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Frequently asked questions
Are there any prerequisites for this class? Only two. First, you must demonstrate a certain proficiency with screenplay form and format, (it helps to have written a script, or taken the beginning screenplay writing class first - or be very, very familiar with the form.) And you must have web access. Class is "web enhanced" - what does this mean? It means you'll need internet access because assignments, reading materials, and required questionnaires will be posted on the web and you will be turning in your assignments electronically. If you're not sure about this you can email info@writesideofbrain.com or you can call Leigh-Michil George (310) 206-2612 at the Writer's Dept, UCLA Extension. Do I need to be able to act or draw? No, no talent or experience is required in either acting or drawing. Who is this class designed for? It's designed for a wide range of writing experience, from advanced beginner thru pro. Actors, animators, graphic designers, and creative types of many stripes will particularly enjoy this class, although no other skills are needed. Screenwriters who would like to explore a fresh approach, or would like more "tools" for their writing kit will also enjoy the class. What is the relationship to Betty Edwards and Drawing on the Right side of the Brain? Betty Edwards, along with Tim Gallwey, Natalie Goldberg, Julia Cameron, and Dennis Krausnick of the acclaimed Shakespeare and Company training program are all master teachers with whom the instructor has studied personally. All of them, in some ways, have served as inspirations to this work Do I need screenplay formatting software? If you're serious about writing scripts, you will eventually probably purchase some screenwriting software. In this class, however, as the scenework is very short, you can make do with Word and style sheets. But in any case, you will need some way to write and turn in your short scenes on the computer. If you sign up for the class and don't already own screenplay formatting software, a list of what's out there (including some free ones) will be provided for you on the ovvicial UCLA class website accessible upon enrollment. But you are on your own in getting familiar with them, as this familiarity is really part of the prerequisite. What will we actually be doing in class? We will be writing many short two-person scenes both in class and at home. Professional actors in the class will be demonstrating by reading scenes aloud. You may read these aloud, yours may be selected to be read by the two professional actors in the class. In class, we will also be drawing a little, and playing some simple theatre improv games but no experience in these is required. There are other in class activities including work with Jungian typeology, learning to hear, learning to see, and developing your process. What kind/amount of homework might I expect? You will be asked to do daily writing practice as well as create individual two-person scenes aiming at specific writing goals. You will also be asked to do some weekly reading and fill out various questionnaires on a weekly basis. Allow between one and three hours outside of class for the take-home work. Will all of my work be read aloud? No, there will not be enough time to read each scene by each student aloud in class. However, the instructor will make every effort to make sure that each student has their work read by the actors at least once or twice during the course. You may also on occasion be invited to read from your own work. Reading aloud is always voluntary. Can I work on my own screenplay during the class? Mainly we will be generating new scenes not related to any script that you are currently working on. However, toward the end of the class there will be the opportunity to bring in a two-person scene from a current project and work on it in the context of the class. Also the final class will involve planning to apply lessons learned to your next larger work. I'm shy; I'm not too sure about the acting part. Many writers are shy. The theatre games that we will play in class will be easy group-oriented games and you will NOT have to be "Whose Line is it Anyway?" caliber to participate. It is designed to be a safe, comfortable class for most people. Also, as a screenwriter you will want to develop your ability to speak about your work to others as this is necessary for pitch and story meetings. Why the focus on scenes rather than structure? Most screenwriting classes now take a structural approach. While structure is extremely important, it is neither the best first approach for all writers, nor is it the whole story. By contrast, this class offers a different way to work on your script - one which you may use to generate an initial draft, or one which you might use to create great scenes after writing an outline. Some of the typeology work we do will give you clues on how best to use this approach with your process. Where and when does class meet and how often? The ten week class meets once a week in a classroom in Westwood for ten three hour class sessions. How many people are in the class? Class size is kept small; you can expect between eleven and twenty students and two professional actors/participants who will be reading from the scenes written in class. Bonnie MacBird is a former studio exec, screenwriter, producer, actor and artist. To find out more, click here. The UCLA Extension class is $375. Is there college credit for this class? UCLA Extension will award three units for this class. This can be applied towards the screenwriting certificate. You may take the class pass/fail, which is the instructor's preference or you may take the class for a grade. The grading criteria will be clearly presented in the syllabus when you sign up. It is mainly organized around class participation, attendance, completion of assignments, and quality of effort. A very small portion is subjective. Attendance in class is mandatory, as it's a highly experiential class. If you miss more than two classes, it's an automatic fail, sorry. But show up and do the assignments; it's an easy pass. There is no really large assignment or test, only a lot of small things designed to open up your process and get you in the habit of writing daily. How do I sign up for the class? You'll be able to register for the Winter Quarter SOWSB class sometime in the Fall. But you can register NOW ( early ) for the one day Temperament and Writing class of Dec 1. Hit the Enroll button on the right for details. How do I become one of the professional actors in the class? Two professional actors will be chosen for each class. Professional film credits are a requirement. If you are interested, email info@writesideofbrain.com. What is the source of the cool fractal brain art in your logo? Re: The fractal brain art in the Screenwriting on the Write Side of the Brain logo. I borrowed this image with permission from its creator Sven Geier, a senior postdoctoral student at Cal Tech. He generated wit with UltraFractal 2.05. He calls it something psychedelic, but it just seemed like a great image of the creative brain to me. Sven’s website is http://www.sgeier.net/fractals/indexe.php. I don't see my question here. Whom do I contact? If you have any more questions about the class that you don't find answered here, please email them to info@writesideofbrain.com. Or call the UCLA Extension Writer's Program (310) 206-1542.
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Copyright 2006 Bonnie MacBird
