Screenwriting Essentials

Date: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Level: Beginner
Ages: Adults (teens 16+ welcome)
Location: Creative Veins Performing Arts
Instructor: Franklin Ritch
Tuition: $99

Screenwriting Essentials is a one-day, 4-hour beginner workshop that introduces you to the craft of writing for film and television.

You’ll explore story structure, character, dialogue, and visual storytelling through guided exercises, real screenplay examples, and group discussion.

No experience needed!

Guided by Instructor Franklin Ritch, an award-winning screenwriter and director, the workshop unfolds in a supportive, low-pressure setting.

Whether you’ve been sitting on a story idea for years or just love movies, this workshop is the perfect launch pad.

You don’t need a finished idea. Just bring your curiosity, and we’ll take it from there.

1. Arrive. Check in, meet Instructor Franklin, then grab a drink or snack and settle in.
2. Dive in. Learn how great stories are built, from first idea to structure, pacing, and dramatic turns, with real screenplay examples along the way.
3. Write. Try guided exercises that start simple and build throughout the day, from character goals to natural, specific dialogue. No homework, no prep.
4. Wrap up. Get feedback, ask questions, and leave with new tools, new ideas, and a fresh way of watching movies.

Never written a script before? No problem! Every exercise is designed for beginners, and you won’t be asked to write a full screenplay.

Screenwriting has something to offer everyone, whether you dream of seeing your story on screen or just love a good movie.

You don’t have to call yourself a writer to belong here.

This workshop could be a perfect fit if you want to:

• Finally turn that story idea into something real
• Understand how movies and TV shows are built
• See scripts from a writer’s perspective as an actor
• Strengthen your storytelling as a filmmaker
• Add something creative to your weekend
• Meet other people who love movies as much as you do

Don’t know anyone? That’s how every workshop starts, and it doesn’t stay that way for long.

Whatever brings you here, you’re welcome.

• 4-hour interactive workshop
• Guided exercises and story & character activities
• Screenwriting materials and resources
• Complimentary snacks & drinks
• Free parking

Story & Concept: Turn a first idea into a clear, compelling story concept.

Structure & Pacing: Learn how dramatic turns, reversals, and setbacks keep an audience hooked.

Character: Build characters with clear goals, obstacles, wants, and needs.

Dialogue: Write natural, character-specific dialogue that sounds like real people.

Visual Storytelling: Show instead of tell, and keep every scene focused and economical.

Formatting Basics: Learn the essentials of how a screenplay looks on the page.

Screenwriting Essentials is taught by Instructor Franklin Ritch, an award-winning screenwriter, director, and filmmaker. His debut feature, The Artifice Girl, premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival, where it won the Golden Audience Award, and he was named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 New Faces of Independent Film.” He makes screenwriting feel accessible, practical, and encouraging.

Registration is quick and simple. Your $99 tuition covers everything you need for the workshop, with no extra costs. Completing your registration reserves your seat, and all payments are processed securely.

Workshop size is limited to keep things personal.

Seats fill quickly, so we recommend registering early.

Get to know Creative Veins and the workshop experience: