One-Day Screenwriting Intensive in Reading, MA | Writers' Collaborative
Getting Started with Screenwriting
This intensive serves as an introduction to screenwriting. We work through loglines, outlines, structure and format. You'll walk away with everything you need to write your first screenplay.
- Format
- Intensive
- Length
- One session. Six hours, lunch provided.
- Where
- In person, Reading, MA
- Tuition
- $225
Description
This intensive serves as an introduction to screenwriting for writers new to the form. We begin with your idea, turning it into a logline: the foundational synopsis upon which your screenplay is built. Then, we explore screenplay form and structure. Working from your logline, you'll develop a structured outline for your screenplay. We conclude with an overview of screenplay format and the best tools to use. You'll write the opening scene of your screenplay.
No prior writing experience is required. You'll walk away with an actionable idea, an outline you can work from, and the opening scene of your screenplay.
Upcoming Sessions
Registration closes 48 hours before a session begins.
Saturday, October 24, 2026
9:30 AM to 3:30 PM ET
Reading, MA
Open
RegisterSaturday, November 14, 2026
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET
Reading, MA
Open
RegisterWe add new dates regularly. Additional dates will be announced soon.
Session Breakdown
Three lessons and three exercises, with lunch included and provided on-site.
Arrival and Opening Writing Exercise
We open the session with a brief writing exercise.
Introductions and Initial Thoughts
Our opening discussion on screenwriting.
Lesson One: The Idea and the Logline
Loglines are the foundational synopsis upon which screenplays are built. You'll learn how to turn a premise into a comprehensive logline covering the major elements: protagonist, inciting incident, goal, opposition, and stakes.
Exercise One: Your Logline
You'll craft your screenplay logline.
Lunch
On site, provided.
Lesson Two: Structure and Outlines
Screenplay structure is measurable: page count relates to runtime, and the major transitions occur at familiar points. We work through Syd Field's paradigm, covering setup, confrontation, resolution, and the plot points along the way. Then we discuss Christopher Vogler's adaptation of the hero's journey for screenwriters, using the pattern to help chart your story. We close with the outlining tools writers use: beat sheets, index cards, and treatments.
Exercise Two: Your Outline
Working from your logline, you'll choose an outlining method, chart your story structure, and develop an outline for your screenplay.
Lesson Three: The Page
An overview of industry-standard formatting and screenwriting tools. Scene construction, action lines, and the “economy of a screenplay.”
Exercise Three: Fade In
You'll write the opening scene of your screenplay.
Beyond the Intensive
Further reading, your resource packet, and a Q&A.
Session content and sequence may vary.
What You'll Leave With
- ✓ An understanding of screenplay structure, format, tools and essentials
- ✓ A logline for your project
- ✓ A structured outline you can work from
- ✓ A properly formatted opening scene to your screenplay
- ✓ A resource packet with further reading and exercises
Before You Register
What to bring, how registration works, and our cancellation policy.
What to Bring
Nothing needed. You're welcome to bring something to write with and take notes.
Who It's For
Any writer at any stage, in any genre. Whether you're just starting out or have been writing for years, this is for you.
Registration
48 Hours Ahead
Registration closes 48 hours before the session starts. Register using the button in Upcoming Sessions above. Members and non-members register the same way; the only difference is that members receive 20% off.
Cancellations
What Happens If a Session Can't Run
Unfortunately, we sometimes need to cancel due to extreme weather or insufficient enrollment. When a cancellation is necessary, we'll notify you.
- ✓ You'll be credited the amount toward another course or intensive at a comparable price.
- ✓ If it was canceled due to insufficient enrollment, you may request a refund instead.
If you need to cancel a session you've registered for, let us know and we'll issue a credit toward another offering of comparable value.
Membership
Members Receive 20% Off
Writers' Collaborative members receive 20% off every course and intensive, along with workspace access from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, every writing group, and all our weekly programming.
Not sure if this intensive is for you? Give us a call at (781) 663-2800 or email info@writersclc.com. We're happy to discuss with you.