Finally write your short film (and star in it!)
If you’re tired of waiting for the industry to pick you so you can do what you love, it’s time to take your success into your own hands. And the best way to do that is to write and star in your own short film.
The one that not only your audience will relate to, but can also put you on the map for the kind of roles you should be playing!
It’s time to finally write that idea you’ve been thinking about forever and turn it into your dream role. And I’m going to help you every step of the way.
Don't Create in a Vacuum
When you try to figure out how to write all by yourself you fall into one or more of these traps:
You don’t know where (or how) to get started
You have an idea (or many ideas) but that’s as far as you get. When it comes to plot points or structure or taking the first step, you get overwhelmed and don’t take action.
You’ve tried to write in the past but got stuck
When you sit down to write you start-stop-hate everything-delete-start again. Rinse and repeat on an endless loop. You’ve put a lot of work into this idea, but you’re no closer to a finished script than when you first started.
You don’t know what you don’t know
It’s the perfect catch-22 to keep you stuck! If you don’t know how to turn your idea into a finished script, then there are writing tools you just don’t have…yet. The question is, how much time and effort do you want to spend trying to find the missing pieces?
I’ve been there, done that, and I don’t recommend it. That’s why I’m so passionate that you don’t create in a vacuum.
With the Short Film Lab you have access to writing tools, high level feedback, and consistent accountability. No more guesswork. You’ll get to a finished script a lot faster, and it’ll be a lot better.
I’m Emily Grace, founder of Pickford West Society and creator of the Short Film Lab. In addition to helping actors finally write their damn script already (and know what to do with it) I’m also a Sundance award-winning actress (Special Jury Prize for Emotional Truth).
I had an idea for a script I wanted to write forever. I thought writing would be easy. After all I had extensive acting training, I’d read hundreds of scripts and broken down a bazillion auditions. I knew how to break down a scene and craft a performance. Not to mention my time behind the camera, when I worked with an independent film producer in the $5M -$50M range.
I learned the hard way that writing can feel impossible when you create in a vacuum and try to figure it out all by yourself. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
When I finally stopped trying to figure it out all by myself, I was finally able to write my script. And I got there so much faster (and it was way more fun) than the painful process of going it alone.
That’s why I created the Short Film Lab and I invite you to join me.
Introducing the Short Film Lab
This is a small, intimate group program to help you finally write your damn script already.
In just 90 days you’ll go from idea-in-your head to finished script. No more procrastination. No more trying to figure it out by yourself.No more doubt or second-guessing your idea.
Just a step-by-step writing process, consistent feedback, and an environment of support to write a script you love with a role you were born to play.
Here's what you'll get:
Weekly Live Classes
Each week you’ll learn a new writing tool to go from idea to finished script.
You’ll leave this program with a fully workshopped, professional quality, short film, tailored to your acting strengths.
Small Feedback Groups
You’ll be assigned to a small feedback group of up to 8 members,
Your feedback group sessions are the place to test your idea as you go, see what works and what needs work, and get my personal feedback to make your script as powerful as possible.
Class Recordings
All Thursday classes will be recorded and made available to you to keep.
That way you can catch up on what you missed if you have to miss a class.
With lifetime access to the material, you can revisit these tools anytime.
Plus These Awesome Bonuses
Bonus #1
The Self Production Program
This digital video series will guide you every step of the way from pre-production to post-production.
If you plan to produce and star in your short film, this program will guide you through the entire process (so you don't lose your mind)!
From legal protections to SAG paperwork, to hiring your crew and taking care of yourself on set, with the Self Production Program as your guide, you can cast yourself in the leading role you were born to play!
The total value of the Self Production Class is $697. But it’s my free gift to you when you’re accepted to the Short Film Lab.
(Total value: $247)
Bonus #2
The Make Sh*t Happen Club
Once you graduate from the Short Film Lab, you’ll receive 3 months of support inside my Make Sh*t Happen Club, completely free.
That way you can get continued access to feedback and support as you embark on the process of self production and beyond.
The Make Sh*t Happen Club includes:
2 Monthly Feedback Sessions
You’ll have continued access to feedback from our outstanding staff as well as fellow Short Film Lab graduates who share the same screenwriting tools and language as you.
2 Monthly Work Sprints
The work sprint is dedicated time each month to move the needle on your project. Whether you need to do another rewrite or finally file your SAG paperwork, the work sprint your productive study hall to get it done!
