The Executive Series for Screenwriters: Making Hollywood Work for You

Have you ever wanted to attend an all-inclusive screenwriting conference, but just couldn't commit a full weekend to it?  Or - have you committed to a conference only to be disappointed that it wasn't as informative as it should have been?  We've got a great alternative for you:

The Executive Series for Screenwriters:

Making Hollywood Work for You

Brought to you by No BullScript Consulting

Hosted at The Writers Junction

Tuesdays & Wednesdays

May 3rd - May 25th

7:00pm - 9:00pm

1001 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401

$50 per class or $299 for all 7 classes

*** 10% Discount on Full Class Series for Writers Junction Members ***
For discount code, check your e-mail!
Attendees must R.S.V.P. here:

http://theexecutiveseries.eventbrite.com 

   open to Writers Junction members & non-members

~

This 4-week, 8-class series brought to you by No BullScript Consulting is taught by Top Hollywood Executives ready to bring their extensive expertise to you.  Read on for a list of the classes.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday in May, a new 90-minute workshop will tackle a different topic on screenwriting and the ins and outs of working in Hollywood.  These aren't just panels or shooting the breeze -- these are comprehensive, informative classes taught by Industry Insiders that will teach you how to excel in screenwriting, structure, genre writing, graphic novel writing, pitching, the development process, and more.

You can pick and choose which courses you'd like to take and order each individually ($50 each plus processing fees, see schedule below), or take them ALL for a great discount!  Ordering all classes (only $299 including processing fees) is like getting 2 for FREE, including a Panel Discussion with ALL of the executive instructors, plus you will receive a FREE copy of Daniel Manus' E-Book, "No B.S. for Screenwriters: Advice from the Executive Perspective" and you'll be automatically entered to win a FREE copy of Final Draft 8! 

Four weeks, eight 90-minute classes, seven Hollywood Insiders, and countless topics that will help you learn the ins and outs of writing and working in Hollywood.  It's the most comprehensive 4-week class series on screenwriting and the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.  It's like your own private screenwriting conference.

Below is a list of all 8 classes.  More detail on each class is available HERE.  For full bios for all the instructors, please go to the Classes Page on www.nobullscript.net.

Class 1 - May 3rd - What the Hell are Executives Thinking?

(Instructor - Danny Manus)

Class 2 - May 4th - Structure from the Executive Perspective

(Instructor - Naomi Beaty)

Class 3 - May 10th - Getting and Keeping Representation

(Instructor - Rachel Miller)

Class 4 - May 11th - Pitch Like a Pro

(Instructor - Jessica Green)

Class 5 - May 17th - Writing Horror Films Doesn't Have to be Scary

(Instructor - Rudy Scalese)

Class 6 - May 18th - What's So Funny: Deconstructing the Studio Comedy

(Instructor - Luke Ryan)

Class 7 - The Graphic Novel is the New Screenplay

(Instructor - Joe LeFavi)

Class 8 - May 25th - A Panel Discussion with ALL the Execs/Instructors

About No BullScript Consulting:

No BullScript Consulting is run by former Development Executive Daniel Manus, one of the most popular script consultants around.  In 2010, he was ranked as one of the Top 15 "Cream of the Crop" Consultants by Creative Screenwriting Magazine.  At No BullScript, we approach your scripts from the executive perspective.  We pride ourselves on improving your script and cutting the bull out of your story.  We can design the perfect consulting package for whatever you and your script might need.  We help you get it where it needs to be -- and get it out into Hollywood through the No Bull Hollywood Connection.  It's like having your own personal development executive helping you and your project!  Check out www.nobullscript.net for more info.

Get in the Frenzy

It's official: March Madness is spilling over into April!  For those of you who've always wished there was a NaNoWriMo for screenwriters, you're in luck.  Sign up now for Script Frenzy and take on the huge, exhilarating task of writing a 100-page script in one month.  Put that inner critic on mute and go at it with reckless abandon (at least until the rewrite).  And you won't be alone; almost 13,000 writers have signed up already.  Join them now!

 Script Frenzy 2011

The Challenge: Write 100 pages of original, scripted material 

in the 30 days of April.

(Screenplays, stage plays, TV shows, short films, 

and graphic novels are all welcome.)

When: April 1-30

Cost: FREE!  (They run on donations.)

Who: Everyone (worldwide) is welcome.  No experience required.

