MEETINGS WITH LITERARY AGENTS & MANAGERS
Close Encounter Class (limited enrollment)
Mobile Class
Former APRIL 23-25, 2007 (Sold Out)
Congratulations for two of our students for getting management representation and please send us your success stories.
Last year, we had over 17 literary agents and managers including ICM, Endeavor, William Morris, Innovative, Paradigm, Summit, Marty Blumenthal, Paul Levine, Marc Pritchard, Neal Stevens, David Warden, Suite A Entertainment and more. For example, Brian Sher from ICM represents the writer for Hitch and many more million-dollar+ spec scripts writers and spoke last year.
This year's event includes William Morris, Paradigm, Gersh, David Warden, Ken Sherman, Jeff Graup from Graup Entertainment, Stuart Berton, Dina of Bicoastal Agency, Deborah Masterson (WorkingArtist Mmgt Company), Chris Ryan (Inside Entertainment), Michele Wallerstein, Victoria Wisdom, Lou Pitt Company, Steve Crawford (Nine Yards Mgmt), Adam Finer (Arpil Entertainment), Barbara Alexander (Media Artist Group), Jon Brown (Ensemble), ICM, Creative Convergence, and several others have confirmed.
Many students gain representation from this class or had their scripts optioned.
Other optional weekend activities include Memorabilia Show on Friday in Burbank ($15) and the UCLA Book Fair on Saturday or Sunday in Westwood.
MEETINGS WITH LITERARY AGENTS & MANAGERS
Close Encounter Class (limited enrollment)
Mobile Class
APRIL 22-24, 2008 SOLD OUT
Locations: Century City, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica
9 am to 5 pm
(Please leave evenings open for possible dinner meetings;
Tuesday evening is a planned dinner meeting
)
Congratulations for two of our 2008 students for getting management representation and please send us your success stories.
BACKGROUND
Most writers would be fortunate enough just to get even one agent on the phone to talk about anything, due to the foreboding wall of gatekeepers, but with Sherwood Oaks, students get an opportunity to meet numerous agents and manager. This is an event that is very special and is not available anywhere else. The goal of this class is to obliterate that wall and provide extraordinary access to as many agents, managers, and attorneys as possible in a very short number of days.
And of course since all writers will get an opportunity to talk to each and every guest and give them material, there is always the possibility of gaining representation through a connection made during the sessions although it usually takes years and several classes before a connection is made. What we can guarantee is that this class will be of great assistance in eventually finding representation. Every class, at least one to two students gain representation.
Sherwood Oaks is a unique school that allows students to give agents, managers and attorneys material. Most schools, seminars, expos will abhor any of their students from giving any material to a professional guest since they are afraid of driving away guests and not having them come back. Sherwood Oaks encourages students to give one sheets to guests.
GUESTS
This year we have commitments from the top players including CAA, ICM, William Morris, Endeavor, Paradigm, Above the Line, Ensemble and many more. It will be an outstanding seminar.
Last year's event includes William Morris, Paradigm, Gersh, David Warden, Ken Sherman, Jeff Graup from Graup Entertainment, Stuart Berton, Dina of Bicoastal Agency, Deborah Masterson (WorkingArtist Mmgt Company), Chris Ryan (Inside Entertainment), Michele Wallerstein, Victoria Wisdom, Lou Pitt Company, Steve Crawford (Nine Yards Mgmt), Adam Finer (Arpil Entertainment), Barbara Alexander (Media Artist Group), Jon Brown (Ensemble), ICM, Creative Convergence, and several others were invited.
Two years ago , we had over 17 literary agents and managers including ICM, Endeavor, William Morris, Innovative, Paradigm, Summit, Marty Blumenthal, Paul Levine, Marc Pritchard, Neal Stevens, David Warden, Suite A Entertainment and more. For example, Brian Sher from ICM represents the writer for Hitch and many more million-dollar+ spec scripts writers and spoke two years ago.
This year, we are inviting several representatives from the large firm including CAA, ICM, UTA, and Endeavor along with the middle sized firms of Gersh, Paradigm, and Metropolitan. In addition, we will invite Sherwood Oaks favorite agents and attorneys including Ken Sherman, David Warden, Michael Lewis, Micth Stein, Paul Levine and others. Managers are typically the most open to new writers and invest more time and energy into their careers. We will be inviting management companies such as Kaplan-Perone, Evolution, Underground Circle of Confusion, Tammy Lynn, It Company, Stephanie Hurkos, Darryl Marshak (Sherwood Oaks alumni), Betina Viviano, Neal Stevens, and many more.
Many students gain representation from this class or had their scripts optioned.
Pre-Planning Meeting
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
7000 Hollywood Blvd in upper lobby
Monday, April 21st 6:30 pm
Tuesday to Thursday, April 22 to 24
Cyber Cafe at 9 am
7080 Hollywood Blvd (cross-street: LaBrea)
Dinner meeting planned for Tuesday, April 22, 2008
If you drive: Athena Parking lot (about a block away from CyberCafe) at 7060 Hollywood but entry on Sycamore where you can pay $5 to leave your car and we can carpool from there.
If you are from out-of-town, we recommend the Orchid Suites and you can walk to CyberCafe and not necessary to rent a car. You can use a shuttle to get to the hotel from the airport.
Optional Day for Enrolled Students
Friday, April 25
Memorabilia Show at Burbank Marriot Hotel
2500 Hollywood Way (near Burbank Airport)
Meet celebrities - $15 extra fee
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Sessions on a Studio Lot
(Top Producers and more)
JUNE 25-26 (Monday and Tuesday)
June 29-30 (optional days)
Meet with studio companies and indy producers in this potentially life-changing class.
In order to get your project made, you must find someone who will champion it. During these fast-paced two days, we will present our students with the opportunity to meet and impress studio-based producers and development executives, as well as independent producers who go out and find their own funds. You will learn tricks of the trade in a small setting. In addition, we may have a few special guests such as Mark Fergus who is the academy award nominee writer of Children of Men, writer/director of First Snow, and writer of Iron Man.
Guests will be chosen from the companies of Jack Black, Neil Labute, Dreamworks, Marc Platt Productions, Shutt-Jones Films, Thom Mount Productions, Gary Ross Company, Tom Shadyac, Robert Zemeckis, Focus Features, Nina Jacobs Productions (former Pres of Disney), Barry Mandel Productions, and several other independent companies. Suzanne Lyons of Windchill Films (Jericho Mansions with James Caan)and Dana Lustig who was the producer of Brick have confirmed their attendance. Guests are subject to availability. We have a guest list.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Universal Studios. There will be a special event on June 26 at the Universal Hilton Hotel included.
Friday and Saturday is LA Film Festival. (optional)
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Executives of Companies
Close Encounter Class (limited enrollment, 15 students)
July 18 to 20, 2007
Thank you for all those that attended. We had 20 great guests and several students have received call backs already. Thanks for all the great comments that we received from students.
Meet numerous heads of production and studio companies. The list of executives will include vice-presidents, presidents, CEOs, and major executives. Increase your knowledge and network. Past guests include the presidents of Disney, Sony, Warners, Revolution, Daybreak, Frank Marshall, Mike Medavoy, Larry Mark, Doug Wick and Bill Mechanic. Last year, the heads of Sony (Amy Pascal, Pres, and Jeff Blake, VP of Mktg), Academy Award President (Sid Gannis) and many other company executives attended.
Invited guests this year include Saturn Films (Nicolas Cage's company), Arthur Sarkissian (Rush Hour), George Litto (President, Litto Entertainment), Martin Guigui (President, Sunset Pictures), Deborah Del Prete (President, Odd Lot), Henry Jaglom (Director/Producer), Stone Village Entertainment, Gary Goldstein (Producer), Peter Rice (President, Fox Searchlight), Jim Gianopoulos (President, Fox), Robert Harper (President, Regency), Anne Kopelson (President, Kopelson Entertainment), Davis Entertainment, Scott Kroopf (Intermedia President), David Madden (President, Fox TV), Radar Entertainment, Jerry Weintraub Productions, Hunt Lowry, Lionel Wigram (The Good German, Harry Potter), Alcon, and more depending on their availability. We will also have the writer of Hitch, Kevin Bisch attend. Guests are subject to availability.
