by Writing Workshops Staff
A week ago
It’s one thing to think about writing a screenplay—tinkering with story ideas in your mind or scribbling down half-formed dialogue on the back of a coffee shop napkin. But it’s another thing entirely to learn the craft from someone who’s battled through blank pages, unpredictable producers, real set conditions, and the dizzying highs and lows of Hollywood filmmaking. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your story idea into a cinematic reality, now’s your chance.
Meet Your Guide: Kyle Rankin
Kyle Rankin knows what it’s like to navigate the murky waters of show business. After winning HBO’s Project Greenlight and co-directing The Battle of Shaker Heights, he went on to direct Infestation for Mel Gibson, Nuclear Family for Michael Eisner, and create viral hits like Case Tape #347 and Exhibit B-5. He’s crowdfunded films (Night of the Living Deb) and embraced new distribution models (The Witch Files), watched his projects grace the Venice Film Festival (Run Hide Fight), and is currently poised to debut his latest work, The Roughneck, in 2025.
It’s fair to say he’s seen it all—high-profile collaborations, indie triumphs, new-age media experiments—and now he’s ready to share that hard-earned wisdom with you.
What You’ll Learn (And Why It Matters)
In Scr!pt Happens: An Introduction to Screenwriting, a 6-week Zoom workshop starting Saturday, March 1st, 2025, Kyle will guide you through the entire creative process of writing a screenplay. From laying out your initial story idea to that triumphant moment when you type “FADE OUT,” you’ll be learning each step of the craft through practical examples and real-time problem-solving.
Over six weekly sessions, you’ll explore the major story structure paradigms so you can learn them—and then let them go when needed. With open discussions on formatting, character arcs, midpoints, mirror moments, rewriting strategies, and more, you’ll gain clarity on how a script truly comes together. Whether you’re completely new or looking to refine your skills, this workshop ensures you can move at your own pace. Some students might only want to observe, take notes, and absorb insights. Others might write an entire draft alongside Kyle as he tackles a brand-new script during the course.
Real-Time Insights from a Working Writer-Director
One of the most unique aspects of this class is that Kyle will be writing a fresh screenplay as you go. Each week, he’ll share his own challenges, tweaks, and last-minute breakthroughs. Seeing a professional adapt, rewrite, and problem-solve on the spot is an education you simply can’t get from a book alone.
Weekly Breakdown
- Week One: What Is a Screenplay?
- Week Two: Structure, Formatting, & Outlining
- Week Three: Fade In & The First Act
- Week Four: Surviving Act Two
- Week Five: The Third Act, Fade Out, & Feedback
- Week Six: Celebration, Polishing, & Next Steps
By the end, you’ll understand the screenwriting process from top to bottom. You’ll know how to shape your story, where to tighten dialogue, how to handle feedback, and when to trust your instincts. And if you’ve chosen to write along, you could walk away with a finished first draft—something tangible and full of possibility.
A Supportive Community & Direct Feedback
Each session ends with 45 minutes of Q&A, giving you the chance to ask questions, share pages, and get feedback from both Kyle and your classmates. This isn’t just a lecture; it’s a collaborative environment where you can hone your voice and learn from others facing the same creative hurdles.
Recommended Reading List
To enrich your journey, you’ll also explore classic texts like:
- SCREENPLAY by Syd Field
- ADVENTURES IN THE SCREEN TRADE by William Goldman
- THE WRITER’S JOURNEY by Christopher Vogler
These books will serve as your companions, reinforcing the lessons covered in class and helping you continue learning after the workshop ends.
Take the Next Step
If you’ve ever imagined seeing your story on the big screen—or even just hearing characters you created come to life—this is your opportunity to begin making that dream a reality. Spend six Saturdays dedicated to mastering your craft, under the guidance of someone who’s been there and done it, time and again.
The seats for Scr!pt Happens: An Introduction to Screenwriting are limited, and the clock is ticking toward that March 1st start date. All you need is a desire to learn, a willingness to write (even if it’s messy at first), and the openness to embrace feedback. Your screenplay journey awaits.
Ready to Begin?
It’s time to move beyond the “someday” screenplay idea and get serious about your story. Join us and start writing the script you’ve been carrying around in your head for far too long. Your story deserves its moment to shine—let’s get it ready for its close-up.