Prizes: Happiness.  Creative juices.  Pride.  Laughter.  

Bragging rights.  A brand-new script.

How: Sign up!  Tell everyone that you are in the Frenzy.  

Get ready to start writing on April 1.

About Script Frenzy:

Script Frenzy is an international writing event in which participants take on the challenge of writing 100 pages of scripted material in the month of April.  As part of a donation-funded nonprofit, Script Frenzy charges no fee to participate; there are also no valuable prizes awarded or "best" scripts singled out.  Every writer who completes the goal of 100 pages is victorious and awe-inspiring and will receive a handsome Script Frenzy Winner's Certificate and web icon proclaiming this fact.  Even those who fall short of the word goal will be applauded for making a heroic attempt.  Really, you have nothing to lose -- except that nagging feeling that there's a script inside you that may never get out.

For more information, and to sign up, please visit: http://www.scriptfrenzy.org

Screenwriting vs. Novel-Writing

Are you a novelist who's curious about screenwriting or a screenwriter considering a switch to prose?  We think two articles by Derek Haas would be of great interest to you.  As author of the novels The Silver Bear and Columbus, as well as co-writer of the screenplays 3:10 TO YUMA and WANTED, Haas has been on both sides of the fence.  Earlier this week, he offered enlightening insights about the differences between screenwriting and novel-writing in his guest posts for MulhollandBooks.com.  

Check them out here:

Seven Things Novelists Should Know About Screenwriting

Seven Things Screenwriters Should Know About Writing Novels

 

About Derek Haas:

Derek Haas is the author of the bestselling novel THE SILVER BEAR and the Barry Award-nominated COLUMBUS.  Derek also co-wrote the screenplays for 3:10 TO YUMA, starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, and WANTED, starring James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, and Angelina Jolie.  His forthcoming film, THE DOUBLE, starring Richard Gere and Topher Grace, is directed by his screenwriting partner Michael Brandt and will be released in 2011.  He is also the creator and editor-in-chief of the acclaimed website Popcorn Fiction.  Derek lives in Los Angeles.

About Mulholland Books:

Mulholland Books is an imprint of Little, Brown and Company devoted to publishing the best in suspense fiction. Their website is intended to be a community hub for readers and writers of suspense, crime, mystery and thriller fiction to gather to discuss any and all topics related to the genre.

The Televisionary Writers Workshop with Tawnya Bhattacharya

Ready to be a TV writer? Or the creator of your own television show? Aspiring writers need an exceptional spec and original pilot in their portfolio to break in to the business. Make sure you're armed with the tools you need and give yourself the best shot at success with...

The Televisionary Writers Workshop

With Tawnya Bhattacharya

6 Saturdays, starting April 23rd to May 28th

From 11am - 2pm 

At The Writers Junction

1001 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Limited to 10 Spots*

Price: $595

***$395  for Writers Junction members***

RSVP here:

http://televisionarywriters.eventbrite.com

~

In this intensive 6-week workshop, writers have the option to focus on a TV spec or an original pilot. Tawnya will guide you step by step through the process of crafting your script from concept to solid first draft to prepare you for staffing, development and the studio writing program application process.

Lectures will cover:

·                  Hooks

·                  Arena

·                  Loglines & Pitching

·                  TV Story Structure

·                  Tone & Genre Expectation

·                  Character Development

·                  Dynamic Relationships

·                  Conflict and Obstacles

·                  Dilemmas & Goals

·                  Stakes

·                  Theme

... and more.

Additionally, each writer will receive weekly peer feedback and instructor critique and evaluation of weekly assignments and material in a supportive environment.

  

*Because of the hands-on nature of this course and attention spent with individual projects, class is limited to 10 writers. 

About Tawnya Bhattacharya

Tawnya Bhattacharya was a distinguished writing instructor at Writers Boot Camp for many years before launching her story consultancy company, SCRIPT ANATOMY. Through classes and individual consults, she has helped hundreds of writers at various levels create, develop and elevate their projects to the next level.

A working screenwriter, her TV pilot "Grand Coulee," was one of six scripts selected for the FOX Writer's Initiative and her "Nurse Jackie" spec, written with her writing partner, got the team into NBC's Writers On The Verge. She has a TV pilot optioned by FOX, several optioned features, including with one of the producers of "Go" and another being packaged by CAA, as well as numerous writing assignments under her belt. She and her writing partner are currently in development with a seasoned producer with their original pilot, BULLET.  Tawnya is repped by Rabiner/Damato Entertainment and CAA.   

