Welcome to the Writer’s Table!
The Writer’s Table is a resource page for central and southwest Virginia writers of content made for visual media, whether feature length or short, whether for the big screen or a small classroom! And if you want to learn to write, this is still your place. Check out the courses, and other sources for help and inspiration.
Are you already a writer? Want to be listed in our Directory? Click here for an application. Who knows…your next collaboration may be just around the corner!
SCREENWRITING GROUPS / OPPORTUNITIES
CAOS
Charlottesville Association of Screenwriters (CAOS) is a members-only group of screenwriters that meets once a month in Charlottesville to discuss/critique a member’s written work. Members must have experience with screenwriting, and/or must have taken a course in screenwriting. For more information, contact Pamela Rodeheaver at prodeheaver@gmail.com.
FILMMAKER’S REPUBLIK
The Filmmaker’s Republik is a collective of media and film artists working to form a virtual studio in Central Virginia. This group is open to everyone interested in collaborating, especially writers who want to work on location and learn more about the process of making films. Members are encouraged to participate in shared projects, both commercial and artistic for the advancement for the group and the individual. The goal is to help members focus on their specialty (ex. screenwriting) in the filmmaking process and increase both the quality and quantity of their annual output, from pre- to post-production.
The Filmmaker’s Republik does not compromise your current work commitment! It instead allows you to realize completion of your private to-do list. As a loose union of like-minded independents, it maximizes your efforts in making films. For more information contact Brian Wimer at brian@amoebafilms.tv.
COURSES
Screenwriting – Beginning and Advanced
The University of Virginia typically offers evening courses in beginning or advanced screenwriting through its School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Currently taught by Michael Cordell, a represented, produced screenwriter living in the Charlottesville area, these courses cover all you need to know about screenwriting, from basic formatting and structure all the way through marketing and pitching your script. Mr. Cordell has over 15 years experience writing screenplays, with three scripts sold to Hollywood studios, and several others optioned. For more information about the schedule of courses please go to http://www.scps.virginia.edu.
Hollins University in Roanoke offers several classes through their MA and MFA programs in screenwriting and film studies. For more information, see http://www.hollins.edu/grad/film/events.htm.
SIX-WEEK SCREENWRITING COURSE with Helene Wagner
This informative course will teach the new screenwriter the art of writing stories for film. Topics covered will include: The Creative Process, Fictive Reality, Principles of Formatting, Writing in Images for the Screen, Dramatic Protagonist and Antagonist, Building Characters, Three Act Structure, How to Avoid Common Mistakes and How to Get an Agent. Popular films will be reviewed during classes for students to better grasp the fundamentals of screenwriting. Students will receive lots of individual attention as they write their first screenplay pages at their own pace and bring them to class.
When: Thursday Evenings from June 3rd – July 8th
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Art Works, 320 Hull St., Richmond, VA 23224
Cost: $150
Registration Deadline: By May 27th.
Method of Payment by: Credit Card, or Check
For Further Information, or to Register:
Email: Helene102@comcast.net or call 744-1718.
Helene Wagner has had six screenplays optioned by major Hollywood production companies with one cast for CBS. She worked as a Writers Guild Agent for a number of years and is also the Founder and the Director the Virginia Screenwriters’ Forum, now in its 20th year. Helene also teaches film writing courses at the University of Richmond as her schedule permits.
NETWORKING
Join the VPA and get involved! Check out the CVPA production directory and see who’s doing what in our community. Bet you never knew we had so much talent among us! There are numerous networking events where you can meet other writers, producers, directors and crew. See upcoming events.
COMPETITIONS
The Virginia Screenwriting Competition run by the Virginia Film office, and is open to Virginia residents and accepts screenplays that could be reasonably set in Virginia. Deadline for entry is May of each year with winners announced at the Virginia Film Festival. For more information, see http://film.virginia.org/for_virginians/screenwriting_comp.aspx
There are many screenwriting competitions to choose from, and the list continues to grow. For an updated list, please see http://moviebytes.com.
These resources/classes are always being expanded and updated. If you have ideas or feedback on the content of this page, please email us at: chairCVPA@filmva.com.
