Has anyone invested in this class? I've listened to some of the free teleconferences and it has all been very interesting, but I still don't know if the whole class would be worth it. I'm usually more of a trial and error guy. I think reading scripts and writing is the best way to improve, but this guy  has some interesting ideas.

Has anyone out there taken their classes?

What did you think? Was it worth it?

If I lived in LA I probably would, though here in Australia there's only a handful of screenwriters so not many courses happening. Shame !!

Have had piles of emails for free webinars though never tuned in to any of them.

Just remember "Those who can't do Teach", it pays their bills. Probably a lot of knowledge is passed on though.

Alex

If it's anything like Script Mentor, it's probably just snake oil and you're best off saving your money. Unless you have it to spend...

The main/only real benefit for me is being forced to write a feature. Sometimes having spent money is the best motivation. I suck.

I'm joining a writers' group. The whole online thing is too easy to avoid at the first sign of writer's block. I took the free ScreenwritingU Rewrite class and actually thought it was pretty great, that's why I'm asking about it here.

The way they operate is they provide free (and actually helpful) classes as advertisements for their 6 month program and other more specialized classes. If you take a free class, they usually offer a deal to bring the 6 month class from $1100 down to $800.

It sucks that they don't just offer the better price right off the bat, but I understand people like to think they are getting a discount.

Even if you are against these types of classes, I recommend their free rewrite class if you are working on a rewrite.

Just read Save The Cat. Blake Snyder sold screenplays for millions. His two works of art are "Stop or my mom will shoot" and "Blank Check" 1% and 13% positive reviews, respectively, by critics. He's dead now. But he ruined screenwriting for eternity. Better have a bs2 sheet. That's all dumb ass producers and agents care about anymore since Blake set the standard for reviewing screenplays in Hollywood. They read pg 5 and 25 first. So those two better pop !!!

That's why I liked this guy. His methods had nothing to do with formula or page numbers. It was all about logic and things that made complete sense (to me).

I doubt I will ever take the 6 month class. I feel like I've been writing long enough where it may be a little too repetitive, but if I was just starting out I'd probably give him a shot.

Whoops. After checking my facts, "Stop or My Mom Will Shoot" actually got a 4% positive review. Sylvester Stallone says it was his worst movie ever. " a flat worm could've written a better script".

The world needs more screenwriting gurus like they need enemas. Follow the three acts. You know what pages they should happen by. If you can write, it will work.

James

Quoted from Felipe I'm joining a writers' group.

What group are you joining?

Like a 4 person group my friend started. Nothing people know about.

I was looking at one down in El Segundo, or maybe Manhattan Beach.  It sounded good for the same reasons.  Peer pressure.

I feel like I've been working on my outline for years now.  It's time to finish it and write the damn feature.

it's a total bxllshxt program. they just give out handouts once every few days. no one's there to answer your questions, nor would anyone one read your assignments.

my advice: get a book from amazon! much worth than the "handouts program" which would cost you over $1000.

Quoted from jwent6688 Just read Save The Cat. Blake Snyder sold screenplays for millions. His two works of art are "Stop or my mom will shoot" and "Blank Check" 1% and 13% positive reviews, respectively, by critics. He's dead now. But he ruined screenwriting for eternity. Better have a bs2 sheet. That's all dumb ass producers and agents care about anymore since Blake set the standard for reviewing screenplays in Hollywood. They read pg 5 and 25 first. So those two better pop !!!

Concur - I hate the formulas

Not sure if anyone is going to even see this, but ScreenwritingU is definitely legit. In fact, I took several of their courses -- the ProSeries, The Rewrite, Writing for Comedy -- just to name a few. And I'm an alumni in their group where they have writers getting into the business all the time, several of which I know and have even read their work. I definitely recommend giving them a shot if you haven't already. I won't say trust me because of course you don't know me, but I'm serious when I say jumping in can be a life changer, especially for the way you write. Books are great, but the things you learn in the classes blows the books away. By the way, I have several screenwriting and film making books.

By the way, it depends on the class you are taking on whether feedback is used or not. Some of the course don't require any feedback. Plus, you have several people in the courses with you -- it's not again the rules (if such a rule even exists) to ask someone in there for feedback. But if you just have to have feedback and can't do without it, take the Pro Series.

Like most things - Some folks like it - some folks hate it. Here is an array of comments from participants:

http://la-screenwriter.com/2011/05/17/screenwritingu-proseries-is-it-worth-it/

I'll have to admit - I am a bit bias is I do not think any of these make one a good writer. They can teach format, structure, etc.

* They can't make an untalented person talented.
* However, they good fuck up an otherwise talented person

just my opinion.

Quoted from Uhmazon Not sure if anyone is going to even see this, but ScreenwritingU is definitely legit. In fact, I took several of their courses -- the ProSeries, The Rewrite, Writing for Comedy -- just to name a few. And I'm an alumni in their group where they have writers getting into the business all the time, several of which I know and have even read their work. I definitely recommend giving them a shot if you haven't already. I won't say trust me because of course you don't know me, but I'm serious when I say jumping in can be a life changer, especially for the way you write. Books are great, but the things you learn in the classes blows the books away. By the way, I have several screenwriting and film making books.

Give one single example of something you learned in this class that isn't in a book.

Else, you're just a shill.