For more about Tawnya and Script Anatomy, visit www.scriptanatomy.com

Testimonials

"She strikes the perfect balance between supportive and honest, always offering nuts-and-bolts solutions along with her insightful feedback."

There are a lot of different screenwriting theories out there.  Tawnya's well-rounded background as both a screenwriter and writing instructor allows her to pick the most useful bits from the most successful approaches and put them to work making a good script great.  Her dry sense of humor makes her a natural for comedy, but she's just as comfortable with an action setpiece or a character drama.  And her experience in front of the camera gives her first-hand knowledge about how to write pages that engage actors.  She's strikes the perfect balance between supportive and honest, always offering nuts-and-bolts solutions along with her insightful feedback.   - Kevin Lee Miller, screenwriter with an optioned feature at Sony, Grand Prize Winner Final Draft Big Break Competition; 2-Time Winner, Worldfest-Houston Int'l Film Festival

"Tawnya is extremely knowledgeable and supportive and I recommend her to anyone seeking a teacher."

What sets Tawnya apart from other teachers I've had is her unmatched enthusiasm for the art and craft of writing. She has a deep understanding of what makes stories work, and is great at communicating that to her students. Her class was always warm and open, but also very focused. People were encouraged to speak up, but if things got off topic, she would get everyone focused on writing again. Tawnya is extremely knowledgeable and supportive and I recommend her to anyone seeking a teacher. - Kiyong Kim, 2010-2011 Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship recipient

"Tawnya was the best screenwriting instructor I could have asked for."

Tawnya was the best screenwriting instructor I could have asked for. I am certainly a better writer  for having had her as my teacher and am very lucky to have her continued support. She has a wonderful ability to get to the heart of storytelling with clear insight and determined precision. She has a no-nonsense style with a nurturing heart. I endorse her teaching one hundred percent.   - Wendy B., Screen & TV Writer

 "Tawnya Bhattacharya is like a screenwriting personal trainer."

Everyone has an idea. But to turn that idea into a 100-page screenplay takes dedication, discipline and hours of work. Tawnya Bhattacharya is like a screenwriting personal trainer. She'll help you to whip that underdeveloped 98-pound weakling of an idea into a full-blown feature-length commercial screenplay. You'll love the results.    - Tim Grant, Optioned Screenwriter & Blogger @ Post-Mortem Depression

"If you really want to learn what it takes to craft story, you'd be hard pressed to find a better instructor."

Tawnya is an outstanding screenwriter and instructor.  Period. I can honestly say if you really want to learn what it takes to craft story you'd be hard pressed to find a better teacher.  Tawnya's approach, input and critiques are both insightful and astute.  No matter what, she gives it to you straight.  And in this business a straight talker is a rare gem.    - David Angel Rodriguez, TV & Screenwriter

Why Most People Fail at Screenwriting & How to Give Yourself the Best Possible Chance at Success

by Jacqueline Fauni

Aspiring screenwriters are acutely aware of the slim, bordering on impossible, odds that they'll find success in their chosen profession.  Finding success can become a fingers-crossed, Goldilocks act -- hoping for just the right balance of hard work, talent, and luck.  Sounding familiar?  But when Corey Mandell brought this up on Sunday during the encore presentation of his seminar, Why Most People Fail at Screenwriting & How to Give Yourself the Best Possible Chance at Success, he simply said, "I disagree."

Why?  Corey believes that most aspiring screenwriters fail not because they don't have the right connections, or because they don't have enough talent, but because they aren't equipped with certain skill-sets needed to write on a professional level.  He teaches these skill-sets, rather than the more common structure-based class.  We love it!  Here's a brief rundown of the skill-sets:

1. Writing in compelling cinematic conflict.  This may sound obvious to the experienced writer, but it isn't always so simple.  Corey's goal is to get writers to the place where they are naturally writing conflict without thinking about it.  Developing this ability is crucial, since a screenwriter's first priority is to grab their readers' attention and make them want to keep reading.

2. Creative integration.  Many writers tend to write either conceptually or intuitively.  Conceptualists are more inclined to start with a concept and focus on structure, while intuitives focus on organically developing their characters and theme.  Successful writers can do both.  Training yourself to integrate both your conceptual and intuitive sides in your work can prevent you from letting the one you're naturally best at dominate and handicap your storytelling.

