Speaker: Tom Vaughan, Partner
UV Pictures

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University of Houston - University Center
4800 Calhoun
Houston TX 77004
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Phone: (832) 615-8495
Fax: (832) 615-8495

Details for "Story and Plot: Structure - Screenwriting Workshop"

This screenwriting class is unique in how it focuses on the difference between story and plot, and how each affects the most important aspect of feature-length storytelling: the structure. The class was designed in response to the consistent confusion of new screenwriters who were unable to successfully implement story structure in a way that actually improved their scripts.

Story is the why, and structure is the how. Structure is the building block you start with, and it is the guide you rewrite with. Structure is not formula. Structure is your loyal assistant that helps you tell your story. It doesn�t limit you, it liberates you to focus on what rally matters.

Because so much of the screenwriting literature focuses on what Hollywood readers are allegedly looking for, structure is often poorly taught. A student may know what a First Act is, but they may not know what it's specifically for (it's not to "set-up" the story). They may think they know what a Third Act is, but they may not know it's actually the 4th act, or even how it directly relates to the First Act, or even what specifically defines a Third Act, or why Third Acts, by their nature, always move faster than any other act.

How should a sub-plot be structured out within the main story?

How does your plot affect your structure compared to how your story affects your structure?

Why is theme the most over-rated and useless concept in story telling?

How do you let go of your ego and just tell the story? (This is usually the biggest breakthrough with a writer, something they can often take back as their career progresses!)

The class will will not only improve your ability to structure out your story before you start writing, it will allow you to see structure for what is: your greatest friend and ally. Structure is not a burden, but a liberator that allows you to focus on telling your story. No matter what your previous training in structure, this class will help you take it to the next level.

Speaker Tom Vaughan

Tom Vaughan studied at the University of Houston with Broadway legend Jose Quintero and three-time Pulitzer Prize winner Edward Albee. He began his professional career as the Artistic Director of the short lived but critically acclaimed West-Mon Repertory Theatre in Houston. It was his work there as a writer and director that got him recognized by Hollywood.
He was soon writing screenplays for, among others, Phoenix Pictures, Spelling Films, Rysher Entertainment, TNT, MTV Films, Castle Rock Entertainmen, Sony Pictures and Warner Brothers. Most recently he wrote THE ORIGINAL, a suspense thriller for Disney/Touchstone.

His productions include BLACKOUT with Jane Seymour for CBS, and CRITICAL ASSEMBLY with Katherine Heigl (Grey's Anatomy, Knocked up) for NBC. He served as writer as well as Co-Producer on ATOMIC TWISTER with Sharon Lawrence and DEAD IN A HEARTBEAT with Penelope Anne Miller and Judge Reinhold, both for TBS. His feature film debut was UNSTOPPABLE, starring Wesley Snipes. His script, BRONWYN & CLYDE, which he co-wrote with Kris Dobkin, was recently set-up at Essential Entertainment. UV Pictures, his partnership with Chris Uettwiller, is producting with Dolly Hall. It is targeted for $30 million production next year with Barry Sonnenfeld (Get Shorty, Men In Black) directing. Tom is fighting hard to have it filmed in Houston.

Since returning to Houston he has dedicated himself to small organizations aimed at expanding Houston�s theatre and film community.

He has been teaching screenwriting for five years and finds it as gratifying as actually practicing it.

We were unable to register you for this event as the event deadline has passed or the maximum number of seats available has been reached.

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