1^st lesson free

Eric

5 (1 review)

Rate $84
Response 1h
Students
Number of students Eric has accompanied since arriving at Superprof
1
Number of students Eric has accompanied since arriving at Superprof

5 (1 review)

$84/hr

1^st lesson free

Cinema
Production
Script Writing for Film
Audio-visual Arts

Graduate of Yale University, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting semi-finalist, Emmy nominated, Addy and Telly winning screen writer and producer with hig

Cinema
Production
Script Writing for Film
Audio-visual Arts

Lesson location

- online

About Eric

Five years after graduating from Yale and attending Penn State as a a graduate student in film, I started a small production company in Chicago. I thought writing and making films would be easy. It wasn't easy, but it also wasn't hard because I loved it. And that is the key.

Thirty-some years later, I am still working independently in film- making and broadcasting as a freelance professional.

I approach all things creative with the idea there's a process that one needs to practice. Writing of any kind needs practiced even when there is no fee forthcoming or idea "worth" pursuing.

The very personal nature of writing allows for ANYONE to reach into the world and pluck out a story that might strike a chord in the heart. It is like a relationship. You don't marry the idea right away. Such a commitment might turn out to be disappointing and a waste of time. Knowing that you have a process and skills for writing or producing a film allows you to engage the process that comes from learning how to write in script form, understanding conflict, and how to stay disciplined in the craft.

Writing is a visceral thing. It comes from a place that is sacred to most good writers, yet the result is willing to be shared despite the worry of the reception. Therefore, it is something like learning to play an instrument, you're always learning something new. Then sharing it with others.

How great is that?

About the lesson

My teaching method is built on understanding the importance of 3 act structure, external/internal conflict development and writing for the target audience. I use scripts (from fiction to non-fiction,(including some of my own work) to help build structure and confidence in writing that is geared toward film and television.

A typical lesson plan begins with an example from a film that exemplifies the focus of the lesson. Generally, this is an example that requires the student to watch the film prior to the lesson via a link I provide.

We will look at various genres from various time periods, study the "script-to-film" process and then work toward the completion of a full treatment and scriptwriting exercise that will ultimately lead to the creation of a fully developed script using Final Draft software (student must purchase).

My experience in film scripting began at Yale University during a time of great industry engagement. I believe in the importance of story-telling and have sold my scripts and films over a 35 year career. I was a semi-finalist in the Academy of Arts and Sciences Nicholl Fellowship for Screenwriting and have seen my work distributed by Cinetic, FilmBuff, Gunpowder & Sky and Backyard Productions.

My teaching in general is for ages 15-80. I have taught at the high school and college levels. I have produced for all genres and continue to work now as a script advisor and development coordinator for a production company based in Switzerland and am currently working on a documentary filmed in Switzerland and Alaska on the evolution of wolves.

I love sharing what I know -- including my mistakes. If nothing else, my lessons are low-key, fun, and productive. The goal is to go through the process, write a script of good quality, and see if the student enjoys the ups-and-downs (and up agains) of this kind of writing.

Reviews

All of our reviews are collected by us and are 100% reliable. They correspond to a real experience had by the students of Eric.

1 review

C

Cedric
- 5
Perfect! Eric is an outstanding documentary mentor. He brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the craft, which he generously shares with his students. His guidance not only helped me plan my own documentary project step by step, but also encouraged me to think more creatively about storytelling and structure. What makes Eric especially valuable is his ability to balance practical advice with inspiration : he knows how to push students to explore bold ideas while keeping their projects achievable. I’m grateful for his mentorship and highly recommend him to anyone pursuing documentary work.
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C

Cedric

Perfect! Eric is an outstanding documentary mentor. He brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the craft, which he generously shares with his students. His guidance not only helped me plan my own documentary project step by step, but also encouraged me to think more creatively about storytelling and structure. What makes Eric especially valuable is his ability to balance practical advice with inspiration : he knows how to push students to explore bold ideas while keeping their projects achievable. I’m grateful for his mentorship and highly recommend him to anyone pursuing documentary work.

Eric's response
Cedric is a quick study and very engaged. A great student!
- Eric's response :
  Cedric is a quick study and very engaged. A great student!
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5h: $420
10h: $840

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$84/h

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The first lesson with Eric will allow you to get to know each other and discuss your needs for future lessons.

Graduate of Yale University, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting semi-finalist, Emmy nominated, Addy and Telly winning screen writer and producer with hig

Lesson location

About Eric

About the lesson

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online

free lessons

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Graduate of Yale University, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting semi-finalist, Emmy nominated, Addy and Telly winning screen writer and producer with hig

Lesson location

About Eric

About the lesson

Reviews

Rates

Rate

Pack prices

online

free lessons

Similar Cinema tutors in State College

Alex

Olivier

Rick

Brandon

Andrea

Antoine

Olivier

Santiago

Yana

Neil

Cristiano

Sara

Miles

Gabrielle

Georgia

Gary

Julian

Sabrina

Natalia

Carol

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