3. Process.  One problem that writers may unknowingly face is that they're using a writing process that doesn't work best for them.  In Corey's class, writers try different processes to discover which ones help them create their strongest material.

4. Structure.  Corey likens a great script to a fine wine in a fine glass, with the glass as the screenplay's structure and the wine as the writing itself.  Rather than imposing a universal formula to your work, learn how to find a custom-made glass for your particular wine -- or how to create a structure that supports and enhances your own story.

5. Rewriting.  As daunting as it can be, writers know that rewriting is an extremely important part of the writing process.  Unfortunately, it can turn into a huge waste of time and effort when it doesn't really improve your work.  The trick is to learn how to be critical about the critiques you get and figure out how to make changes that improve, yet still preserve the essence of the movie that plays in your head.

To learn more about Corey's classes and how to develop these skill-sets, click here.

Script Pipeline Writing Competitions 2011

Got a screenplay idea you've been dying to flesh out?  Can you already see your film playing in theaters worldwide?  Script Pipeline can help you make it happen.

 

9th Annual Script Pipeline 2011 Screenwriting
and
4th Annual Script Pipeline 2011 TV Writing
Competitions

***Deadline: May 1, 2011***
Entry fee: $50

Special 20% Discount for Writers Junction members

Check your e-mail for the promo code!

To register and find out more about the contests, visit

The Script Pipeline Screenwriting Competition 

and 

The Script Pipeline TV Writing Competition  

From Script Pipeline:

Originally launched in 2002 as the Script P.I.M.P. (Pipeline Into Motion Pictures) competition, the contest sets its sights on discovering new and up-and-coming creative talent worldwide. 

The Script Pipeline contest as a whole has grown significantly over the past eight years and is now one of the largest competitions in the world as far as global reach and number of entrants.  In 2010, over 3,000 screenplays were received for the Screenwriting and TV Writing Competitions combined, thus far the biggest season yet and indicative of a steady growth over the last several years. The total monetary prizes increased in 2010 as well to $20,000 distributed across the top 20 finalist and winning writers.   

But Script Pipeline goes beyond simply awarding cash to screenwriters. Like a small handful of other competitions, our finalists are given industry circulation to approximately 200 qualified companies, including agents and managers, looking for new material.  Yet, unlike any other amateur screenwriting competition, finalists are given true one-on-one assistance. 

Here's a breakdown of what ALL finalists receive, beyond prizes:

• Phone or in-person consultation with Script Pipeline's Director of Development to review the screenplay and receive additional, detailed notes 
• Assistance in polishing the finalist's script before circulation
• Query/logline review by one or more analysts 
• A separate meeting with a Script Pipeline consultant to discuss marketability and strategy when sending out their work--who's looking for what, the current state of development, and most anything concerning the business side of the spec world
• Access to active managers and producers looking for specific types of writers for paid writing assignments (*dependent on what leads we have at that time of the year).
• The opportunity to send other screenplays or treatments to Script Pipeline for review by our Director of Development
• Additional types of mentorship and professional support, such as help in navigating the industry from a career standpoint, or linking up with other talent for the purposes of self-producing 

The intent here is to not only support dedicated screenwriters as long as necessary, but allow our industry contacts to continuously receive upper-echelon material from current and previous finalists, with the ultimate goal of seeing these scripts financed and produced. 

Click here for more information about the Script Pipeline Screenwriting Competition, and here for more information about the Script Pipeline TV Writing Competition. 

About Script Pipeline: 

Script Pipeline is a full-service screenplay analysis and resource hub designed for writers, producers, and film industry professionals.  For over 10 years, Script Pipeline has been a leader in screenplay analysis, serving not only as a coverage service, but a link connecting up-and-coming writers with development executives. Through a composite directory, Script Pipeline has gathered the specific needs and submission guidelines of production and management companies, literary agencies, independent producers, and creative executives searching for scripts.  

Along with extensive resources, this information is available through their members-only Writers Database, where users may search through 1,300-plus listings. Database members also have the ability to send queries/loglines for free review and inquires about writing, film, and the industry in general. 