Optional events include Memorabilia Show and Writer's Guild Award Craft's Day on Saturday, July 21 with celebrity writers (last year's highlights).
This class gives a rare inside look at what is important to film and TV executives as they reveal how they make decisions and allows a writer or filmmaker to gleam insight as to how to break into the industry or develop a stronger foothold in their current career. Plus, the class is small enough that questions can be asked and new connections will likely be developed. Also, we will choose from both top executives of high-budget to low-budget films meaning that they are open to new writers.
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Actors at a Studio
Close Encounter Class (limited to 15 students)
(Special focus on Actors)
Postponed
Especially for actors where you attend a studio. Bring in a casting director, a TV or Film Director, and several producers.
Only $75
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Executive Class
August 20 to 22, 2008
Close Encounter Class (limited enrollment, 20 students)
Locations: Santa Monica, Sony Studios, West Hollywood
Meet numerous heads of production and studio companies. The list of executives will include vice-presidents, presidents, CEOs, and major executives. Increase your knowledge and network. Past guests include the presidents of Disney, Sony, Warners, Revolution, Daybreak, Frank Marshall, Mike Medavoy, Larry Mark, Doug Wick and Bill Mechanic. Last year, the heads of Sony (Amy Pascal, Pres, and Jeff Blake, VP of Mktg), Academy Award President (Sid Gannis) and many other company executives attended.
This class gives a rare inside look at what is important to film and TV executives as they reveal how they make decisions and allows a writer or filmmaker to gleam insight as to how to break into the industry or develop a stronger foothold in their current career. Plus, the class is small enough that questions can be asked and new connections will likely be developed. Also, we will choose from both top executives of high-budget to low-budget films meaning that they are open to new writers.
In the past, we had such speakers as the President of Warner Bros, Vice President of Warner Bros, President of Weed Road, VP of Warners Independent, VP of Thunder Road, VP of Flower Films, VP of Village Road Show, CEO of Relativity Media, Co-owner of Esparaza-Katz, Film Director, Harold Becker, Co-owner Bona Fide, President of Carol Baum Films, President of Adam Field Films and more.
We just finished our sold-out executive class in June 2008 that included the following guests: WideAwake Films, President of Hand Picked Films (Catch Me if You Can, I-Robot), producer of Father of the Bride, president of Sunset Films, President of Stone Village, president of Code Entertainment, President of the Film Department, Executive VP of Warner Bros, VP of HD Films, DeLine Pictures executive and several more. We plan to have a similar line-up in August.
We have 5 Sony executives confirmed and will be on the Sony lot. We also have the following executives confirmed including Brian Sher (Hitch) and ranked as Top 100 Hollywood people to watch; Brian Avery, executive at Bob Yari Film; Arthur Sarkissian, independent executives confirmed including presidents of Bossa Nova (The Chosen One), Windchill Films, Imagination 9 and several favorites including Victoria Wisdom and Michael Donaldson and many more.
This year our studio focus is Sony Studios. In the past, we have had both the President and VP of Sony as well as numerous executives from Sony production companies attend.
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THE TV EXPERIENCE
(DRAMA /COMEDY/ REALITY)
2007 SAMPLE LISTING
September 14 to 15 (Section 1)
September 17 to 18
(Section 2)
Why TV? Residuals. Besides, writers call the shots in TV and often become executive producers. You get a regular salary that can last years verus months in film. You can make a TV movie or series within months vs. film which takes years. Although the fame is in film, the money is in TV. With cable TV, there are more opportunities for writers and filmmakers. Learn how you can excel your career and get into TV. Many writers, directors, and actors are easily switching between TV and film.
Our yearly TV studio program is being opened to a larger audience, making it more affordable but still keep the networking opportunities available. The seminar will involve guest showrunners, agents, network
executives and opportunity to attend The Emmys. We expect to visit
Universal, Warner Bros, Paramount, Raleigh, ABC, NBC, CBS, and HBO.
