1. Why should I
sign up for a workshop? Can’t I just do it on my own?
It’s true that there
are books and CD-ROMs available to take you through the steps of writing
a screenplay, in fact most of them are really wonderful. But screenwriting
is a medium of paradox. The marketplace seems to shift and change, yet there
are elements of storytelling and screenwriting that remain constant. This
workshop will help you as a writer to make decisions that will be an asset
to your work and career. This is also one of the rare workshops that focuses on the writing itself.
You will be in daily feedback groups working on your screenplay. You will
receive immediate feedback on the work you generate. You will be encouraged
to grow as a writer and to think professionally as you tackle your script.
2. What are
the actual dates of the Colonies?
Click here: Colonies 2007
3. If I want
to stay longer may I?
Absolutely, but whether
you come early or stay later, it will be your financial responsibility.
It will also be your responsibility to make those plans independent of
the Colony.
4. What if I want to take a day or two to travel to one of the near cities
for sightseeing? Will I be permitted to do so?
You are free
to come and go as you please. We do not have restrictions of any sorts
on the students who attend the Colony. We will provide the weekend off,
so that students have time to work on their writing in a focused manner, but that time can easily be used for traveling if it is your preference. The only thing we ask, is that as a courtesy you
let us know your timetable and your destination. Otherwise, we might worry
about you.
5. What is the
nearest airport?
US Colonies:
Omaha or Lincoln Airport,
Nebraska.
6. How many people
are expected to attend the Colony?
We have open
positions for twenty students. Those students will be then be assigned
to a workshop, one beginner and one advanced. So the workshops
will have 10 students each. The lecture is open to all the students and we will
meet as one group. This provides for an open forum so that we can all
benefit from questions that are asked or discussions that provide further
information and illumination. You must be flexible, because we often have visitors
to the Colony. Local writers, filmmakers and academics will often drop
in for a day or more because of our reputation. Reporters from the press
and the local T.V. news will often drop in and interview the participants
and the professors. It goes with the territory.
7. How do you decide
which workshop a student is assigned to?
The decision
is based on past history with the student, and with the writing skill
that is demonstrated on the writing sample in the application packet.
8. May I choose
the workshop I want to be in?
No.
9. What if I’m
a raw beginner and have very limited writing experience? Will I be admitted?
The point of
the Colony is to learn. Lew Hunter has vast experience
with all levels of writers. The most important thing any student can bring
to the Colony Workshop is a willingness and receptiveness to the learning
process.
10. What if I’m
an experienced or professional writer; will I feel challenged by the writing
level?
Each student
should compete against himself or herself, but the feedback will be at
a professional critique level. Our past roster of students demonstrates
that professional writers not only thrive, but often find the writing
experience a kick start to their career.
11. What if I don’t
finish my script at the Colony?
If you look
at the main page, our goal for each student is to finish a Step-Outline
(scene outline) and the first 30 pages of a script. If you go beyond that,
we’re thrilled and will encourage and support your writing. If you
don’t quite make the goal, we will work with you to see how we can
help get you on track. To be honest, it is a difficult assignment for
even the most experienced writer to complete an entire screenplay in a
two-week period. We occasionally have a writer who will complete his or
her script in that timeframe, and we are always overwhelmed and amazed
and absolutely thrilled.
12. If I finish my
script or get close to completion, what happens next?
Lew
Hunter will provide a night of open discussion and information about the
industry and how to make in-roads into the industry using this script
and future scripts as your calling card. It is scheduled on the syllabus.
13. Why do I have
to submit a script as part of the application process?
There
are two sections to the Colony and we want same-skill level people to
be grouped together when possible. We also want to know that our participants
are coming into the Colony with a high level writing ability.
14. It seems like there
are a lot of activities and social events, I’m not sure I want to participate
in all of them. I might want to spend every spare moment writing, is that
all right?
All
activities and events are optional. Even the Colony sessions and seminar
sessions are optional. You will be encouraged to participate, however,
because feedback, networking, schmoozing, and socializing with other writers
are all part of the process that will help you grow.
15. Do I have to
complete a full script?
Naturally you
will be encouraged to write the most pages possible. But it’s unrealistic
to believe that a full draft will be completed. It is our goal to have
each participant complete a step-outline and the first act (first 30 pages)
of the script.
16. I’m afraid
I’m not good enough, will I be humiliated?
First and foremost,
we are here to learn. So each writer will be encouraged and respected.
17. What if I want
to leave early? Or just take off for a weekend?
Your schedule
is up to you. Your actions are not monitored or judged. If you feel you
want to take off for a day or two, that’s absolutely fine. We would
request that you let someone know, however, so that we don’t worry
about you.
It must be said, however, that the focus of the
Colony is on writing and any illegal or illicit activities will be dealt
with by immediate expulsion from the colony without refund of payment.
You may unwind in moderation with beer or wine, but please, no hard liquor.
18. What should I bring?
A laptop. Notebook
and pencils. Paper. Casual summer clothes..or Autumn..depending on which
Colony you select. Toiletries. Swimsuit. Bug repellant. If you forget something, there are places to shop
nearby.
19. How do I sign
up?
Click onto the application,
fill it out and submit it with a writing sample.
For more information,
call Lew: (402)
879-3617
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