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2008 Sherwood Oaks Class Calendar

Registration information, proper protocol and cancellation policy

Jan 23- 25        Meetings with Producers & DGA (Sold-out)
Jan 30-Feb 2     Meeting with Producers and Producer Celebrity Dinner (PGA)
Feb 7 - 10         Film All Access Weekend
Feb 24 . . . . . . .Attend Academy Awards Viewing Party with Classic Actors
April 22 - 26 .    Literary Agents & Managers (limited to 20 students) Sold Out
June 18 - 20      Meetings with Executives of Companies (VPs, CEOs) Sold Out
July 19-20   . . .Agents and Film Producers & Executives  
August 20-22 . .Executive Class (VPs, CEOs) (limited to 20 students)
Sept 18 - 21     The TV Writer's Experience (limited to 20 students) Early Bird Pricing

November . . . . Back Door to Hollywood
Novem. 17-19   Post-Screenwriter's Expo (Producers, Agents, Writers)


Limited Edition “Close Encounter” Classes

Award Dinners and Interviews with top Actors, Directors, Producers

Sherwood Oaks is the only school to bring undiscovered talent to most major award shows year round. Sherwood Oaks arranges for successful special guests to speak.

Past speakers include James Cameron, Warren Beatty, Quentin Tarantino, Sofia Coppola, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Sheen, Harrison Ford, and more.

Last year, a student meet two incredible actors, got financing and made his movie within months.

Why Invest in Sherwood Oaks Classes?

It is no secret that it usually takes years to gain traction in Hollywood and it is through your connections. For over 30 years, Sherwood Oaks classes have allowed students to gain necessary connections and information from top notch working Hollywood players resulting in students succeeding. Attend classes often to jumpstart your career. Check out our success stories, our classes work.

Meeting a contact once is not enough, but meeting a contact several times over years demonstrates that you take your Hollywood career seriously.   Coming to classes often year after year is the way to succeed in addition to honing your craft whether it is writing, acting, or directing.

We recommend bringing 25 one-sheet synposis to every class.

Mobile Classes/Carpooling
Our close encounter classes usually involve meetings near busy industry professionals, we usually have a driver with a van or recommend carpooling since directions get confusing with multiple locations and parking is limited and can be expensive.

Proper Protocol
Please read the detailed proper protocol and keep a copy with you at class.

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Agents, Managers, & Attorneys and
Film Producers & Executives Sessions

Saturday and Sunday, July 19 to 20
9 am - 5 pm
Crowne Plaza, Beverly Hills

Only 5 Slots Left!
Register Now!

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
Doug Draizin (Fools Rush In)
Paul Schiff
Clifford Werber

and many more ...

Be sure to bring your one sheets to give to guests.


Registration

Jeff Gund InfoList Pricing


On-Site registration ... $199



 

Sorry lunches sold out!


Location

Crowne Plaza Hotel
1150 S. Beverly Drive
cross-street: Pico
Beverly Hills, California
310-553-6561



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Executive Class
August 20 to 22, 2008

Close Encounter Class (limited enrollment)
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.

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 will invite 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.

There is a potential optional event to attend the Golden Boot award show to meet celebrities at an extra cost.

Executive Class August 20 to 22, 2008 . . . . . $395 Early Bird Discount
Executive Class August 20 to 22, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $495
Executive Class August 20 to 22 - Writer Partner Discount for 2 students -- $695 Sold Out Special!

 



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THE TV EXPERIENCE
(DRAMA /COMEDY/ REALITY)
September 18 to 21(4 Days)
Close Encounter Class - Limited to 20 students

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. We expect to visit Universal, Warner Bros, Paramount, Raleigh, ABC, NBC, CBS, and/or HBO.


There is a possibility that we may attend The Emmys, but we will not know until late July.

Early Bird Special ... $395

Regular Registration ....$495



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Film Classes
Post-Screenwriting Expo 2008
November 17 to 19
(Monday to Wednesday)

9 to 5 pm

Over 35 guests over 3 days!

