This seminar/workshop is designed for the screenwriter at any level to fully realize the potential of his or her story and complete a draft of a screenplay. Participants may bring in script ideas, partially written scripts or even completed drafts that need re-writing. All are also welcome to work on short films, TV or web series, adaptations or any other kind of screenplay. No experience is necessary to begin this program; however, all participants should come to class with an idea of what they would like to work on.

With seminars, lectures, screenings, exercises and readings, the participants will get a solid introduction into the craft of screenwriting with an emphasis on developing compelling cinematic stories, understanding drama and conflict, the principles of story structure, use of visual imagery, character development, and scene construction. Participants should be prepared to spend substantial time outside of class to devote to writing and re-writing. MSU Film Program faculty member Susan Skoog will be the instructor. Class size will be limited.

Susan Skoog is a director, screenwriter and television producer who has worked in the entertainment industry for over 20 years. In 1998 she wrote, produced and directed the feature film "Whatever", which was released theatrically worldwide by Sony Pictures Classics. Whatever stars Liza Weil of TV’s Gilmore Girls and Frederic Forrest (Apocalypse Now, ‘The Rose and The Conversation) and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Garnering critical acclaim, Whatever went on to screen at festivals throughout the world.

In addition her film work Susan has enjoyed a successful career as a writer, director and producer of numerous television documentary and magazine programs for such networks as VH1, Turner Network Television, Turner Classic Movies, AMC, FX, MTV, CBS, Fuse, Rave HD, TBS, Tru TV/Court TV and PBS.

Susan has written dramatic screenplays for Warner Brothers, HBO and MTV Films among others, working with such esteemed producers as John Wells (ER, The West Wing), and Ron Yerxa and Albert Berger, (Cold Mountain, Election, Little Miss Sunshine). She is now in production on a documentary about public school teachers and tenure. She is a graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in theatre and film and is currently a faculty member at Montclair State University’s Film Program.