Q: Do I need film school for a successful screenwriting career?

A: No. Periodt.

As you're trekking your way towards a professional career in screenwriting, you're working day jobs and multitasking dating, parenting, and marriage. So, you may not have the time to dedicate two to four years in film school. You may not even have time to write every day. You may choose to nap during your 5 minutes of peace. And that's ok. 

​Film school is a great way to learn the foundations of screenwriting and build a network of colleagues to fight through the trenches of Hollywood with if you enjoy learning in a classroom setting. For those of us who are working professionals continuously juggling jobs, families, and other life events, The Professional Pen offers an academic calendar of the fundamentals of screenwriting that holds you accountable in writing your screenplay.

Our Master Classes offer:
  • Expert Instruction: Our Story Experts are experienced instructors and professionals in the entertainment industry. Learning from these industry experts provides working adults with valuable insights, techniques, and feedback that can significantly accelerate their learning curve.
  • Flexible Scheduling: TPP offers evening and weekend classes to accommodate the busy schedules of working adults, allowing them to pursue their passion for screenwriting without giving up their day jobs.
  • Online Learning: The ultimate flexibility for working adults. No need to commute to a physical location, making it easier to balance work, family, and learning.
  • Focused Curriculum + Practical Skills: Our courses skip the theory and get straight writing works in progress. Students immediately apply what they learn, leading to tangible improvements in their scripts and big boost to their confidence.
  • Personal Fulfillment: Engaging in community with other emerging screenwriters provides a sense of pride and creative expression, which is a welcome break from the routine of a demanding job.​

This is your Screenwriting Academy. Take advantage.

HOW TO ENROLL IN CLASSES

Our master classes are exclusively available to members of The Screenwriters Academy. Simply sign up for an account to learn and grow alongside other like-minded creatives. 


​WHY join the
​screenwriters academy?

It's your exclusive gateway to mastering your craft. Membership  grants you access to two master classes each month, but also provides:
  • Complimentary entry to our writing hours—dedicated sessions for honing your skills followed by insightful Q&As with a Story Expert.
  • Free access to all screenplays and workbooks used in our classes.
  • Unlimited replays in our Classroom.
  • Bonus Master Your Creativity course.
​Elevate your screenwriting journey with us today!

WHAT ARE MASTER CLASSES?

Our Master Classes offer a comprehensive approach to screenwriting with two specialized sessions each month. The first is a two-hour class focusing on the fundamentals of screenwriting, providing practical insights to enhance your storytelling skills. The second is a three-hour analysis class, where a screenplay or produced work is dissected to give you a deeper understanding of successful narrative structures. Take a sneak peek at our class schedule and join the Screenwriters Academy to take your scriptwriting to the next level. See you in class!  
SNEAK PEEK: MASTER CLASS SCHEDULE
FUNDAMENTALS:
  • Formatting in partnership with WriterDuet
  • World Building
  • Outlining
  • Feature + Act Structure
  • Character + Plot Development
ANALYSIS:
WRITING HOURS
In order to write, you must write. TPP offers writing bi-monthly hours to hold you accountable to your screenwriting goals. Join us for 45-minutes of dedicated writing time followed by a Q&A session with our Story Experts, who are happy to answer your pressing screenwriting questions.
SCRIPT ANALYSIS
Three-hour classes designed to sharpen your ability to dissect and critique screenplays effectively. Delve into story structure, character development, and thematic elements, enhancing your skills in identifying both strengths and areas for improvement in any script.
FILM + TV ANALYSIS
Experience movies and TV episodes like never before, breaking them down sequence by sequence in these three-hour master classes. Engage in real-time discussions on story beats, uncovering how key narrative elements unfold on screen to craft compelling storytelling.
BONUS COURSE
​Enhance your membership with exclusive access to the Master Your Creativity Course. This five-module course is designed to bolster your confidence through practical writing exercises that integrate story beats with real-life situations. As a valued member, you’ll unlock this enriching course at no additional cost, adding significant value to your screenwriting journey.

NEVER MISS A MASTER CLASS

Worried your life won't always align with our schedule? Things happen. So sometimes, you won't be able to make it to the live classes. And that's ok. Join The Screenwriters Academy and get FREE unlimited replays of our master classes right on the Skool platform. 

WHAT ACADEMY PEN PALS ARE SAYING...

FOR LESS THAN $2/day, gain access to...

  • Monthly interactive screenwriting fundamentals classes (valued at $40)
  • Monthly deep dives into screenplays and produced works (valued at $40)

​PLUS, THESE BONUES
  • Complimentary scripts and workbooks (valued at $30)
  • Bi-weekly Writing Hours + Q&'A sessions (valued at $10)
  • 5-Module Maximize Your Creativity Course ($35)
  • Unlimited master class replays (invaluable)

TOTAL VALUE = $155/month
​YOUR PRICE = $59/month
JOIN THE SCREENWRITERS ACADEMY AND SAVE $96/MONTH

FEATURED OPPORTUNITIES

first 15
​competition

Struggling to break through in the industry? Submit the first 15 pages of your screenplay and get your work in front of key industry professionals. Receive validation and opportunities you’ve been seeking:
  • A crucial general meeting to discuss your potential.
  • A career consultation to refine your script and strategize your next steps.
Competition Deets:
  • Early Bird Deadline: March 24th
  • Regular Deadline: April 1st
  • Finalists Announced: May 12th
  • Winner Announced: May 19th 
  • ​Registration: $39​​

90-DAY
​PITCH CHALLENGE

Unsure how to pitch your project effectively? Transform your project into a pitch-ready powerhouse with our 90-Day Pitch Challenge. Learn exactly what it takes to captivate industry professionals. In this 3-month comprehensive journey, you'll:
  • Develop essential pitch documents: One-sheets, pitch decks, treatments.
  • Receive expert feedback: Gain valuable insights to perfect a dynamic 5-minute oral pitch.
  • Showcase your skills: Conclude the challenge by pitching directly to a panel of industry executives."
Program Deets: TBD

executive
​training program

Ready to excel in scripted content leadership? Join our Executive Training Program, a focused 5-week journey tailored for aspiring executives. This program, limited to 10 participants, will equip you with the skills to:
  • Master giving effective notes: Learn how to provide constructive feedback that fosters strong, productive relationships with writers.
  • Understand writer collaboration: Delve into the nuances of working collaboratively with writers to bring scripts to life.
Program Deets:
  • ​Enrollment is closed.
Find it Here
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