As well as annual screenplay and teleplay writing contests, the company continues to offer top-notch coverage services and the potential to have one's material circulated to production companies, agents, and managers through our Writers Workshop, which reviews screenplays, short scripts, and TV specs and pilots. Rave reviews and success stories continue to fuel the Workshop, as more and more writers benefit from Script Pipeline's wide array of offerings, from one-on-one consultations to basic story notes. This past year, the 2010 Screenwriting Competition garnered over 3,000 total entries, and the TV Writing Contest continued growth from 2009.

Corey Mandell's Professional Screenwriting Seminar is Back!

Bummed that you couldn't get into Corey Mandell's Professional Screenwriting Seminar in January?  Burning to get into one of his classes after attending Why Most People Fail at Screenwriting & How To Give Yourself the Best Possible Chance at Success this past Sunday?  Now's your chance!

Professional Screenwriting Seminar

With Corey Mandell

8 meetings on Mondays, April 25 - June 20, 2011

(no class May 30)

7:30-10:30 pm

At The Writers Junction

1001 Colorado Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90401

Cost: $445

***$50 discount extended to all Writers Junction members***

Class size limited -- this will fill up fast!

Open to members & non-members, but discount for members only.

To sign up: please email Lisa Mulcaster at lisa@coreymandell.net.

Why take the class?

To be a better writer.  

To turn your weaknesses into strengths.  

To develop a valuable set of tools you won't learn about anywhere else.

FROM COREY:

There are two essential skill-sets required for screenwriting success: the ability to write scenes that grab a reader's attention and make them want to keep reading, and the ability to sequence those scenes into the most compelling order (story structure).  These skills are not equal.

The first skill is far more important than the second one.  Many writers believe they already write sufficiently strong scenes, characters and dialogue, and that if they could only get better at story structure they'd be able to write professional-level scripts.  Unfortunately, this is too often not the case.

I met a producer who received 116 script submissions from writers at a pitch fest.  He read the first scene or two of each script, but would only continue reading if those scenes were written to professional-level standards.  I asked how many scripts he read beyond the first couple of scenes?

He said only two.

Which means he tossed 114 of the 116 scripts after only a few pages.

The single most important skill required for success is the ability to write original, powerful, and compelling scenes.  If a writer can't consistently do that, all the story structure in the world won't save them.  Without this ability, a writer simply has no shot.

ABOUT THE CLASS:

This intensive eight-week class will analyze highly successful scenes and provide weekly writing assignments and review of participants' work in a supportive, yet challenging environment.  By working on emotional context, narrative intensity, high impact pacing, set-up's, build and pay-off's, participants will learn the tools necessary to conceive, write, and edit professional caliber scenes essential for any successful screenplay.

Additionally, this workshop will focus participants on developing the four essential screenwriting skill sets required for long-term success -- writing clear and compelling professional level conflict, strengthening and integrating both the conceptual and intuitive muscles, process, and rewriting.

Once participants demonstrate the ability to write professional level scenes, they will move on to learning structure -- writing sequences which bring overall story structure into play.  And since the structural mistakes writers make in sequences are the same they make in screenplays, sequence work will allow participants to move down their learning curves at an accelerated rate.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Corey Mandell is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter who has written projects for Ridley Scott, Wolfgang Petersen, Harrison Ford, John Travolta, Warner Brothers, Universal, 20th Century Fox, Fox 2000, Fox Family, Working Title, Paramount , Live Planet, Beacon Films, Touchstone, Trilogy, Radiant, and Walt Disney Pictures.

Corey is also a distinguished instructor at UCLA, where he earned his MFA.  His students have gone on to sell or option scripts to Warner Brothers, Paramount , Sony Pictures, Disney, Fox, Fox 2000, MGM, Universal , Showtime, USA Network and Lifetime. Others have gained admission to the USC Graduate Screenwriting Program, the AFI Conservatory Screenwriting Program and Sundance Screenwriter's Lab.

Theme Schmeme

Theme Schmeme

A Seminar with Julie Gray

Wednesday, March 16th

7:00pm-8:30pm

At The Writers Junction

1001 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401

open to members & non-members

$25 for Junction members

$30 for nonmembers

Limited Seats Available

Purchase tickets here:

http://themeschmeme.eventbrite.com

Everyone knows the best kind of party is a themed party, but throwing one can be pretty daunting.  First, you have to decide which theme you want -- 80s, murder mystery, or masquerade? -- and then you have to agonize over all the details that come with it -- What colors for the plates and cups?  Make a playlist or hire a DJ?  Should I dress like Michael Jackson?  Whodunit?  Which masks should I buy?  What games?  What day?  What time?  What else!?  And after all that, you still have to worry about whether all your guests are having a good time or if they think the theme is stupid.

