Screenwriting Sessions LIVE - Craft and Conversation

We partnered with our friends at the Nantucket Film Festival to host a new experience: Screenwriter Sessions Live: Craft and Conversation, an online series that ran between April 6-30, 2021. Our outrageously talented speakers include CHARLIE KAUFMAN, STELLA MEGHIE (Almanack Alum), LESLIE DIXON, NANCY MEYERS, and GREGORY NAVA. And for icing on the cake: KAITLIN FONTANA (Almanack Alum) hosted the series. 

The program was limited to 25 participants and combined elements of a master class with intimate conversation. Each session was live and unique, based on the guest speaker’s personal style, as they shared insights on storytelling, craft, and the industry through a mixture of lecture and conversation. Topics were wide ranging, from dialogue and structure to how to generate and develop your best ideas. Sessions were a a mixture of lecture and conversation, with ample time for participants to ask questions and learn directly from these luminaries.

Of the many highlights, Stella Meghie shared specific and personal advice about how to get a first feature made, Gregory Nava went deep into the creative process of writing in service of the story, Leslie Dixon listened to pitches from attending writers which was illuminating (and fun) for everyone. And during Charlie Kaufman’s visit, he gently asked a vulnerable writer, “What are you most scared of? What’s the worst thing that could happen if you shared your work?” These were the kind of personal, humane moments we were hoping for when we designed the program to encourage direct conversation between attendees and our guest speakers.

This series is designed for aspiring and evolving screenwriters. As part of the development process, we offered 10 sponsored slots for screenwriters from historically underrepresented groups nominated by arts organizations and community members.

We are excited to offer valuable experiences in the virtual space. There’s clearly an interest since this series sold out immediately upon its announcement!

For more about the program visit the NFF website here.