The Screenwriting Expo 7 dates are November 13 to 16, 2008 at the Staples Center downtown LA 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.

We will invite at least 10 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. Last years' 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. 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.

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, November 17, 2008


Networking with Literary Agents and Attorneys - most aspiring writers have difficulty getting one agent to return a phone call. In this seminar, enrollees will have the opportunity to listen to and have the chance to talk to approximately 10 to 14 agents and attorneys in one day. Last year's confirmed guests were selected from Paul Levine, Pat Quinn, Ryan Saul, Bruce Bartlett, Michael Hamilberg, Fred Rice, David Freedman, Charlotte Gusay, Mary Moore, Jon Brown, William Morris, and many more. Attorneys can assist on legal issues to protect your writing investment. We will be inviting guests from small, medium, and large firms including ICM, CAA, William Morris, Innovative, Paradigm, David Warden, and others. 11 Agents and 2 attorneys confirmed last year.
All speakers are based on their availability.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008


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. Last year, there was 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.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008


Each class will have panels with break-out sessions allowing access and networking with 8 to 10 guests.


Many speakers will take one-sheet synopsis of your screenplay,
for more information on one-sheet synopsis.

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CUSTOM FILM EXCURSIONS FOR GROUPS

Sherwood Oaks can create special 2 to 3-day seminars for a school or a group. These seminars are usually tailored to that particular group and sometimes combined with attending an award show. It can include a special
screening and guest actors, directors or Producers.

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2007 Sherwood Oaks Class Calendar

Feb 7 - 10 . . . All Access Weekend
Feb 23-25        Meeting with Producers (Sold Out- Check out comments)
April 23-25       Literary Agents and Managers (Sold Out-check out comments)
June 25-26        Studio Lot Sessions (Producers 'n more) (Sold Out)
July 18-20         Executives of Companies (VPs, CEOs) (Sold Out)
Sept 14-18      The TV Experience

Oct 29-31 . .  Film Classes (Producers, Agents, Managers)


Previous 2007 Classes

Review

Close Encounter Meetings with Producers & Special Events
Former FEBRUARY 23-25, 2007 Class (Sold Out)

Thanks to those who attended our meetings with producers and special events class and especially that every student rated the highest 5 out of 5 and one students said 6 out of 5 and could not believe what an excellent class it was. We are thrilled! Our celebrity guests included Lily Tomlin, Richard Dreyfuss, Larry Hagman, Ed Asner, Jon Voight, Lou Diamond Phillips, Francis Fisher, Jeff Conaway, Karen Black, and more. Please join us for more exciting classes.

DAY 1

Meet with five producers. Afterwards, we’ll visit one of the best film book stores in the country where it’s easy to find inspiration on every shelf. During the evening, the class may choose to attend a screening of Academy Award-nominated short films followed by a Q&A session with the filmmakers.

DAY  2

We will travel to Motion Picture Academy in Beverly Hills to to observe a panel with this year's 5 Academy Nominated Foreign Film feature directors. The directors will discuss the complications of creating their films. Several producers will speak exclusively to our group during lunch in Santa Monica. After lunch, a few nominees from The Spirit Awards will briefly talk to the group. Possible guests may include Aaron Eckhart, Jonathan Dayton, Guillermo Del Toro, David Lynch, and Karen Moncrief (Dead Girl). During the early evening, we will meet with producer Bo Zenga, and writer Al Watt. Later, the class will have the option of attending a panel consisting of the five nominated foreign directors, or watching one or two of this year’s nominated documentaries.

 DAY 3
After two very intense days and nights, we will enjoy a change of pace. After a free morning, the major part of this day will be spent soaking up the star-powered ambience of Beverly Hills while we watch the Academy Awards on TV. We’ll eat dinner together and meet a number of actors who will be attending a separate event at the hotel. Guests from past evenings like this have included Bill Pullman, Gary Busey, Sean Young, Larry Hagman, and Fred Willard.

