Storytelling for the Screen: A Writers' Intensive

Instructor: Cody Smart
Dates: July 31 – August 2
Location: The MAH – Museum of Art & History, Santa Cruz

• Introductions
• Clear central conflict & stakes
• Active protagonist that drives the action, has a core wound to overcome, and a clear goal/journey
• Character and story structure connected by the emotional arc and journey of the protagonist

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Class Exercise:
A close look at a selected script, and how we'd rework the protagonist/antagonist to craft a more compelling central conflict and journey for the protagonist.

The whole class gets to pitch their idea for their 3–5 minute short film.

• Supporting characters & subplots linked by theme
• Writing memorable characters
• Escalating conflict, obstacles, stakes & drama
• Elevating and layering each scene to move the story forward

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Class Exercise:
A close look at a selected script to elevate and layer scenes.

Split into groups and workshop everyone's short-film ideas/scripts.

6:00pm DINNER at SCFF President's House - casual gathering for attendees and a few notable industry creatives.

• Dialogue, banter, exposition, and the use of subtext
• Elevating the action/description and showcasing your voice as a writer
• Marketing Your Script – Strategies for Writers to Get Noticed

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Class Exercise:
A close look at a selected script to elevate dialogue, exposition, and banter.

Split into groups and workshop/put the finishing touches on everyone's short-film ideas.

Write It. Pitch It. See It Come To Life.

Info: 3-DAY SCREENWRITING WORKSHOP:
Santa Cruz Film Festival | July 31–August 2 | The MAH, Santa Cruz
Instructor: Cody Smart
Join us for an immersive three-day workshop designed to elevate your screenwriting craft. Through lectures, script analysis, hands-on exercises, and group workshops, you'll explore character development, story structure, conflict, dialogue, emotional stakes, subtext, and strategies for getting your work noticed.
Participants will develop a 3–5 minute, one-location short film concept, pitch their ideas, and receive professional feedback throughout the weekend. Workshops include script breakdowns, scene development, character arcs, dialogue refinement, and collaborative peer review sessions.
The workshop concludes with final pitches, script polish, and closing remarks—equipping writers with practical tools to strengthen their stories and move their projects forward.
Write it. Pitch it. See it come to life.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front Street, Santa Cruz, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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