(Virtual) Screenwriter Meet & Greet for Imagine Impact Hopefuls

Hey everyone! This will be a modified version of the screenwriter workshops I've hosted since 2015, albeit the first one done online (conducted via Skype).

*** Priority for this session will be given to those who applied for the 8-week Imagine Impact program in Los Angeles. ***

The primary purpose will be member introductions, but I'd also like to do a sample table read (either a member original or a produced screenplay). It will also serve to test technology constraints.

-- Bo

If there is interest in doing weekly table reads w/supportive critique, this is what my meetups look like:

Need motivation or support in getting your words on paper or selling them? Writers write, but sometimes it's difficult to keep the words flowing and/or maintain confidence in your work. Our weekly Screenwriter Workshops can provide the focus you need. Participants are encouraged to bring 5-10 new pages of material each week to share and receive real-time constructive feedback within a supportive critique framework.

This workshop is primarily intended as a safe venue for writers to air their work and receive constructive feedback. Our target is about an 8-minute table read per author, followed by 4-5 minutes of supportive comment.

Screenwriter's responsibilities:

• Post the screenplay (or portion thereof) in advance as a PDF file within the appropriate Member Material folder (mark both the file and the folder with a 'star');
• Assign a Narrator and each speaking character to workshop participants. Some participants may be assigned multiple characters.
• BRIEFLY introduce the material by sharing genre, logline, and any particular type of comments you'd appreciate (does the dialogue work?, am I providing too much narrative or direction?, etc.).
• If picking up midstream, provide BRIEF synopsis of what readers need to know.

Participant responsibilities:

• If assigned reading part(s), be ready to read your lines. Jot down which character(s) are yours.
• Make notes on a scratch pad during the table read so you can subsequently share any significant thoughts.

Supportive feedback:

• The screenwriter is to LISTEN and take notes regarding feedback. Do not argue. Do not defend.
• If asked a question for clarity, the screenwriter may answer (but don't elaborate... any time taken up by you is that much less time available for feedback). As soon as the questioner is satisfied, shut up.
• Feedback should always be given from the first person perspective ("I think...", "I've been taught...", "My experience...") or phrased in a hypothetical ("what if...", "I was kinda hoping that maybe...", "Is it possible that...").
• Good practice is to always begin feedback with a positive ("I loved your description of...", "nice job setting up...", etc.).
• If someone else has already made your same comment, pass.
• If not your genre, or you liked nothing about the material, pass.
• If you've got technical notes (formatting, etc.), consider duplicating the PDF file, annotate it, and leave it in member's folder.
• Feel free to offer feedback outside of the meetup session via Messenger, email, or GoogleDrive (but recognize it is the author's choice whether or not to accept).

Regardless of specific feedback, the author knows their work better than anyone else and it is up to them to determine what feedback is valid.

One of the objectives is to respect everyone's busy schedule and honor the time dedicated to reads & feedback, so please respect the moderator if they strive to keep things moving along.

You are welcome to enjoy an assortment of chilled soft drinks, water, and snacks -- or actually, anything you have available from wherever you participate.