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 Intensive you get a proven, step-by-step writing process to go from idea-in-your-head to finished script. During our 3-day workshop you get to test out your idea, ask questions, and get the support you need to finally move this project forward. 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 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 Intensive and I invite you to join me.
Introducing the Short Film Lab Intensive
This is a 3-day workshop on Zoom to help you finally write your damn script already.
In just 3 days you'll learn our entire process to go from idea-in-your head to finished script. No more excuses. No more trying to figure it out by yourself. No more doubt or second-guessing your idea.
Just a step-by-step writing process and an environment of support to write a script you love with a role you were born to play.
Don't intend to act in your project? Great! These tools will work for anyone who wants to write a short film.
Here's what you'll get:
3 Day Intensive
In just 3 days you'll learn our entire process to go from idea-in-your head to finished short film.
From character development to story structure and everything in between, this intensive will help you hit the ground running.
We'll leave plenty of time for questions, snacks, and stretch breaks in this interactive workshop. You’ll leave this program with the tools you need to finally write your short film
Small Breakout Groups
Throughout our 3 days, you'll have lots of time to take action on what you're learning and connect with your fellow attendees,.
Your breakout sessions are the place to test your idea as you go, see what works and what needs work, and make your idea as powerful as possible.
Event Recordings
This entire intensive 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 any part of this 3-day event.
With lifetime access to the material, you can go at your own pace and revisit these tools anytime.
Event Schedule
May 12 - 14, 2023
DAY 1
Major Character Archetypes
Create a compelling protagonist and antagonist to give your story conflict.
3-dimensional Characters
Write flawed, nuanced characters your audience roots for.
Make It Personal
Learn how to tailor this project to you as an actor (if you plan to be in it), and create a project that is meaningful to you.
DAY 2
Anatomy Of A Scene
I’ll teach you how to get to the heart of your scene quickly, pack a powerful punch and move your story forward.
Pro Tips For Good Dialogue
Learn my best pro tips for writing good dialogue that isn't on the nose.
Deepen Your Characters
Know your characters inside + out to make the most compelling film possible.
DAY 3
3-Act Story Structure
Elevate yourself to the level of professional writer with proper structure. Repeat this lesson again and again for all your future projects.
How To Write A Producible Script
This lesson is crucial to keep your idea within a budget that is doable.
Create Your Outline
Have you ever tried to write a short film without an outline? You quickly write yourself into a corner, delete, and start again. I’ve been there!
Learning how to outline will change the game for you.
It’s so important, we’ll spend our last afternoon getting your outline into great shape.
Plus This Awesome Bonus
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 join the Short Film Lab Intensive.
Is The Short Film Lab Intensive right for you?
Let's make sure we're the right fit! This program is for you if...
- You want to write a short film (even if you don’t know where to begin).
- You like to take fast action! You want to learn all the steps to write your film NOW so you can finish your script as soon as possible.
- 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
- 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 want to test out your idea in a group setting to make it 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 belong in the Short Film Lab Intensive.
Join the
Short Film Lab Intensive
A 3-day workshop to finally write your damn script already!
May 12-14, 2023 on Zoom
10am - 5pm pacific
3-day live intensive
Test your idea + get feedback as you go
Recordings of the entire event
BONUS: Self Production Program (value: $697)
No further payments
first payment today, second payment automatically billed in 30 days
You'll get the most out of the workshop when you can be there live on Zoom, but if you can't make the entire event, everything is recorded for you to keep.
Access to the replays is worth the entire cost of this program (and then some)! That way you can go at your own pace, and revisit every time you're ready to write another film.
What others say about working with me…
Take the leap.
"Learning the elements it takes to create depth of characters and story helped me to start to flesh my idea out. Before Short Film Lab, I wrote without any concept of structure or the proper formatting. It was a hot mess. Now I can see myself really having a complete script and going into production. If you’re on the fence about taking Short Film Lab, I say, 'JUMP, stop straddling!'"
Annzella Victoria
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
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
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
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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