FOUNDATIONAL
“Act One develops top notch writers — it’s just that simple. There’s no other program like it.”
- Jeff Holder, Act One Faculty, Network and Studio Executive, ABC, Sony, Hanna-Barbera.
THE WRITING CERTIFICATE (14 – 18 Months)
The Writing Certificate provides students a strong foundation in writing for screen and television through understanding the entertainment industry, the art and ethics of visual storytelling for the global audience, and the realities of living a life of faith in Hollywood. The certificate kicks-off with the two-week-long Writing Seminar, which leads into Saturday sessions during the eight-week structured Writing Workshop. Students then select an emphasis in either television or feature film writing for continued instruction in small group and individual mentoring. The Feature Writing Track will write two feature-length scripts under the mentorship of professional writers. TV Writing Track students are mentored through a writer’s room experience to create two half-hour (comedy) or one-hour (drama) spec scripts. Emphasis on the writer’s spiritual journey also begins at the start of the initial seminar and workshop and continues throughout the program. In addition to the wealth of resources in the Act One community, certificate graduates are eligible to apply for advanced and professional-level courses.
Dates: June 21, 2010 – August 2011 | Applications due: April 1, 2010
January 10, 2011 – August 2012 | Applications due: October 1, 2010
THE WRITING SEMINAR (2 Weeks)
Act One’s flagship program, the Writing Seminar, is a two-week series of classes with over 100 hours of instruction from writers and industry professionals. Course content includes: the art of visual storytelling, ethics and the realities of working in Hollywood and writing Truth for the global audience. Extensive preparation is required for the seminar which is designed for writers to take in as much instruction possible in the two weeks. Homework and writing exercises are assigned in the Workshop. Tuition includes room and board for the opening retreat of the Writing Seminar.
While it is highly recommended to continue taking Act One courses, the Writing Seminar allows students outside of the Los Angeles area to partake in the Act One experience, and opens the door to other alumni opportunities. Alumni of the Writing Seminar are eligible to take additional Act One alumni courses and are granted entry into the Act One Alumni Association, which provides a wealth of resources and networking.
Dates: June 21 – July 3, 2010 | Applications due: April 1, 2010
January 10 – 22, 2011 | Applications due: October 1, 2010
THE WRITING WORKSHOP (8 Weeks)
The Writing Workshop is a series of classes with rigorous exercises designed to prepare students to write a full-length spec script and apply the instruction from the Writing Seminar. The course content includes: pitching your idea, writing the first 10 pages, formatting, style, writing a scene, and more. Students also sharpen their skills with weekly writing assignments. For maximum impact, this course should be taken immediately following the Writing Seminar.
Dates: July 10 – August 28, 2010 (Saturdays) | Applications due: April 1, 2010
January 29 – March 19, 2011 (Saturdays) | Applications due: October 1, 2010