Which course to take? It’s a tough question because it’s hard to evaluate something before you’ve experienced it. My own son recently decided he wanted to take two different screenwriting courses to gain some new perspectives. He found one was more rigid, and the other was more sympatico.
It’s important that you gain knowledge from a screenwriting course, and this will happen even if you find it is not truly compatible with all the approaches that are being given in that course. In learning, even sometimes learning what you don’t like, can help you gain strength and knowledge. And sometimes a little discipline, or being forced to confront some of your choices by others can actually be a constructive process. Although I advocate writing from the heart, I also advocate writing that eventually makes sense to others who read it, as film is a medium of communication – while creativity is inspiration. There is a logic once writing has been achieved, that can make the process analyze-able, and this is where a screenwriting course can help.
Before you choose any course, look at the subject areas and try to communicate with the person or people who will be giving that course, to get an understanding to see if it meshes with your own goals.
Like emotional intelligences, different courses will sometimes be rule-driven, while others will be intuitive. Try and find the courses that will most support your strengths and help you evolve strategies for re-thinking your areas of weakness.
A screenwriting course is a great way to meet other screenwriters struggling with problems similar to your own, and creating a community of knowledge to share from that might harvest many useful new techniques and relationships.
Also, before you choose your course, do a web search to see if there are any online resources reviewing or evaluating the course by those who have previously taken it – or, if you are already at a college, ask others who have experienced the course to give you their guidance on how appropriate it might be for your goals. It is quite possible that some people will teach a course that does not work for your creative style and it is also possible that you might grow by taking a course that is different from your creative style. These are personal choices, but it’s best to go into these situations with your eyes open and with an optimistic view.
And my son? In the end, he stayed with both of his screenwriting courses and found he could learn more by discussing with the sympatico teacher what the rigid teacher taught.
About the Author:“Riding the Alligator” is based on the same teachings and philosophies Pen Densham imparts to his USC film school students, and is the first book that explores both screenplay writing techniques, while simultaneously imparting industry-tested strategies for carving a successful, long term career. For more information visit http://www.RidingtheAlligator.com
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