Writing Workshop

Have you always wanted to write a script for television but are having trouble getting started? Do you have an idea for a television show or web series? Have you ever thought that your unique workplace, your entertaining friends and family or the eccentrics who hang out at your favorite dive bar would make a good series? Kick start your ambition with professional television and film writers David & Julie Chambers.

David and Julie, combined, have over 40 years of experience in the business as well as being seasoned Writing Instructors with the Syracuse University Los Angeles Semester and UCLA. They are ready to share their excellent resources, favorite books, websites and best practices for getting that idea out of your head and onto paper.

Video

Chambers Promo REV from Robin Howard on Vimeo.

Meet the Instructors

David Chambers

David Chambers is a graduate of DePauw University, majoring in Philosophy, before continuing his education at Indiana University where he received an M. A. in Directing from the Department of Theatre and Drama. David then moved to Hollywood and pursued a career writing and producing more than a d [...]

Julie Chambers

Julie Chambers fell in love with story telling and producing, as a child, putting on plays in her backyard, charging a quarter from the neighbor children to attend. She made her way through college acting, writing, and dreaming of opening her own theater company one day. After working in televisi [...]

Events

One Day Professional Writing Class

Saturday, May 9th, 2015
10AM to 3:30PM

This lively, fun one day workshop is packed with information and inspiration! David and Julie will lay out the process of devising, developing and executing your ideas for a television series. You'll learn where ideas come from, how to nurture your ideas into a viable template for an ongoing show or web series, where the business is right now and where it’s headed. They will also explore the creative options for showcasing your finished work.

$85.00/ $75.00 for Syracuse University alumni

Full payment is due upon registration via credit card. Please note that alumnus status will be verified if a discount is selected. Enrollment is limited

Four Day Professional Writing Workshop

Saturday, May 30, Sunday, May 31, Saturday, June 6 & Sunday June 7, 2015
9:30AM – 3:30PM daily

In their fun and concentrated workshop, David & Julie Chambers will help you start to write your own original TV or web series.

Saturday, Day 1 – Getting Your Story Started

You will pitch your ideas to the Professors and other workshop attendees for discussion and feedback in a professional writer’s room set-up. Who are your characters? How do they fit together? What’s the premise? What ongoing situation are your characters in? Who and what drive the action of the show from episode to episode? What are the main sets? Answer these questions and you’ll be well on your way to defining the universe of your series.

Sunday, Day 2 – Structuring your Idea

Every series needs a pilot, the beginning episode to the series. The pilot sets the template for the show. You will pitch a story idea for your pilot episode. Where does it take place? Who are the characters? As simple as it sounds, if you think in terms of a beginning, middle and an end you’ll have a much easier time finding a story that works. You will then work on your idea at home during the week. Devise your pilot story and perhaps even write the first scene.

Saturday, Day 3 – Pulling It Together

Everyone will pitch your story for your pilot for discussion, feedback and notes for your next pass. You will continue to make changes and write in preparation for the final workshop session.

Sunday, Day 4 – From Page to Stage

Reading your work! You will now get a rare opportunity to hear professional actors read your work. You now have an excellent foundation upon which you can build. Take your newfound writing skills as far as you would like to go. Lunch will be served on this final day of the workshop.

$399.00/ $375.00 for Syracuse University alumni

Enrollment is limited. Full payment is due upon registration via credit card. Please note that alumnus status will be verified if a discount is selected. David and Julie Chambers reserve the right to make changes and adjustment to this course outline.

Testimonials

“The Chambers have both had successful writing careers in the industry. They are funny, empathetic, and encouraging in ways that make everyone feel comfortable sharing their ideas and stories”.
“David cares about his students and wants them to produce the best work possible.”
“The experience (Julie) brought to the course helped SO much when it came to creating and refining my scripts.”
“Two of the best professors I have ever had.”
“This class had an incredibly warm and welcoming environment. I felt safe to express my ideas and stories without the fear of being judged.”
“Julie………truly cares about what her students write and how they can improve.”
“This was a fantastic writing course that really pushed me to improve my writing……….”
“I learned how to write a spec script……for the first time and the feedback that I received from the professors was tremendously helpful.”
“This class was full of laughs and good times and I still felt like I gained so much knowledge about the subject.”
“I felt comfortable opening up and being vulnerable with my ideas. This allowed me to take risks and go in directions that I never thought of going before.”
“Both David and Julie are a delight……and I learned so much from them both!”

Location

Syracuse University Los Angeles Center
4312 Woodman Ave., Suite 302
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Parking

Complimentary underground parking is provided. Entrance to the parking structure is through the alley off Woodman Ave.

More Information

Contact Lauren Palius, Assistant Director of the Los Angeles Semester Program
(818) 561-7377
sulapro@syr.edu

Terms & Conditions

Payment & Refunds

You must be PAID IN FULL via credit card through our website in order to attend class

Registered students must provide notice of request to cancel enrollment at least 10 days in advance of the first class in order to receive a full refund. Any notice to cancel made within 10 days of the start of the first class will result in a $100 cancellation fee.

If you withdraw from the course before the last class, no refund will be issued

Releases

In consideration of your participation in any SULA Professional Program, you agree to release, indemnify and hold harmless Syracuse University, as well as all of its employees, agents, representatives, successors, etc. from all losses, claims, theft, demands, liabilities, causes of action, or expenses, know or unknown, arising out of your participation in an SULA Professional Program.

Other

You agree to grant permission to Syracuse University, and its agents and employees, to use photographs or video taken of you during the class in order to market, advertise or promote the class or the SULA Professional Program. This might include, but is not limited to, publications, brochures, newsletters, magazines, websites, and social media. You acknowledge that said video might include a performance, either live or recorded, of your musical composition.
The SULA Professional Program accepts no responsibility for loss, damage or theft of personal belongings.
The SULA Professional Program reserves the right to cancel courses at any time at which time enrolled students will be entitled to a full refund.
We expect all enrolled students to treat the staff, facilities and classmates with due respect. SULA reserves the right to exclude or expel any student whose conduct or behavior is deemed unacceptable. In such cases, there will be no refund of the course fee. Decisions are to be made at the management.