THE ACTION PACK!
COMEDY SCREENWRITING AND DIRECTING WORKSHOP
with award-winning director & writer, John M. Forte Jr. (bio and example below)
REGISTER FOR THE FULL WORKSHOP SERIES - CLICK HERE
or see below to just check out the FREE Orientation Session, Wednesday, September 27 at 6pm
(save on early bird registration by this date also!)
Get a great start on your idea for a script or screenplay, and how to bring a production to life.
Practical learning and hands-on application from a highly experienced industry pro.
Adult-oriented class, but is appropriate for ages 16 and higher. Registration incudes all four (4) sessions.
Orientation session is not required to be able to attend the workshop. You can register at the orientation session by check/cash, or online at any time. Early bird discount available up through the date of the workshop. Space is limited.
Workshop outline:
COMEDY SCRIPTWRITING
Session 1 - Tuesday, October 3
1. What makes good writing?
2. What makes something funny or humorous?
3. How to incorporate funny into a script.
4. Characters.
5. Dialogue.
6. Direction.
7. Read your work aloud.
8. Selected videos of how-to, dialogue, and examples from silent to talking.
· Writing assignments.
Session 2 - Tuesday, October 10
1. Read, act, review and critique writing assignments.
2. More video examples.
3. What made it funny, or could the funny be even funnier?
DIRECTING
Session 3 - Tuesday, October 17
1. What is directing?
The basics: blocking, camera directions, the difference between timing and pacing.
2. Know thy script.
3. Know thy camera, lenses.
4. Know acting.
5. Storyboards.
6. Shot list.
7. Have an edit in mind.
8. Video samples.
· Assignment: block and cast your webisode, sketch, and/or commercial.
Session 4 - Tuesday, October 24
1. Read assignments aloud.
2. Critique, assess, and encourage the work.
3. Script interpretation.
4. Casting.
5. Work out blocking.
6. Video examples of movie and sketch scenes.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR: John Forte, Jr.
John Forte is an award-winning director, producer and writer of over 300 programs. His efforts helped Coastal Training Technologies become an international 50 million dollar a year presence. According to one industry publication several of his programs are considered “classics” in the industry.
John’s directing and his programs have been honored with 180 awards. Some honors include: The New York Festival WorldMedals, The New York Audio Visual Award, The INTERCOM, The Globals, The London Independent Film Awards, Columbus International Film and Video Award, The Golden Eagle Cine, The CINDY, The Houston Worldfest, and several TELLY Awards.
John, a former New York trained actor, started Benevento Pictures, a media and entertainment company. He’s worked Rudy Ruettiger from whom the movie RUDY is based on. In addition, he created a program that featured Sully Sullenberger, hero pilot of the miracle on the Hudson as well as a project with famous Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin. His award-winning shorts include, WORDS, UNREAL ESTATE, RON’S BEADS, THE CHRISTMAS PROMISE and THE RECIPE.
John has written over 200 scripts for a variety of national and international companies. His screenplays include, FEATHERS, MY LITTLE ITALY, I’M NO ANGEL, THE LAST HIT and THE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL and LEONARDO.
Some of his TV show offerings are the comedies: SRO (Standing Room Only) BRITISH INVASION, TAKEOUT, BOX LUNCH, GREENE CITY, THE REC. and the dramas, BLOODMONEY, MELTING POT, AN ACTOR’S LIFE, R&D, CONFESSION, KNIGHT, SKETCH and the reality travel/cooking show, SET THE COURSE.
Recent work includes the Christmas comedy THE GOOD NIGHT including the pilot script and an 8-part miniseries entitled, STEELE AWAY including the film with the same title.
John is represented by Beverly Brock of The Beverly Brock Agency.
Award-winning short, "WORDS"
