Introduction to Character-Centered Screenwriting (with Lawrence "Doc" Pruyn) - ONLINE
Why do we love movies? They’re fun. We love to watch other people get in trouble. In this workshop, we'll watch the first fifteen minutes of a film - the introduction of a richly drawn cinematic character - then have fun analyzing how the writer achieved an effective portrait. Our analysis will reveal the sources of conflict, rooted in the main character, that get them in trouble and drive the film to its climax. We will discuss the nuts and bolts of pre-writing. Dr. Pruyne will share the character biography and conflict generator he uses, that help him better understand the personal details of his main characters, as well as the archetypal journey they undergo. He will also talk briefly about the proper use of minor characters and villains, and answer your questions about your scripts and the characters who people them. First time and experienced screenwriters—and fiction writers—will all have fun and gain a deeper understanding of the character-building process during this discussion. Limited to 12 writers.
WHEN: Saturday, February 13 (1 - 4pm EST)
WHERE: Online, via Live Zoom Meeting
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
LAWRENCE “DOC” PRUYNE is the author of two novels and about 900 short pieces, including fiction, teaching exercises, journalism and creative non-fiction, interested in the interplay between writing and film. He's taught at the university level for seven years, and holds a PhD in Writing, Teaching and Literature. His dissertation explored the process of adapting fiction for the screen. He was the first to lead a seminar dedicated to screenwriting at the University at Albany. Subsequently, he earned a certificate in digital film-making from the Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts, after which his thesis film debuted at the S.N.O.B. Film Festival. His screenplays have placed in many competitions, and he's the winner of a number of writing awards. In the last twenty-five years Pruyne has also worked on dozens of media productions and consulted on many writing projects.
RECEIVING THE ZOOM LINK: For one-day workshops, we send out the link to attend the Zoom session 1 - 2 days before the event, via email. For multi-week workshops, you should receive info and the link about 3 - 5 days before. Please mark your calendars when you first register and look for our emails. If you don't see the email in your inbox on the day before the class, please check your spam and junk mail folders (and search all folders) for an email from joy@pioneervalleywriters.org before contacting us. We have found that very often our emails end up in those folders. This is based on your own email settings, and you can prevent this by adding our email as a contact.
ONLINE SESSIONS happen remotely, via Zoom video conference. All you need is a laptop, computer, or phone with functioning audio and a webcam. Those who RSVP receive directions and a link to "join" the session via email (please see above note about receiving the Zoom link). All online instructors will log on to the video conference a few minutes before the start of the session, so please plan to log on early if you'd like assistance! We'll do everything in our power to help you get comfortable with the Zoom format, though we are not able to offer technical assistance beyond basic Zoom orientation.
REFUND & CREDIT POLICIES AT PVWW
Because of non-refundable fees that we, PVWW, must pay for every transaction that happens, we are not able to give full refunds to those who register then withdraw from a workshop or class. If you withdraw from a workshop ten days or more before the start of the class: You'll receive full credit toward another workshop or class of equal value OR a refund minus 10%. If you withdraw from a workshop nine days before the start of the class up until 48 hours before: You'll receive full credit toward another class OR a refund minus 30%. If you withdraw from a workshop less than 48 hours before the start of a class or after the class has begun: We are not able to offer you credit toward another class or a partial refund, unless in the case of a medical emergency. If we have to cancel a class for any reason, you will receive a full refund, or if you choose, a credit in the amount of your payment, to be used for any future PVWW class. Anyone who does not specify whether they would like a refund or a credit for a cancelled class within 3 months will automatically be refunded. Please contact Joy (joy@pioneervalleywriters.org) for all matters concerning credit and refunds.