Hot Seat Coaching with Emily
A hot seat is a deep dive, laser-focused coaching session to help you keep moving your project forward. From strategy to self production to overcoming doubt and procrastination, these calls help you stay accountable and on track.
After you graduate from the Short Film Lab, your 3-month Make Sh*t Happen Club membership begins, completely free.
Is The Short Film Lab right for you?
Let's make sure we're the right fit! This program is for you if...
- You want to spend the next 3 months writing your short film (even if you don’t know where to begin)
- You want to put yourself on the map by writing the role you were born to play
- You have an idea you’ve been thinking about forever and you’re ready to write it already
- You are new to storytelling and want the tools to know what you’re doing and kick ass
- OR You are an experienced writer who wants an environment of structure, mentorship and accountability to write your next short film
- You intend to produce your own content (and maybe even act in it), and want guidance on how to make that happen
- You’re excited to learn how to write a professional level script
- You are willing to make time in your schedule for consistent action
- You want candid feedback to make your script as strong as possible
- You thrive in a group environment of support, deadlines, and accountability
- You are at the idea phase of your project (or you’re willing to write your idea from the ground up with these tools)
- You believe in anti-racism, diversity, inclusion and equity and know that writing your own work is a step towards breaking stereotypes and limited thinking on the part of the gatekeepers
If you answered "yes" to most of these, then you're a great candidate for the Short Film Lab. Apply now.
Apply to the
Short Film Lab
3 monthly payments of $297
Weekly Writing Class | Thursdays 1-3pm pacific | Next round begins January 2023
This program is by application only and will be filled on a first-come first served basis. The application deadline is October 14, or when spots are filled, whicever comes first.
Available Feedback Groups
In addition to the weekly writing class, you will be assigned to a small feedback group of up to 8 members. Your feedback group is the place to share your work and get my personal feedback. You’ll stay with your assigned group for the duration of the lab.
Tuesday Feedback Group
2-4pm PACIFIC TIME
8 Spots available
Wednesday Feedback Group
1-3pm PACIFIC TIME
8 Spots available
What others say about working with me…
Be bold.
"Emily helped me realize that I can be direct and bold in my language, and that the thing I was afraid to say in my script is actually the thing that grabs the listener."
Karole Foreman
In Pre-Production
"I had never written a screenplay before and now I'm in pre-production for my short film! If you're serious about creating your own work, this is a great place to be."
Kelly Camille Patterson
Real, beneficial support
"I had tried to write a project on my own and always got stuck. In Short Film Lab I learned a step-by-step method for developing a story with compelling characters. Because of Short Film Lab I have much more developed and interesting characters and a solid understanding of story structure. I got real, beneficial support given with expertise and love! If you have a script in process, an idea for a script, or even just an urge to write something, this is for you."
Jensen Power
I never felt alone.
"Before joining Short Film Lab, I suffered from imposteur syndrome and the procrastination that goes with it. I got more clarity on the structure aspects of a screenplay and incredibly valuable directions given by Emily and also by other students. I loved the step by step approach . I never felt alone. Being part of a group gives you power."
Matheiu Bisson
Get off the fence and get creating!
"I am not too small to be able to write, pitch and or produce my own stories to networks and content distributors. My eyes have been open to a new world of producing and being a content creator."
Cherene R Francis
This is my dream role
"Since working with Emily I've made my script even stronger..I am in great shape to move into pre-production with a script that truly reflects my dream role, and that feels totally doable!"
Ashley Gianni
Dream big, dream with direction
"Emily gives clear feedback that helps me dream big but also dream with direction."
Autumn Silvas
Find the strongest story
"This tool has helped flesh out my script and find the strongest story."
Kristina Paras
Gain knowledge and confidence
"Life was scary in my 'I'm not good enough to be a writer' feelings. I still struggle with that, but I'm gaining confidence and an understanding of the creative process from the program! I'm LESS scared of calling myself a writer or creator."
Jill Maglione
Look forward to writing
"I actually look forward to sitting down to write rather than dreading the fight with my inner critic that often comes along with the writing process."
Rachel Sledd
Pilates for the Artist's soul
"It requires effort, but you'll be a stronger, better, more disciplined writer by the end of it. If you thrive on creativity, but need some help with your follow through... this is the place for you!"
Patty Kiernan
Confident and committed
"I am more committed to my writing and I feel confident I am acquiring the tools I need."
Melanie Collup
Finish that damn script
"If you want to finish that damn script already, this is the place to do it!"
Emma Pyne
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