Scriptless Intensive
A six-week group workshop designed to explore and expand on fundamentals of screenwriting, with a focus on technique and craft.
We're here as your screenwriting gym, focusing on developing your habits and good practices.
Don't worry, we'll provide the equipment.
Most workshops have you write pages, then tell you what's wrong. We're flipping it.
We’ll discuss what constitutes good writing, then hyper-isolate and practice the techniques. Our sessions are designed so that you can immediately implement the content into your own work. Our goal? To empower you with the tools you need to tell your story effectively.
Available cohorts
The Scriptless Intensive will run for six weeks. Each cohort starts on the following dates. All cohorts are currently available for registration.
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Tuesdays @ 6pm
Cost: $275
Receive six weeks of top-notch screenwriting instruction & materials. Spots are limited!
No script? no problem.
Whether you’ve never written a screenplay before, or you’ve written countless, we’re here to help you improve your craft by doubling down on the fundamentals.
Explore the craft
Analyze the building blocks of screenwriting and make them work for you.
Hear sharp voices
Review dimensions of voice so that every character you write feels alive and real.
Build relationships
Ensure that the world you create has a sustainable narrative engine through strong relationships.
Paint with words
Gain insight on how to engage a reader's visual imagination with ease.
Discover characters
Find quick and simple ways to create unique and idiosyncratic characters.
Refine Theme
Leverage tools to sharpen and clarify theme, and how it applies to your story.
Testimonials
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"Lighthouse has proved invaluable to me as a writer."
Claire Thomas
Writer/Director -
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"One of David’s strong points is helping the writer identify what’s working in the script and suggesting ways to make those elements even stronger. With this focus, some of the weak points seem to get fixed too."
Mark Alan Furney
Screenwriter -
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"I’ve become a better writer after learning new tools and processes that I can apply to any script in the future."
Genie Leslie
Feature Writer -
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“He has never imposed his own tastes or preferences on my work, and every session has yielded a far more dialed-in, polished, and impactful FINAL draft.”
Madison Hatfield
Writer/Filmmaker -
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"I won’t hesitate to use David in the future. His insights are always thoughtful and valuable."
Martyn Ellington
Writer -
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“Thanks to David’s fresh and keen eyes, I was able to make adjustments throughout the script for the third act to culminate effectively, as well as fine-tune key relationships and motivations.”
Lee Ann Kurr
Writer/Director -
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"Each session refines my projects in new and exciting ways - richer, more dynamic characters, stronger emotional stakes, and a tighter, more economic script on the page."
Claire Thomas
Writer/Director -
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"There was a part of a final showdown scene that was a bit flat. David helped me see that the fix might be in a better setup in a scene about 12 pages earlier. With that fix, the showdown worked much better."
Mark Alan Furney
Screenwriter -
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"After the Idea Incubator, I’m better prepared for choosing and developing the next script idea."
Genie Leslie
Feature Writer -
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"Following his notes one of our scripts was considered by HULU and SKY and is currently in the hands of an Emmy-nominated producer. I won’t hesitate to use David in the future."
Martyn Ellington
Writer -
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"I always look forward to my Read & Call with David!"
Claire Thomas
Writer/Director -
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"The best thing I can say is that he helped me want to keep trying."
Mark Alan Furney
Screenwriter -
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"I both appreciate and envy his ability to give specific, clear, and actionable feedback that enhances the story I am trying to tell in my own unique tone and style."
Madison Hatfield
Writer/Filmmaker -
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"Now, I have a process for rewriting that focuses on one thing at a time, allowing me to really dig in on each pass."
Genie Leslie
Feature Writer
Intensive schedule
Week One: Behavior & Emotions
Week Two: Description
Week Three: Relationships
Week Four: Voice
Week Five: Behavior Pt. II
Week Six: Putting It All Together
FAQs
Will there be homework?
Yes. A combination of writing and reading assignments. Roughly 3-5 hours per week.
what if i miss a week?
A recorded version of each week's session will be available, and you'll have email access to the instructor the whole time for any follow-up questions.
how are classes taught?
All classes are taught virtually via Zoom. Correspondence and assignments are handled through email and Dropbox.
is the intensive hard?
The intensive is designed to meet every writer at their comfort level. You will be both supported and challenged throughout the intensive.
can i work on my script?
Yes and no. While you won't be focusing on your script in sessions or exercises, every single week has concepts and techniques you can apply directly to any work-in-progress.
what’s participation like?
You may engage however you wish. Some writers ask plenty of questions and volunteer for exercises often, others hang quietly in the back. It's up to you.
Meet Your INstructor
As with everything at Lighthouse, the Scriptless Intensive was developed by and is taught by working writers.
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I've been screenwriting for eight years now, professionally for the last five. Besides being a writer, I'm a reader for multiple production and management companies, and even do a little freelance development. I've worked on big movies (Angel Has Fallen) and I've worked on small movies (1BR). I've written screenplays that've been produced and sold (Long Gone By, HBO) and I've written many more that haven't. I founded Lighthouse to provide support and services that keep writers' interests first. Besides writing and reading, I enjoy sailing, Shakespeare, and hobbits. -David