We plan to have extra events that took place at the February Film All Access Weekend such as the cocktail party, pitching, and lunches with industry people (that sold out).
TV guests include producers, directors, actors, writers from Closer, Nip Tuck, Brothers and Sisters, the Office, Desperate Housewives, ER, CSI, Smallville, Ugly Betty, Dancing with the Stars, The Boondocks, 24, Entourage, Friday Night Lights, Heroes, Ghost Whisperer, John Wells Production, and more. We have tentative commitments from many of these shows already.
See the TV Experience for more information.
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THE TV EXPERIENCE
(Drama /Comedy/ Reality)
September 18 & 19, 2008
(2 Action Packed Days)
Thursday & Friday
9 am to 6 pm
Close Encounter Class - Limited to 15 students
Meeting at CyberCafe in LaBrea/Hollywood at 9 am on Thursday
Why TV? Residuals. Besides, writers call the shots in TV and often become executive producers. You get a regular salary that can last years verus months in film. You can make a TV movie or series within months vs. film which takes years. Although the fame is in film, the money is in TV. With cable TV, there are more opportunities for writers and filmmakers. Learn how you can excel your career and get into TV. Many writers, directors, and actors are easily switching between TV and film.
Our yearly TV studio program is being kept to a smaller audience to keep the networking opportunities available. The seminar will involve guest showrunners, agents, and network executives. In the past, we have visited Universal, Paramount, Raleigh, NBC, CBS, Sony and/or HBO.
This year we plan to visit
NBC, Warner Bros, ABC, and Disney studios.
Film Classes
Prepare for Expo 2008
Post-Screenwriting Expo 2007
October 29 to 31st
(Monday to Wednesday)
Beverly Hills, CA
Location
Crowne Plaza Hotel
1150 S. Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, California
9 to 5 pm
Over 35 guests over 3 days!
The Screenwriting Expo 6 dates are October 25 to 28, 2007
in Los Angeles near the airport (Marriott hotel) and Gary Shusett, director of Sherwood Oaks will teach fourl classes at the Expo including Feedback from a Film Producer, Feedback from a Literary Agent or Manager, Instant Logline, and Dramatically Raising Your Chance of Becoming a Successful Writer or Filmmaker.
Ten guests are guaranteed per day. We will invite at least 15 guests per day but never sure how many will attend due to their hectic Hollywood schedules.
After the Expo, Sherwood Oaks will have 3 classes immediately following:
Making and Selling Independent Films - Learn and expand your network and possibly find a producer who may be able to procure elements or financing for your movie. Confirmed guests will be selected from Dana Lustig, Devorah Cutler, Rona Edwards, Monika Skerbelis, Jessica Russell, Ryan Johnston, Chuck Simon, Peter Hoffman, Suzanne Lyons and many more. Rona Edwards and Monika Skerbelis has published the acclaimed book, "I Liked It, Didn't Love It" and can find out more information on developing new ideas for screenplay development at www.esentertainment.net. The day consists of two panels and time between to talk to guests. Also, following the panels, there will break out sessions at tables where students can receive a 1:10 ratio with film professionals to increase your knowledge and network.
There are 18 guests invited so the networking will excellent.
Over 16 guests showed up at the event with one speaker per 4 students.
These people are open to new writers. This class will be the biggest bang for the buck for those who want to make a low budget movie which is how nearly every person in Hollywood starts their career and how many make a good living during a 20-year Hollywood career.
