By the end of this fast paced workshop you’ll have a solid knowledge of what it takes to create a compelling film, three dimensional characters to work with, and your detailed 40-60 scene outline.
Daily assignments, film examples, scene study, and online meetings with extended feedback every step of the way. Commit to an average of two or three hours per day in order to maintain the pace.
Feel free to email dushane@gmail.com if you have any questions.
I’ve taught this modified workshop at UCLA Extension that usually takes three months. We’re going to get through it in two weeks to take advantage of holiday time. Because for writers holidays are for writing.
Meetings will be at 10am Pacific Time. Those who can’t make the meeting can watch the recording, but I strongly recommend making the meetings because we’ll go over specific feedback for your work as well.
Tony DuShane is the screenwriter of Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk directed by Eric Stoltz. He also consults and rewrites screenplays in various stages of production.
December 22
Loglines and Titles
Outcome: Create your logline and title
Introductions and Q & A.
10AM PT – Feedback and Online meeting.
December 23
Characters
Outcome: Character worksheet
Deep dive into protagonists and antagonists
December 24
Three Act Structure and Major Story Beats
Outcome: Create your major story beats
How every narrative film is the same structure
Film examples.
10AM PT – Feedback and Online meeting.
December 25
Act 1
Outcome: Create your Act 1 outline
Power Dynamics of characters
Compelling scenes mean status shifts
Film examples.
December 26
Act 2, part 1
Outcome: Create Act 2 Part 1 outline
Devices of storytelling
Elements of scenes
Film examples.
10AM PT – Feedback and Online meeting.
December 27 and 28
Off days to catch up or get ahead
December 29
Act 2, Part 2
Outcome: Create Act 2, Part 2 outline
Character development
Antagonist deep dive
10AM PT – Feedback and Online meeting.
December 30th
Act 3
Outcome: Create Act 3 outline
Film examples
Feedback
December 31
Scenes and Dialogue
Outcome: Compile entire screenplay outline with changes
Film examples
10AM PT – Feedback and Online meeting.
January 1
Elements of Screenwriting Format
Outcome: Rewrite Outline tracking power dynamics
Analyze scenes with film examples
Feedback
January 2
2026 Goal Setting and Production
Outcome: Set a timeline for screenplay draft
Rewrite Outline with scene purpose
Start writing your script from your 40-60 scene outline
10AM PT – Feedback and Online meeting.
January 3
Last feedback from Tony DuShane