Workshops WithAward Winning Screenwriter

Bill Boyle Basic Screenwriting

The Visual Mindscape of the Screenplay The Marketing of your Screenplay

UCLA Extensions Instructor and Award winning screenwriter Bill Boyle conducts a series of Screenwriting Workshop based around his

‘Visual Mindscape’ approach to screenwriting.

NOTE: Locations for all workshops are TBA

Workshop #1 - Basic Screenwriting Workshops

Friday, September 18th 6:00 to 10:00 pmThis course is an abridged and condensed version of the same course I teach at UCLA. It covers a detailed study of proper script formatting that goes beyond Final Draft/Movie Magic Software • terminology • An effective way to use and get the most value out of scene cards • proper scene construction • script tone • creating dramatic action and reaction through properly paced narrative • how to create vivid characters • effective dialogue with special emphasis on the antagonist.It will also introduce writers to the concept of the ‘Visual Mindscape’. This is a style of screenwriting that seeks out metaphoric images that advance the story line, enhance the environment of the scene and offer an external visual representation of the character’s inner journey.

Workshop #2 - The Visual Mindscape of the Screenplay

Saturday, September 19th 10:00 to 2:00 pm

A ‘fully realized’ screenplay reveals itself primarily through images, making use of what I call the “Visual Mindscape”. This allows the reader or viewer to ‘discover’ elements of the story rather than being told. By being able to actively participate in the unfolding of the story the overall experience for the reader becomes a more visceral and luminous experience.

The ‘Visual Mindscape’ is a style of screenwriting that seeks out metaphoric images that advance the story line, enhance the environment of the scene and offer an external visual representation of the character’s inner journey.What do I mean by this?

If in “Citizen Kane” you were told the meaning of the word ‘Rosebud’, rather than being allowed to discover it on your own, would it have the same impact?

I believe that when a reader is allowed to discover elements of a story rather than being told, they participate in a far more intimate and impelling level. I feel this is the true magic of the screenplay.

With examples from various well known screenplays and clips from such films as; The Queen, Children of Men, The Godfather, Cabaret, Quills, Planet of the Apes, Citizen Kane and Mulholland Drive, the lecture explores the various forms of the visual mindscape such as; withholding, discovery, the law of contradiction, location and circumstance as metaphor as well as seeking visual expressions for time, tense and flow of location.

Workshop #3 - The Marketing of your Screenplay

Saturday, September 19th 4:00 to 8:00 pm

Every screenplay I have written has either been produced or optioned so I am obviously doing something right. In this workshop I will share with you how I do it.

We will discuss how to develop a complete marketing package and how to go about creating industry access.Here is what will be covered. How to know if your screenplay is ready to be marketed ▪ Screenplay Protection (beyond WGA Registration) ▪ The Chain of Title ▪ Query Letter ▪ E Query ▪ Log Line ▪ Two Minute Pitch ▪ Telephone PitchHow to access/research Production Companies & Agencies ▪ The Pre Pitch: Setting up the room • The Post Pitch ▪The Follow Up

Cost: Prior to September 1st -- $50 or $125 for all three workshops After September 1st -- $65 or $175 for all three workshops

Credit Card payments can be made through PayPal by going making a payment to allthatsky@hotmail.com

Payment by Check made out to Bill Boyle at 12930 Ventura Blvd, #552 - Studio City, CA 91604or c/o Liz Cassanos at 284 Colgate Ave. Kensington CA 94708

If you have any further questions you can contact Liz or Beth @ 530-354-8171 or email at bbscreenwritingtour@gmail.com

Biography

Veteran screenwriter Bill Boyle has been involved in the film industry in both Canada and the U.S. for over 25 years as a writer,

director, agent, producer, story editor, and mentor.

Bill has had four screenplays produced with two more presently under option. Additional information on the films can

be found at www.allthatsky.ca. or at www.imdb.com

He presently teaches screenwriting at UCLA Extensions as well as at various universities throughout Canada and the

United States.

Bill Boyle’s feature screenplays have received multiple awards and recognition including: • Palm Springs Film Festival

Critics Choice • Atlantic City Film Festival Audience Choice • Toronto Reel World Festival Best Canadian Feature •

ACTRA nomination for Best Dramatic Writer • Canadian Film Awards Finalist • Recipient of the Harold Greenberg Fund

• Chicago Film Festival Special Jury Nomination.