The same rules apply to writing.  But theme doesn't need to be intimidating. In fact, it's fun. And it's the thing that makes your script have that certain SOMETHING that executives respond to and audiences lap up. Learn how to articulate and express the theme of your story on every page, through every character.

About Julie Gray

A regular contributor to the Huffington Post, Julie Gray directs the Just Effing Entertain Me Screenwriting Competition and The Golden Age of Television Competition. Julie consults privately with a variety of writers all over the world and has taught at the Oxford Student Union at Oxford University, The West England University in Bristol, Wilmington University in Delaware and San Francisco University in Quito, Ecuador. Julie teaches screenwriting classes at Warner Bros., The Great American Pitchfest, The Creative Screenwriting Expo and the Williamette Writer's Conference in Portland, Oregon. A volunteer at the Afghan Women's Writing Project, Julie is co-founder of Stories Without Borders, a non-profit organization committed to fostering the creative voices of students and women through the medium of film. A resident of Los Angeles, California, Julie's book, Just Entertain Me: How to be the Writer Everyone Wants to Read is slated for release through Michael Wiese Publications in January, 2012.

Theme, Character, and the Transformational Arc

Do movies like Little Miss Sunshine and Black Swan or shows like Damages and Mad Men blow your mind, but you can’t quite put your finger on why they do?  One possible factor is their ironclad grip on theme.  Dissect the ways in which theme can be thoroughly explored with screenwriter and story consultant Tawnya Bhattacharya in Theme, Character and the Transformational Arc. Tawnya will analyze one film and one television show through their themes, then walk you through a theme progression map that will allow you to chart theme in your own story. 

Theme, Character and the Transformational Arc

Why we walk away from some movies and TV episodes feeling nothing and how you can avoid making the same mistakes

With Tawnya Bhattacharya

WHEN: Tuesday, March 29th from 7:00-9:00

WHERE: The Writers Junction, 1001 Colorado Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90401

RSVP: http://themetransformarc.eventbrite.com

There will only be space for 35, so reserve your spot today!

Theme is an essential ingredient in storytelling. It is the foundation on which your story is built - the spine, the core, the heart and soul. Theme gives depth and meaning to action and purpose to characters. It connects us emotionally and makes us care.  Though theme is one of the most important components in screenwriting, many writers struggle with it and it's often the first thing to go missing in a script. That's no surprise. A difficult animal to explain, it's rarely touched upon in books and courses beyond 'it is the moral of the story and the lesson learned.' While this is true, it's merely a jumping off point. 

Theme is the essence of your unique voice. It's what you have to say to the world. It is your bold perspective. It's your opportunity to take a stand and offer a distinct point of view. Whatever you believe in your bones about life and the human condition, say it strongly with theme and a flat piece of writing will become a powerful one. Theme is a mirror, it's your chance to show us all how to be better people, how to live a better life, either through example or cautionary tale. 

In this workshop, Tawnya will demystify theme and explain how writers can implement theme in their stories and make them resonate universally and have greater emotional impact. She will cover how theme is carried through the protagonist, ways of expressing theme visually, in dialogue, through action, conflict and opposing values, how to arc your characters through the journey in a feature screenplay or reflect theme in your TV specs and pilots with your A, B and C story.

About Tawnya Bhattacharya:

Tawnya Bhattacharya was a distinguished writing instructor at Writers Boot Camp for many years before launching her story consultancy company, SCRIPT ANATOMY. Through classes and individual consults, she has helped hundreds of writers at various levels create, develop and elevate their projects to the next level.

A working screenwriter, her TV pilot "Grand Coulee," was one of six scripts selected for the FOX Writer's Initiative and her "Nurse Jackie" spec, written with her writing partner, got the team into NBC's Writers On The Verge. She has a TV pilot optioned by FOX, several optioned features, including with one of the producers of "Go" and another being packaged by CAA, as well as numerous writing assignments under her belt. She and her writing partner are currently in development with a seasoned producer with their original pilot, BULLET. 

For more about Tawnya and Script Anatomy, visit www.scriptanatomy.com

Testimonials:

 “She strikes the perfect balance between supportive and honest, always offering nuts-and-bolts solutions along with her insightful feedback.”

