We host writing workshops & seminars about all kinds of subjects, but especially around screenwriting, television writing, and the art of romantic comedy.
Tuesdays Oct 1-29, 5pm PST/8pm ET
Whether you're seeking artistic expression, a path into Hollywood, or both, short films are an essential artform. And here's the good news: making a short film has never been easier. But while there are more ways than ever to make a short film, there are still steps you need to know to make it great for you, your cast, and your crew. From breaking down some of the best short films to discussing how to create your own shot list, this class will cover the process from pre-production through distribution. Taught by Director Justin Casselle, who has successfully directed multiple short films that have been official selections at film festivals such as Los Angeles International Short Film Festival, New Orleans Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, and many more, you’ll leave this class understanding the basic steps to get your short film off the ground.
Week 1: Introduction to Short Films + Pre-Production
Topics:Introduction to writing your short film. Breaking down the type of short films most commonly created, what makes the perfect hook, and tips and tricks to make your short film stand out.
Week 2: Script to Screen – Pre-Production Process
Topics: Now the preparation begins. What do you need to get started? Budget, schedule, MONEY! We’ll discuss everything to get you off on the right foot to create the foundation of a successful short film.
Week 3: Casting and Crew – Assembling Your Team
Topics: They say choose your friends wisely. Same with cast and crew! The people you will entrust to bring your vision to life. Let’s discuss how to find them, where to find them, and the best ways to collaborate with them.
Week 4: Production – Filming Your Short Film
Topics: The day has come. What now? We’ll discuss what it takes to make your shoot days efficient and on time and the best ways, as director, to get the most out of your team.
Week 5: Post-Production + Distribution
Topics: In our last week, we’ll discuss the post production process and what is required to get your film to look and sound Oscar-worthy and we’ll discuss what it takes to get your film seen by as many people as possible.
Join director Justin Casselle for this one-day guide to the world of commercial directing. This class will include:
How get started as a commercial director
Understanding the process of getting signed to representation
Breaking down the director selection process from an ad agency producer perspective (the one who decides to get you, the director, in the mix for the job)
A guide to production companies - what they are and what do they do (yes, they are different from film and TV production companies)
The pitch/treatment process
Working on set with agency creatives and clients
A Q&A on the commercial industry from a director who’s directed commercials and branded content
Justin Casselle started his career as an advertising agency producer, having produced for legacy ad agencies such as DDB, FCB, and Deutsch LA. During this time Justin produced TV commercials for brands like McDonald’s, Jeep, Nintendo, and more. Since leaving producing behind, Justin has switched to working behind the camera as a director. Justin began directing commercials with production company Great Guns USA, and has directed commercials for brands like Pearl Milling Company (formerly Aunt Jemima), PETA, and Old Forester Bourbon and longer form branded content with Realtor.com, Ebony, and Apple. With this experience, Justin seeks to peel back the curtain of commercial directing and to make this illusive career accessible to more people.
This class will run between two and three hours on Saturday September 28th via Zoom starting at 10am PST. The session will be available to attendants after the class, and if you can’t make it live on September 28th you can still buy a recording of the seminar to watch later. SIGN UP HERE.
Sundays at 9am PST/12pm EST — Nov 3, Nov 10, Nov 17, Dec 1, Dec 8, Dec 15
6 sessions x 8 weeks
14 students max
CLASSES WILL BE CONDUCTED OVER ZOOM FOR SIX SESSIONS OVER EIGHT WEEKS. They will last 2-3.5 hours (with breaks!), and will be hosted on Sundays starting at 9am PST/12pm ET. Class dates will run Nov 3, Nov 10, Nov 17, Dec 1, Dec 8, Dec 15.
ALL YOU NEED TO GET STARTED IS AN IDEA. That's it. Just an idea and the determination to put something down on the page. Buuut the thing is that part can be very hard. It takes accountability! It also, for a lot of us, takes some structure and a deadline we did not set ourselves. So in the lead-up to NaNoWriMo 2025, this six-session seminar is designed to get your idea for a novel out of your head and onto that page. Students will write their first chapter and an outline over the course of class; you will leave this course with the ability to bring your novel to life.
The class will be taught by author Alanna Bennett (debut novel THE EDUCATION OF KIA GREER out May 2025 from Penguin Random House), and will feature Q&As with other authors as well.
The theme of this class is COMING OF AGE AT ANY AGE. The theme is simply a guideline so that we can focus on specific shapes and conventions of crafting a character's journey – but we are very much allowed to play along the way, no matter if you are writing a young adult, middle grade, or adult novel. Genre is not stagnant, and neither is this theme. Still, if you worry that your novel wouldn't fit into the class, please reach out to alanna@iamspringproductions.com with further questions.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
HOMEWORK BEFORE THE FIRST CLASS: Read RED, WHITE, & ROYAL BLUE by Casey McQuiston.
SESSION ONE (November 3): Building out your idea
HOMEWORK GOING INTO SESSION TWO: Complete a worksheet detailing your idea
SESSION TWO (November 10): Structuring your world & main character(s) & conflict
HOMEWORK GOING INTO SESSION THREE: Write back cover copy for your book
SESSION THREE (November 17): Workshop your back cover copy & study scenework
HOMEWORK GOING INTO SESSION FOUR: Write an opening chapter
SESSION FOUR (December 1): Workshop opening chapter & get ready to outline
HOMEWORK GOING INTO SESSION FIVE: Build a skeleton outline of plot points and character turns.
SESSION FIVE (December 8): Workshop skeleton outlines & learn how to flesh them out
HOMEWORK GOING INTO SESSION SIX: Write your full, fleshed out outline.
SESSION SIX (December 15): Workshop your outline & you're off to the races!