“SCREENPLAY IN A DAY”
Local writers learn how to take their best shot at the big screen

WAIKOLOA, HAWAI’I—If you’ve got a million-dollar idea for the next blockbuster, bring it to the 2009 Big Island Film Festival’s “Screenplay in a Day” class, Saturday, May 16 at Waikoloa Beach Resort.  Three top screenwriters, with credits from 20th Century Fox, Disney, DreamWorks, MTV, New Line Cinema, Revolution Studios and others, teach key concepts to students on all levels—even those with no writing experience—in an info-packed professional seminar 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.  

At a cost of only $40, made possible through a grant from the Hawaii County Film Commissioner’s Office and Hawaii County Department of Research & Development, students will learn fundamentals of screenwriting, such as developing a marketable story idea and structure it for Hollywood format, how to flesh out characters, make an outline, write completed scenes and produce a pragmatic business plan.

“This is an exceptional opportunity for anybody who’s even thinking about writing a screenplay,” says Leo Sears, BIFF Founder and Executive Director.  “Gregg, Brian and David have encapsulated a tremendous about of immediately useful information and technique into this seminar.  And if you come with an idea, an open mind and determination, you can literally take home the better part of a screenplay in a day.”

Advance registration is required and space is limited.  To sign up, visit www.BigIslandFilmFestival.org

About the instructors
•    Gregg Rossen & Brian Sawyer are a comedy writing team, currently developing “Model Family,” a TV pilot starring Jamie Kennedy, for 20th Century Fox Television.  Other projects include “The Revenge of the Red Balloon,” and Pixar’s 20th Anniversary Special for ABC.  
•    David C. Garrett co-wrote "Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo" starring Rob Schneider and produced by Adam Sandler, and “Corky Romano” starring Chris Kattan.  For TV, he has written episodes of “Living with Fran” and “Malcolm and Eddie,” and is working on a reality TV project for MTV called “I've Never" and "Citizen's Arrest" for the USA Network.

About the class: 

A wide range of topics will be covered in a short time, including both creative and business aspects of screenwriting, such as:
•    Creating a marketable high-concept (drama, comedy and horror)
•    Three act structure
•    Developing non-cliché dialogue
•    Drawing on your own life for story ideas
•    Step-by-step guide for going from the blank page to a completed script
•    Fighting fear and writer’s block
•    How to pitch your script to studios and networks
•    What to avoid when doing a deal

The Big Island “Talk Story” Film Festival takes place May 14-17, 2009 at Waikoloa Beach Resort, celebrating narrative filmmaking with international features and shorts, Actor and Filmmaker Salutes, Filmmaker Panels, Awards Brunch and social opportunities for networking and making new friends in film.  There’s also a very special silent auction to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.  Movies, special events, Hawaiian culture and music, all embraced by the spirit of Aloha, help the Big Island Film Festival grow into a premier event to share with the world.

For tickets to all events and further information visit www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com or call 808-883-0394.

To read our interviews with Leo Sears, founder of the BIFF, please see:

Big Island Film Festival - an Interview with the Founder, Leo W. Sears

and 

Update on the 2008 Big Island Film Festival