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Combat Writer's Block

​We know the blank page can be intimidating and bring on the all too familiar writer’s block. In reality, writer’s block stems from only two places - lack of preparation and lack of confidence. 

Many of us wake up with an idea and jump straight to the page without a plan of attack. That's like getting into your car and driving in an unfamiliar place without Google Maps. You're setting yourself up to get lost along the way, which can be frustrating and drive down your motivation to write.

As creatives, we also tend to set ultra high expectations like finishing our first TV pilot in one week or winning an Oscar for our first screenplay. Then, we get down on ourselves when we don't meet our goals. 
Trying to be Aaron Sorkin or Shonda Rhimes can be nerve-wracking. Guess what that does to the confidence? You're right. It punches your confidence right in the face. We cannot create at our highest level if we are constantly doubting ourselves.

So, let's release some pressure and just enjoy the process. In the No Writer's Block course, TPP prepares Pen Pals to tackle the white page with tenacity and a rock-solid plan using practical exercises that keep it plain for Newbie screenwriters.

What you need to be successful in this course:
  • A computer
  • An open mind

That's it. You don't even have to be working on a particular story or trying to meet a deadline. This course is for those who simply want to get their creativity flowing.



Screenwriting Courses at The Professional Pen

NO WRITER'S BLOCK COURSE INCLUDES:

  • ​
  • Student Discounted 1:1 sessions with your personal Story Expert

VALUE - $199


CONQUER WRITER'S BLOCK
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Screenplay Structure Course

What is screenplay structure?

Screenplay structure is the breakdown of action, called story beats, told in an organic order to stimulate an emotional response. Structure is what we lay people call storytelling.

Understanding structure helps you find loopholes in your story and fix them during the revisions process. Learning how story mechanisms function, help you understand what we call in Hollywood - the note within the note - because you know why something isn't working and the effect it has on the rest of the story.


​​TPP’s Screenplay Structure course takes your idea for a feature or television pilot or spec and builds it from the ground up through:
  • Building 3-dimensional characters
  • Using S.M.A.R.T Goals to set attainable internal + external goals
  • Creating natural complications that heighten the takes
  • Mapping out the large building blocks of your story into a beat sheet​​

This is the pre-work to writing your screenplay.



Screenwriting Courses at The Professional Pen


SCREENPLAY STRUCTURE COURSE INCLUDES:


  • Workbooks
    • The Pixar Formula
    • #WhoAmI - Guide to Writing 3-Dimensional Characters
    • #Goals - Guide to Writing Active Protagonists
    • #TheRoadMap - Guide to Writing Beat Sheets
  • Homework Explainer Videos
  • Student Discounted 1:1 sessions with your personal Story Expert

VALUE - $599



LEARN SCREENPLAY STRUCTURE

Your Screenwriting Sidekick: Interactive Workbooks for Effortless Learning

​Tired of reading screenwriting books filled with jargon and theory? Want lessons that are clear and straight to the point - no gatekeeping, no talking over your head? TPP's screenwriting workbooks help you understand storytelling concepts in a practical way. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, these workbooks are designed to make learning screenwriting accessible, engaging, and effective.
Screenwriting Workbooks at The Professional Pen

SCREENPLAY STRUCTURE

A large part of becoming a professional screenwriter is having an effective and efficient process that allows you to produce multiple screenplays each year. Our screenplay structure workbooks are your pre-work - the work necessary to ensure you know your story before you get to the blank white page.

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Creating Character Bios Workbook

Character development


Create 3-dimensional characters by understanding every part of their being. Characters make decisions based on who they are and how they have been affected by their life experiences.

The #WhoAmI? Workbook will help you take a deep dive into your protagonist, antagonist, and subcharacters so that the audience can be invested in your story.
Add-on Workbook Buddy Screenwriting Video Instruction
Add-on this video companion narrated by our CEO + Head Consultant, Shannan E. Johnson, to elevate your experience, boost productivity, and achieve a game-changing level of mastery for in your screenwriting journey.
Workbook Buddy Screenwriting Instruction The Professional Pen
Download Workbook
DOWNLOAD BUDDY
Bundle + Save
Setting Character Goals Workbook

PLOT DEVELOPMENT


Every screenplay is about a protagonist reaching a goal or solving a problem. Watching the protagonist physically attempt to achieve their goals is the plot.

The #GOALS workbook will help you clarify your protagonist's inner and outer goals and the steps needed to reach a resolution. Remember that goals should be attainable (with evidence from who the character is) and actionable (make the character active).
Add-on Workbook Buddy Screenwriting Video Instruction
Add-on this video companion narrated by our CEO + Head Consultant, Shannan E. Johnson, to elevate your experience, boost productivity, and achieve a game-changing level of mastery for in your screenwriting journey.
Workbook Buddy Screenwriting Instruction The Professional Pen
Download Feature Workbook
Download TV Workbooks
DOWNLOAD BUDDIES
Bundle + Save
Screenplay beat sheet workbook

 writing beat sheets + OUTLINES


It's the step we all want to skip, but it is the most crucial point of the writing process: the outline. Writers must know where they are going to reach their destination, so they don't get lost along the way.

