Script DC

Women in Film & Video DC ⟩ Script DC

We know you have a film you want to make, but you may not be sure of where to start. We can help. November 15-17, 2024 we are featuring in-person two-day master classes as well as individual workshops to move your project forward. Class size is limited to allow for engagement and project feedback. ScriptDC is the premier conference for Mid-Atlantic filmmakers where writers, directors, producers, editors, and talent connect with accomplished industry professionals. All programs will be held at the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Public Library, 901 G Street NW, Washington, DC.

To choose a two-day master classes OR up to four of the individual workshops, use the Member or Public Registration choices. Register here. Since the Production Assistant Training will be held on Friday evening and all-day Saturday, use that registration option. Registration closes at 5:00 pm on Monday, November 11, 2024.

Production Assistant Training (Friday 5:00-8:00 pm/All Day Saturday) Limited to 20 Participants
PART 1: “Before I Get to Set, What Do I Need to Know?” (Friday 5:00-8:00 pm)
We’ll demystify what it means to be a Production Assistant in the DMV area, show you how to find local gigs, secure your first job, and navigate the nuts and bolts of getting paid. You’ll also learn how to step onto a film set for the first time with confidence, fully prepared.

PART 2: “I’ve Arrived On Set, Now What?” (All Day Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Discover what it’s like to collaborate with crew members as a Production Assistant. This is your chance to learn about the essential daily tasks that keep a set moving, the tools a PA needs, production etiquette, on-set safety, and much more. You’ll spend the afternoon guided by industry experts through a simulated film set experience designed to prepare you for your first real gig.

Two-day Master Classes and Speakers (All Day Saturday AND Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm)

1) Character Development with Marilyn R. Atlas featuring Dating Your Character and Dirtying Your Character, writing, and feedback sessions

2) Directing Actors and Directing Through the Lens with Connie St. John and Anne Saul featuring on-set experiences on Sunday

Individual Workshops

1) The ABCs of Producing Documentary with Nina Gilden Seavey (Saturday 10:00 am-12:30 pm) Includes a copy of her new book, The Documentary Filmmaker’s Workbook

2) Color Correction in DaVinci Resolve with Matt McDonell (Saturday 2:00-5:00 pm)

3) Having a Special Effects Strategy with Robert Lodge (Sunday 10:00 am-12:30 pm)

4) Sound Supporting Story with Kevin Hill and Jaime Horrigan, Studio Unknown (Sunday 2:00-5:00 pm)

Speaker Bios here. Course Descriptions here.

What is Included in Your Registration? In addition to the master class and/or workshops you are registering for, you are invited to attend the Media Mixer and 2nd Short Screenplay Competition on Friday evening, November 15. The Mixer starts at 5:30 pm and the Competition starts at 6:30 pm. Bring your lunch on Saturday or Sunday or visit neighborhood restaurants (we will provide a list of restaurants at check-in). Coffee will be provided each morning. Please bring your own water bottle!

During the lunch breaks we will be screening short films developed during the WIFV 45th Anniversary Filmmaker Challenge starring Barbie. Barbie, the star of them films, is courtesy of Play It Forward: Mattel!

Registration Fees
Two-Day Master Classes OR Two-Day Mix of Sessions:
$250 – WIFV Members
$300 – Public
$200 – Student

Production Assistant Training OR One-Day Master Class:
$150 – WIFV Members
$175 – Public

Individual (2.5 hour) Workshop:
$100 – WIFV Members
$125 – Public

In the months following the in-person master classes in November we will be featuring webinars on a variety of topics of interest to your full producing and post team.

ScriptDC 2024 is supported in part by the National Endowment of the Arts, Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment, The Maryland Film Office, Virginia Film Office, and Blackmagic Design.

Past ScriptDC speakers have included Joan Darling, Laurie Scheer, Rosanne Welch PhD, Pilar Alessandra, Dara Marks PhD, Dave Trottier, Alice Wu, Meg LeFauve, Lindsay Doran, Final Draft, Marilyn Atlas, Laurie Scheer, SeriesFest Writers, Ellen Sandler, Ligiah Villalobos, Paul Reuhl, Karyn Folan, Deborah Riley Draper, Nina Gilden Seavey, Peter Hamilton, Mike Garrity, Yi Chen, Marga Varea, Charlie Crocker, Kate Pearson, Ann Zamudio, Catherine Hand, Joanne Butcher, Catherine Hardwicke, Luke Barnett, Megan Holley, May Santiago, Harold Jackson III, Leslie Combermale, Ann Hornaday, Ari Pinchot, Dan Solomon, HaJ, Maureen Ryan, Annika Young, Kyle David Crosby, Michelle Remson, Claudia Myers, Julie Lynn, Michelle Mower, Emily Best, Steve David-Craig, Amy Oden, Michelle Alexandra, Mike Kravinsky, Jamie Coughlin, Kurt Klaus, Lance Kramer, Emma E. Hickox ACE, Eduardo Sanchez, Jane Fleming, Anne Fletcher, Barbara Ballow, Susan Hormuth, Aviva Kempner, Monica Lee Bellais, Sandra Lea Abrams, Lily Kleinman, Kaitlyn Cortes, and DeShauna Spencer.

Testimonials!

“Here’s what I know about ScriptDC: I won’t miss it ever again! ScriptDC is on my list of development opportunities permanently.” Jen Whiting

“I figured out how to sell my screenplay. A great learning experience!!!” Brian Streaty

“I am always amazed at how you gather such high-quality presenters and create such a warm, welcoming atmosphere for everyone from beginners to the very experienced.” Shoshana Rosenbaum

“I had such a fun time this weekend being a panelist. Thank you for organizing a great event and including me on the panels. It was like being on American Idol for screenplay writers.” Jonathan Stein

“Thank you for putting on such a wonderfully helpful conference…Hearing Joan Darling comment on my screenplay is one of the highlights of my life. Thank you for making that possible.” Renee Tynan

“You make a big difference in many people’s lives, I just wanted you to know that we thank you and appreciate you. Again, I can’t thank you enough.” Maureen Sasscer