Explore how to break the traditional screenplay structure during this 90-minute workshop

Overview

Ever wonder how understanding traditional screenplay structure can open your screenplay up for more freedom? In this workshop, we'll discuss how to use the rules to break free from them with unconventional storytelling.

Following a 30-minute lecture led by Shannan E. Johnson, CEO of The Professional Pen, on story structures, 2-3 participants will have the opportunity to share 10-15 pages of a script they're working on with an unconventional story structure for group discussion and feedback. The workshop will end with a brief Q&A for all participants.

If you are interested in submitting your script for consideration to be shared during this workshop, you must RSVP and submit your script by Thursday, 5/12 at 12 PM ET. Before submitting your script for the workshop, we encourage you to register your work first via WGAE's Script Registration.

Selected creators will be notified on Monday, 5/16. Selected scripts will be shared with all participants that same day and should be reviewed in advance of the workshop on Thursday, 5/19.

ABOUT SCRIPT-TO-SCREEN (May 18 to May 20)

Looking to adapt a true story as a film or television script? Unsure how to bring your story to the screen with the help of development executives? 

Join The Gotham and Writers Guild of America East during our three-day, Script-to-Screen event from Wednesday, May 18 to Friday, May 20 to dive into both the creative and entrepreneurial sides of screenwriting. Explore the art of screenwriting through a series of workshops, panels, and case studies centered on TV and film to bring your script to screen.

You’ll have the chance to engage in creative discussions with members of the Gotham and WGAE communities, hear from writers, directors, producers, and more about the screenwriting process, from development and production to distribution, and walk away with the resources and knowledge to take your script to the next level.

Schedule of Events

Day 1 - Wednesday, May 18

• 1 - 2:30 PM ET (Virtual) | Business of Writing: How to Work with Development Exec with Rebecca Choi

Day 2 - Thursday, May 19

• 1-2:30 PM ET (Virtual) | Writing Outside of the Lines: A Lesson In Unconventional Storytelling with Shannan E. Johnson
• 7 PM ET (NYC) | Conversation with J.T. Rogers creator of TOKYO VICE

Day 3 - Friday, May 20

• 1-2:30 PM ET (Virtual) | Breaking Through: Pathways for Underrepresented Creators in TV & Film with Kate Hagen
• 5 PM ET (NYC) | ALONG FOR THE RIDE Screening + Q&A with Writer-Director Sofia Alvarez

Instructors

Shannan Johnson

The Professional Pen

Shannan E. Johnson is a former development and current programming executive at The Syfy Channel turned CEO of the first black-owned script consultancy, The Professional Pen (TPP). TPP’s writer-centered, straight-shot no-chaser feedback helps develop emerging and established writers from idea to pitch through consultations, services, workshops, and courses. The Professional Pen is a writer for your writer. For more information, visit www.awriterforyourwriter.com or find TPP on Instagram at @theprofessionalpen