#TheRoadmap Workbook will help you define the route to the destination so when you write, you can do so efficiently and effectively.
Add-on Workbook Buddy Screenwriting Video Instruction
Add-on this video companion narrated by our CEO + Head Consultant, Shannan E. Johnson, to elevate your experience, boost productivity, and achieve a game-changing level of mastery for in your screenwriting journey.
Workbook Buddy Screenwriting Instruction The Professional Pen
Download Features Workbook
Download TV Workbooks
Download Buddy
Bundle + Save
Screenplay outline workbook

THE PACKAGE: The Ultimate Guide to outlining

Set your screenplay up for success with this ultimate guide to creating an outline. This is your pre-work to prepare to write your screenplay.
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The HTF Do I Write an Outline? Workbook Includes:
  • Format: Features, TV Pilots + Specs
  • #WhoAmI
  • #Goals Worksheet
  • #TheRoadmap
  • Bonus: Pixar Formula
Add-on Workbook Buddy Screenwriting Video Instruction
Add-on this video companion narrated by our CEO + Head Consultant, Shannan E. Johnson, to elevate your experience, boost productivity, and achieve a game-changing level of mastery for in your screenwriting journey.
Workbook Buddy Screenwriting Instruction The Professional Pen
Download FEATURES Package
Download TV Package
BUNDLE BUDDIES + SAVE
Screenplay beat sheet workbook

 STORY PLANNERS


TPP's Story Planners break down the monumental task of writing a screenplay into manageable, bite-sized steps. This structured approach helps prevent overwhelm and allows you to make consistent progress towards telling your story with attainable writing deadlines and a pseudo accountability partner.

Story Planners Include:
  • Format: Features + TV
  • Weekly assignments to develop your story
  • Step-by-step beat sheet guide
  • Sample beats from produced screenplays
  • Resources and discounted services for next steps in your writing journey
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FUN WAYS TO LEARN SCREENWRITING

SCRIPT NOTES + PLOT BOARDS


​We've all heard it's best to learn from produced screenplays because you can learn screenplay structure, formatting, and  genre-specific techniques. TPP has taken this learning exercise to the next level by providing guided notes in the margin to help scriptwriters track storytelling elements and learn from the script's successes and mistakes.
Screenplay Structure

INFOGRAPHICS

Some of us are visual learners. Some of us enjoy step-by-step instructions. So, for those of you who like images and how-to articles, grab an infographic for your biggest screenwriting industry related questions.
Screenplay Structure
WTF SERIES

WTF SERIES WORKBOOKS

Screenwriting can sometimes be so confusing that we scream WTF! Yes, we've all been there. So, TPP created a series of workbooks to answer those pressing questions and quell your frustrations.
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Screenplay formatting workbook

SCREENPLAY FORMATTING


From industry-standard layout to correctly formatting dialogue, action, and scene headings, this workbook provides step-by-step guidance for creating polished and production-ready scripts.

The HTF Do I Format a Screenplay? Workbook Includes:
  • Formatting Definitions
  • Formatting Do's & Don'ts
  • TV Formatting
  • Tricky Formatting Questions
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Television pilot workbook

WRITING FOR TELEVISION

There is essential information you need to understand about the TV business before you start writing your pilot. From  the nuances of TV screenplay formatting to tailoring your story to the different programming types, this workbook equips you with a foundation to craft a compelling TV pilot. Whether you're exploring sitcoms, dramas, limited series, or beyond, our workbook provides you with the know-how to make informed creative decisions.

The HTF Do I Write a TV Pilot? Workbook Includes:
  • Quick Formatting Facts
  • 2-Act, 3-Act, & 5-Act Structure Infographics
  • Story Bible FAQ
  • Things you should consider before writing a pilot
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Show don't tell workbook

SHOW DOn't tell

Show Don't Tell is a fundamental principle in storytelling that encourages screenwriters to convey emotions, actions, and details through actions, dialogue, and sensory experiences rather than directly telling the audience what's happening or how characters feel. While this storytelling element is crucial for effective screenplays, it can be the hardest thing to learn. Well, you're going to learn TODAY! 
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The WTF Does Show Don't Tell Mean? Workbook Includes:
  • Learning the difference between showing and telling
  • Understanding when telling is acceptable
  • Learning the greatness that is subtext
  • Writing Exercises
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Show don't tell workbook

WRITING A SYNOPSIS

Got a screenplay but struggling to squeeze it into a snappy synopsis? Our workbook's got your back. Perfect for newbies and pros alike, it spills the secret sauce to make your pages pack a punch in just a few lines. No more head-scratching or word-count stress. Grab your workbook now, and turn your script into a synopsis that'll have industry insiders begging for more. Easy, peasy storytelling magic!
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The HTF do I write a Synopsis? Workbook Includes:
  • Loglines vs Synopsis
  • Synopsis Format
  • Writing Exercises
DOWNLOAD
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