There are a lot of different screenwriting theories out there.  Tawnya’s well-rounded background as both a screenwriter and writing instructor allows her to pick the most useful bits from the most successful approaches and put them to work making a good script great.  Her dry sense of humor makes her a natural for comedy, but she’s just as comfortable with an action setpiece or a character drama.  And her experience in front of the camera gives her first-hand knowledge about how to write pages that engage actors.  She’s strikes the perfect balance between supportive and honest, always offering nuts-and-bolts solutions along with her insightful feedback.   — Kevin Lee Miller, screenwriter with an optioned feature at Sony, Grand Prize Winner Final Draft Big Break Competition; 2-Time Winner, Worldfest-Houston Int’l Film Festival

“Tawnya is extremely knowledgeable and supportive and I recommend her to anyone seeking a teacher.”

What sets Tawnya apart from other teachers I’ve had is her unmatched enthusiasm for the art and craft of writing. She has a deep understanding of what makes stories work, and is great at communicating that to her students. Her class was always warm and open, but also very focused. People were encouraged to speak up, but if things got off topic, she would get everyone focused on writing again. Tawnya is extremely knowledgeable and supportive and I recommend her to anyone seeking a teacher. — Kiyong Kim, 2010-2011 Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship recipient

“Tawnya was the best screenwriting instructor I could have asked for.”

Tawnya was the best screenwriting instructor I could have asked for. I am certainly a better writer  for having had her as my teacher and am very lucky to have her continued support. She has a wonderful ability to get to the heart of storytelling with clear insight and determined precision. She has a no-nonsense style with a nurturing heart. I endorse her teaching one hundred percent.   – Wendy B., Screen & TV Writer

 “Tawnya Bhattacharya is like a screenwriting personal trainer.”

Everyone has an idea. But to turn that idea into a 100-page screenplay takes dedication, discipline and hours of work. Tawnya Bhattacharya is like a screenwriting personal trainer. She’ll help you to whip that underdeveloped 98-pound weakling of an idea into a full-blown feature-length commercial screenplay. You’ll love the results.    – Tim Grant, Optioned Screenwriter & Blogger @ Post-Mortem Depression

“If you really want to learn what it takes to craft story, you’d be hard pressed to find a better instructor.”

Tawnya is an outstanding screenwriter and instructor.  Period. I can honestly say if you really want to learn what it takes to craft story you’d be hard pressed to find a better teacher.  Tawnya’s approach, input and critiques are both insightful and astute.  No matter what, she gives it to you straight.  And in this business a straight talker is a rare gem.    – David Angel Rodriguez, TV & Screenwriter

Write to Change the World

Get inspired to think and write big (and we don't mean font-wise).
Get motivated to give voice to the causes you believe in.
Get connected with highly influential mentor-editors.
Get heard.

The OpEd Project presents…

Write to Change the World

When: Sunday, March 6^th, 10 am – 5 pm

Where: 109990 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90024

Register here.

From the OpEd Project:
“This highly interactive day-long seminar will challenge you to think more carefully and more expansively about your knowledge and experience, and why it matters. We will explore the source of credibility; the patterns and elements of powerful evidence-based argument; the difference between being “right” and being effective; how to preach beyond the choir; and how to think bigger—so that we can have greater influence and value in the world. You will emerge with a powerful argument for an idea or cause you believe in, and a network of high-level mentors. This seminar is about empowering you to find your voice and make a case for the ideas and causes you believe in—whether in print, online, on TV, before your board of directors, to potential funders or investors, or on the steps of Congress. And it is about the collective difference we can all make by doing so. “

About The OpEd Project:
“The OpEd Project is an initiative to expand the range of voices we hear from in the world, with an immediate focus on increasing the volume of women thought leaders in the public sphere to a tipping point.  Since women currently do not submit to key opinion forums with anywhere near the frequency that men do—and because these gateway forums feed all other media and drive thought leadership and policy—we target and train women experts at top universities, think tanks, nonprofits, corporations and community organizations to write op-eds and more broadly to take thought leadership positions in their fields; we connect them with a national network of high-level mentor-editors, and we channel them to the media gatekeepers who need them, across all platforms.  The OpEd Project is the recipient of seed funding and a 2008-2010 fellowship from Echoing Green.”