will have three means of communication:

1) A classroom where we will meet as a group for one hour every Wednesday to discuss your writing issues; these are mainly question-and-answer sessions.

Sessions will begin on February 15 at 8:00 p.m. Mountain Time. That's 7:00 p.m. Pacific time; 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

2) A message board where you can post comments and ask questions. I will check in periodically to respond.

3) E-mail for sending homework and asking personal questions. You can attach your homework as a Word file, RTF, PDF, Final Draft file or Movie Magic file; or snail mail it to me directly.

4) Telephone – Call me if necessary at 801-492-7898.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Our class will be limited to ten students each. Early registration is suggested.

Required book: The Screenwriter's Bible (Fifth Edition) if you don’t already have it.

Registration entitles you to a free evaluation of your query letter or one sheet, valued at $115.

Tuition is only $125, but is reduced to $95 if you register by January 15.