INDUSTRY 101 EVENT SERIES

Improv for Screenwriters
Sunday, June 23, 2024 | 9 AM - 4:30 PM
UCB Training Center
1925 N Bronson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Improv for Screenwriters is a daylong event held with UCB Training Center which will introduce writers to the basics of improv through exercises framed for screenwriters specifically, and will emphasize how improv concepts can help not just with writing scenes, but how they can help with pitching and taking meetings.

The problem with writing in Hollywood is that the most important part of the job is writing but most of the job isn’t writing. You have to meet with people (ugh). You have to talk through your ideas with them (gross). You even have to perform a one man show called a “pitch.” 

New writers can come at these more social and performative elements of the field with trepidation and anxiety. Especially pitching. “Can’t you just read the script” has been said as many times as “so did you park downstairs?”

The first half of the day will be dedicated to introducing longform improvisation games and how the principals at work can be used in scenework. The second half of the day will be dedicated to pitching projects, and build off the tools learned in the first half to master living in the moment, staying calm, and delivering a performance. 

Class size: 16 max

Class outline: 

• Morning workshop: will include exercises covering improv concepts such as agreement, yes and, establishing who/what/where, reacting with emotion, identifying the comedic concept.

• Break: There will be a break between sessions. Light refreshments will be provided.

• Afternoon workshop: will include exercises to build confidence in sharing your authentic self and story with an audience and workshopping elements of an existing pitch you bring in.

  Class participants must agree to the following:

  1) Only purchase one ticket for yourself. Each workshop attendee must purchase their own ticket. Multiple ticket purchases by the same person may have their ticket canceled and refunded.

  2) Come to class on time and prepared with requested materials.

  3) Sign a non-disclosure agreement.

  4) Read and agree to Humanitas' Community Values.

  5) Provide any dietary restrictions in a timely manner, as light refreshments will be provided.

  6) Provide any accessibility requirements in a timely manner.

Julia Meltzer

Julia is a writer, director and improviser who acts occasionally. She sold her spec script YOURS, MINE & PAUL’S to 20th Century Fox and it later sold to ABC with Sarah Hyland attached to star. Her second pilot sold to CBS, and most recently she wrote a feature film for Amazon. She is a mom (dog and human).

Representation: Management, Kaplan/Perrone