FREE pitching feedback seminar to prepare for Monday and Tuesday for all those enrolled in this class.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Pitching
and Networking with Literary Managers - For an emerging screenwriter, obtaining a manager is much easier and usually more beneficial. Managers tend to build your long-term career. Some students will be chosen to give pitches out loud to the panel. There will be approximately 12 to 18 managers including invited guests such as Sheree Guitar, Benderspink, Circle of Confusion, and Underground. Confirmed guests will be selected from Darryl Marshack, Sheri Guitar, Marc Pritcher, Steve Gates, Neal Stevens, Stephany Hurkos, Marilyn Atlas, Linda Wright, Peter Giani, Brad Kusher, Phillipa Burgess, Anita Hellegstrom, Deborah Mason, Tom Demko, Victoria Wisdom and more. Victoria Wisdom will end the day with a presentation.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Past Guests
Alcon (Insomnia)
Atlas (Batman Begins)
Code (50 First Dates)
David Friendly (Little Miss Sunshine)
Emmett/Furla (88 Minutes)
Signey Kimmel (United 93)
Yari Film Group (Crash)
Groundswell (The Illusionist)
Sydney Kimmel (United 93)
Lighthouse (The Last Mimzy)
Mandate (Stranger Than Fiction)
Persisent (Southland Tales)
Stone VillagePictures (The Human Stain)
Village Road Show (Get Smart)
Yari Film Group (Crash)
Michael Birnbaum (LastSeduction)
Doug Claybourne (Mask Of Zorro)
David Permut (Face Off)
Agents, Managers, & Attorneys and
Film Producers & Executives Sessions
Saturday and Sunday, July 19 to 20
9 am - 5 pm
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Beverly Hills
Limited to 60 students
Registration begins at 9 am
Class begins at 9:30 am
Over 20 guests in one weekend!
Saturday, July 19, 2008 Agent, Manager & Attorney Class
(Every agent class has sold out for the last 3 years, sign up now)
A rare opportunity to give a sample of your material over 10 literary agents or managers or attorneys in one day. Every agent, manager, and attorney class sells out at Sherwood Oaks and good reason. Several students get representation and many get writing assignments, can you be next?
This one day class covers a brief introductory panel followed by the main section which one guest discussing their relationship with you, a writer or filmmaker at the ratio of 1 guest to 9 students at a roundtable. Then, we switch several times and the guests rotate to different tables. This way you get an opportunity to meet several guests.
During lunch, you get an opportunity to eat lunch on a casual basis with the guest and get an opportunity to strengthen the relationship that you started at the table.
In terms of the Agent, Manager and Attorney class, the following guests have participated in the past including: William Morris, Gersh, CAA, ICM, Paradigm, Gersh, APA, Innocative, UTA, David Warden, Ken Sherman, Attorney Eric Weissman and we are inviting others as well.
Confirmed guests include: Eric Weissman, Jonathan Handel, Lloyd Robinson, David Warden, Ed Blau, Michael Hamilburg, Michael Cushman, Stephen Gates (Evolution Management), Adam Finer (Arpil Entertainment), Marilyn Atlas, Sheree Guitar, Tom Demko (Bauer Company), and Max Freedman. A many more have indicated their interest.
As in most of Sherwood Oaks classes, most guests are open to taking writing samples even if you do not have representation.
Sunday, July 20, 2008 Producers and Film Executives
Many writers and filmmakers maintain that it is difficult to impossible to get past the gatekeepers. But on this day, you meet numerous producers and executives. This class will start as a panel and then move to smaller groups where interaction and connections will happen. We look for producers who are open to new writers.
Confirmed guests include:
Barney Cohen (Sabrina the Teenage Witch)
Jeff Dowd (Kissing Jessica Stein)
Devorah Cutler-Rubinstein (The Substitute)
Mark Mahon (Strength and Honor)
John Fogel
Scott Rubinstein
Susan Johnston
Ilyssa Goodman (A Cinderella Story)
Dahlia Waingort (Cattle Call)
Chuck Simon
Paul Schiff
Ben Scantlin (President, Imagination 9)
Karen Kaufman Wilson (Toy Story, Lion King)
Randall Emmett (Millennium Films)
(Rambo, 88 Minutes, Amityville Horror)
and many more ...
Be sure to bring your one sheets to give to guests.
Bring 30 one sheets to give to guests.
Registration
Location
Crowne Plaza Hotel
1150 S. Beverly Drive
cross-street: Pico
Marina-Costa Conference Rooms
Beverly Hills, California
310-553-6561
Information and guest names will be updated as we get closer to the event. Final list of guests will be given to attendees. Our September class, we received numerous 6 out of 5 for top guests. Our classes get great reviews, check out our testimonials.
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SHERWOOD OAKS EXPERIMENTAL COLLEGE
WHERE ACCESS MEETS OPPORTUNITY |
