Begins Tuesday, September 30th, 2025

Class will meet weekly via Zoom on Tuesdays from 7pm - 10pm Eastern Standard Time (4pm-7pm Pacific)

Any questions about this class? Use the Chat Button (lower left) to talk with us. 

Instructor Heather Turman is a screenwriter and script consultant with over fifteen years of experience. She got her professional start as a sketch writer for the CBS Diversity Showcase and wrote and sold her first screenplay "The Catch" to Principle Entertainment. She also penned the indie comedy "Stuck," which stars Heather Matarazzo (The Princess Diaries, Welcome to the Dollhouse), Joel McHale (Community, Animal Control), Chris Redd (SNL) and Brian Jordan Alvarez (The English Teacher) and can be found on Amazon. She has spent the last 8 years working as a freelance script consultant and script doctor, offering coverage, one-on-one consults, punch-ups and ghostwriting services to clients across the globe. Through this work she has realized that she has a real talent for not only helping other writers improve their stories, but teaching them more deeply about the craft of screenwriting as well. Her students have gone on to place in and win major awards and festivals (SXSW, The PAGE Awards, ScreenCraft, Scriptapalooza, etc) and several have landed representation.

Read an Interview with Heather Turman on Mastering Screenplay Structure and Finding Freedom in the Rewrite.

This course is for experienced and aspiring screenwriters alike who wish to master screenplay sequencing structure and outline their latest feature film idea. Writers of all levels will find value in this course.

Over 8 weeks, students will learn to master the art of screenplay structure and utilize it to outline their entire feature film concept and even write the First Act.

We begin by breaking down well-known films and screenplays so writers can see firsthand how sequences and beats are effectively implemented. Through discussion each student will share their film idea and we will work as a group to parse out the necessary story elements and structural beats to ensure it satisfies the standard framework of a screenplay.

Each week's class will focus on constructing one sequence of their story and by the end each student will have a completed 8-sequence outline and draft of their First Act.

*Students can expect to turn a basic story concept into a complete outline (plus First Act!) for a feature film screenplay.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Class discussion is a primary element of the course, and instructor feedback will be featured in all discussions. Additionally, Heather will make herself available to students via email so they can contact her with questions she isn't able to answer in class.

Week 1: Structure/Beating Out a Screenplay. As a class, we will view clips of well-known films and read pages of well-known scripts to ‘beat out’ the story as a group, highlighting the necessary beats and where each fits within the framework of screenplay structure. We will also look closely at protagonists, character flaws and internal versus external conflicts.

Week 2: Breaking Story, Characters and Themes. Each student will share their basic idea for a screenplay and together we will parse out the relevant story details, main characters and underlying emotional themes. 

Week 3: Sequence 1 and 2 (aka, Act I). As a class we will watch clips of well-known films and delve deep into how the First Act was crafted. We will then discuss and help shape each student’s First Act beats. This class will also focus on establishing a protagonist’s “want” as well as their “flaw.”

Week 4: Sequence 3 and 4 (aka, Act 2A). As a class we will watch clips of well-known films and discuss how the first half of the Second Act was executed. We will then go through each student’s project and help craft these sequences in their scripts. This class will extensively cover elements like Rising Action and crafting worthy antagonists/obstacles.

Week 5: Sequence 5 and 6 (aka, Act 2B). As a class we will watch clips of well-known films and discuss how the second half of the Second Act was implemented. We will then go through each student’s project and help them mine these sequences. This class will look closely at internal and external Stakes, the ‘Dark Night of the Soul’ moment, and the turning point for a protagonist as we Break Into Act 3.

Week 6: Sequence 7 and 8 (aka, Act 3). As a class we will watch clips of well-known films and discuss how the Third (and final) Act was crafted. We will then go through each student’s project and help them hone these sequences. This class will dissect the protagonist’s final choice and how it factors into their overall arc and transformation. *Homework: Finish Outline and share with class to read before next session*

Week 7: Refine Outlines and Writing the First Act. As a class we will go through each student’s project and offer input to help refine their completed outlines (which were shared and read prior to this class meeting). We will then journey back to the First Act to more deeply dissect the beats so students can write a draft of their First Act. *Homework: Write First Act and share with class to read before next session* 

Week 8: Sharing and Refining the First Act. As a class we will discuss and offer input on each student’s First Act (which were shared and read prior to this class meeting). We will also do a live table-read of one student’s script as an exercise in sharpening dialogue and voice, and allowing writers a chance to hear their characters out loud.

COURSE TAKEAWAYS:

• Students will learn how to properly and effectively 'beat out' their story ideas.
• Students will learn the ins and outs of screenplay structure. 
• Students will learn how to develop worthy protagonists.
• Students will walk away from this course with a deep understanding of the craft of screenwriting. 
• Students will finish the course with a full-outline for a feature screenplay as well a completed draft of their First Act.

TESTIMONIALS:

"Heather was extremely thorough and her notes were actionable and helpful. It was clear that she read the script very carefully, and gave very thoughtful feedback. I would definitely use her again." - Joe Tyler Gold

"Heather was professional and her notes were exceptionally helpful. Often we writers can't "see" our own flaws and need someone to point out things that aren't working. Not only did she pinpoint my weaknesses, but offered great suggestions and examples where I could make improvement with precision and detail. An exceptional value and I look forward to working with her in the future!" - Remark Studios

"Heather is the best. It's honestly insane she only charges what she does to review a feature length script. If you're reading this, don't think twice, it's worth the money and some." - Jess Mastro

"Exceptional and insightful. When working with Heather, you know that you’re dealing with someone who wants your project to succeed and will give you the advice of how to move it up to the next level." - Warren Bouchier

"I always come to her for my scripts and I now feel confident I can get my current project into a good state. She always pulls through whenever I ask her for something. Couldn't recommend her enough!" - Kevin Thompson

"Awesome notes, quick turnaround, very smart and eloquent thoughts. She got me very excited to tackle the next draft and everything she said was clear and actionable. Thanks so much Heather." - Randy Kiyan

"Heather was nothing short of amazing!!! Not only did she understand everything I was trying to do, but elevated my vision to provide that 10,000 foot view, which let me see exactly what I needed to do to elevate my script to a much higher level. Heather is absolutely great and I will absolutely be hiring her again... and again..." - Thomas T.

"Heather is so wonderful! She always offers intelligent, detailed notes that really help my scripts develop and get to the next level. Heather is my secret sauce for creating better scripts!" - Melissa Dimetres

ONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:

This class meets weekly via Zoom. Come prepared for a super fun class with live interaction on Zoom each week and plenty of writing, reading, and talking.

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

• Instructor: Heather Turman
• Begins Tuesday, September 30th, 2025
  
• Class will meet weekly via Zoom on Tuesdays from 7pm - 10pm Eastern Standard Time (4pm-7pm Pacific)
• Tuition is $595 USD.