                                                               

CONFIRMED SEMINAR PARTICIPANTS:

DEVORAH CUTLER                         THE SUBSTITUTE              
ILYSSA GOODMAN                        A CINDERELLA STORY
MARTIN GUIGUI                              DIRECTOR
ANNE GUILEN                                  FRIED GREEN TOMATOES
MATTHEW RHODES                        AN UNFURNISHED LIFE
ALEX ROSE                                       NORMA RAE
STONE VILLAGE PICTURES           THE HUMAN STAIN
PATRICK HORTON                         THE STORY COACH
ALAN WATT                                      WRITING TEACHER
MARK CASTALDO                            DESTINY PICTURES
BO ZENGA                                         SCARY MOVIE

All guests are subject to availability.


Night of 100 Stars 2007 Party
Previous Night of 100 Stars 2006 Party
More photos from Night 100 Stars 2006 Party

If you want to go to the Night of 100 Stars Party, the ticket prices range from $1000 to $2500 but Sherwood Oaks students will get to experience a lot of the essence of the Party through the work of Gary Shusett for a very low fee.

 


DO YOU WANT TO VIEW THE ACADEMY AWARDS
   SURROUNDED BY DOZENS OF CELEBRITES?
Sunday, February 24, 2008
3 to 8 pm

Beverly Hills, CA

         No we can't get you into the Academy Awards.
         But we can get just a few press passes a private event where celebrites watch the biggest award show of the year together  on a large screen televsion. And a bonus will  be you wll get a chance to personally interview many of the guests, and get a copy of it.

Past guests have been Jon Voight, Richard Dreyfuss
          Gary Busey, Larry Hagman, Betty Thomas, David
          Carradine, Stephen Collins, Michelle Lee, Burt Young,
          Karen Black, George Hamilton, Jeff Conaway

Only 3 passes are left.
         Call immediately if interested (323) 851-1769.
         or e mail at sherwoodoak@aol.com

Check out last year's event of Evening of 100 Stars

 

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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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THE TV EXPERIENCE
(DRAMA /COMEDY/ REALITY)

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.

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


Networking with Literary Agents and Attorneys - most aspiring writers have difficulty getting one agent to return a phone call. In this seminar, enrollees will have the opportunity to listen to and have the chance to talk to approximately 10 to 14 agents and attorneys in one day. Confirmed guests will be selected from Paul Levine, Pat Quinn, Ryan Saul, Bruce Bartlett, Michael Hamilberg, Fred Rice, David Freedman, Charlotte Gusay, Mary Moore, Jon Brown, William Morris, and many more. Attorneys can assist on legal issues to protect your writing investment. We will be inviting guests from small, medium, and large firms including ICM, CAA, William Morris, Innovative, Paradigm, David Warden, and others. 11 Agents and 2 attorneys have confirmed as of Wednesday, October 17, 2007.
All speakers are based on their availability. As the potential writer's strike comes at the end of this year, then pulling agents out of their office becomes incredibly difficult but it is a rare opportunity for our students.

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)


Each class will have panels with break-out sessions allowing access and networking with 10 to 12 guests.


Many speakers will take one-sheet synopsis of your screenplay,
for more information on one-sheet synopsis.

 

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

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GROUP  DISCOUNTS 

Group discounts are available.

Questions

 
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WORK - STUDY

Sherwood Oaks is open to those who want to enroll
in work-study or producing internships for reduced class fees.  See work study section for more information.

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One-Sheet Synopsis (Material)

Create a one-page synopsis with a log-line (1 to 2 sentences) and then expand to 6 to 8 sentences paragraph describing your screenplay with emphasis on characters along with your credits and/or screenplay contests that you won or were a finalist with your contact information. Use your best screenplay or most commercial idea rather than a comprehensive list. If interested, the producer, agent, or manager will call you and ask you for some more log-lines or state what else do you have?


Log-Line

A one to two sentence description of your script that is compelling.
A Person ... Does Something .... It Works Out
For example, a man tries to climb the highest mountain in the world and he does; his obstacles include freezing cold, snow,
and [PAUSE], the fact that he is blind.

 

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