Mr. Boyle is also a former agent/manager and has represented and negotiated hundreds of contracts on behalf of his

writers, directors and actors.

He now devotes a significant amount of his time sharing his experience mentoring younger screenwriters and has

lectured throughout Canada and the United States: The Scriptwriter’s Network, Los Angeles • University of Alberta •

The University of Saskatchewan • National Screen Institute, Winnipeg • San Antonio Screenwriters ● The University of

Regina • ● New Orleans Screenwriters ● The University of Victoria • The Vancouver Film School • Praxis

Screenwriting Center, Simon Fraser University • Riverside Community College • 2008 and 2009 Screenwriters Expo. ●

The Los Angeles Filmmakers Alliance.

Mr. Boyle also served for three years as SaskFilm’s “Screenwriter in Residence”.

Industry Kudos

What you say in a tentative whisper, Bill Boyle will register, then encourage you to say for all to hear. He has an ability to intuit from you what it is you are trying to say, and is gentle and patient in drawing it, almost divining it, out of you. He is never caustic or harsh; rather, he makes the creative process (which can be a painful one, a delicate one, a frightening one) warm, fun, and even cozy. He is very enthusiastic about your discovery of your truth in the story you are trying to tell. It is your voice that matters, and he will guide you to it, cultivating in you, knowledge of when you should whisper, shout, or belt like a Broadway star!

Alessandra Assaf - “Katrina”

Nearly a thousand screenplays pass through my office each year. Finding a truly exceptional one is always a challenge; the proverbial needle in a haystack. On more than one occasion, I have found that needle firmly embedded in scripts written by Bill Boyle. Always an excellent read.

Valerie McLeroy, V.P of Development - Green/EpsteinProductions

Human emotions and dignity at its best are brilliantly captured in Bill Boyle’s remarkable screenplay, Now & Forever.Vic Sarin, Director - Film & Television Director

As an actor I have always been impressed with the depth and care Bill gives to his characters. He is a wiz with dialogue and always able to find their individual voices and rhythms.

Lisa Howard, Actress

“If you are really serious about screen writing, I can’t think of anyone more capable of getting you started. Bill Boyle is simply one of the best screenwriter’s to come out of western Canada.”

Tony Towstego, Producer - Thomega Entertainment

“There is a reason that every screenplay Bill Boyle has written has either been produced or optioned. He’s just that good.” David Doerkson, Producer - The Edge Productions

His ability to combine a truly unique and exciting storyline into a flawlessly structured screenplay and to then blend these two elements together into an excellent ‘read’, is second to none.

Kent Wingarek, Vice-President - Network Entertainment Inc.

Thank you Bill for the script report on our feature film, ‘Elvis and Mrs Singh’. Your report is the most in depth and broadly explorative coverage I have ever received on a script. All of your comments, whether we agreed or not, inspired us to greater excellence in story telling.

Gail Tilson, Producer - Independent Moving Pictures

After a significant investment I left film school somewhat disillusioned. Then I met Bill and took his workshops, where I received much more than I bargained for. I found him to be inspiring, informative and when necessary, challenging. I have rarely attended a workshop where so much valuable knowledge was imparted in such a short time.” He also has vast understanding of the business of screenwriting which is an added bonus.

John Fast - “It’s Great Being Me”

Bill’s class was great. I was able to complete a draft of a screenplay and have feedback along the way. Bill is a great communicator. He was able to speak to all the participants in a language each person could understand and was able to give guidance regardless of genre, style or the level of experience of the writer. Combine this with his extensive experience in the film industry and his abilities as an educator you’ve got a great class and excellent opportunity for an emerging writer.

Sean Hoy – “The Treasure of Oak Island”

Bill's workshops were not only immensely helpful, but inspiring as well. He lways gives generously of his vast experience, talent, and insight. Every meeting with Bill further inspires my passion for this craft. He's changed the way I look at screenwriting.

Lois Simmie – “Stealing Grandpa”

Despite having been a writer for a hit Canadian TV drama series, I’ve always looked for ways to improve my skills. Bill spoke from his enviable experience, with insightful anecdotes and observations about scriptwriting. He’s one of the best instructors I’ve had, regardless of subject.

Laura Beard – “A Quiet and Peaceable Man”