MASTERCLASS – The Art, Craft, and Business of Scriptwriting

April 26, 2025

Scriptwriters Network Presents:

MASTERCLASS – The Art, Craft & Business of Scriptwriting

An 8-Week Masterclass with Melessa Y. Sargent

Learn how to transform your ideas into compelling, industry-ready scripts — for film, television, and new media.

About the Masterclass

Taught personally by Melessa Y. Sargent, President and CEO of the Scriptwriters Network, this comprehensive masterclass explores the full journey of scriptwriting — from concept to completion, and from creative vision to professional practice.

You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the art, craft, and business of scriptwriting, including:

How to build powerful stories from your ideas
Mastering the ABCs of screenwriting
Understanding genres and platforms (TV, film, and streaming)
Writing from concept through polished draft
Navigating the real-world business side of writing

This course is perfect for writers of all levels who want to strengthen their storytelling, elevate their scripts, and better understand the industry.

Course Format & Duration

The Scriptwriters Network Masterclass is offered in two formats:

Eight-Week Course: One 2-hour session per week — includes weekly assignments, discussions, and feedback.
One-on-One Intensive: A private 2-hour creative session designed to focus on your individual script or project.

Format: Online via Zoom (Limited to 6 participants per group or available for individual instruction.).

Style: Creative workshop format for a personal, interactive experience.

What You’ll Learn

Story concept and idea development
Structure, pacing, and format
Writing strong scenes and dialogue
Genre conventions and tone
Character arcs and emotional truth
Beat sheets and storytelling rhythm
The business of scriptwriting — from pitching to platforms

All participants receive digital handouts and writing templates, including:

Story Structure Templates
Beat Sheet Examples
Character Development Framework

About the Instructor

As President and CEO of the Scriptwriters Network, Melessa Y. Sargent has dedicated her career to empowering writers through education, mentorship, and community.

Since joining the Network as a volunteer in 2006 and becoming President in 2012, Melessa has worked to support emerging and professional writers across all forms of media.

Her passion for storytelling and teaching is at the heart of this masterclass — guiding writers to develop their voices, strengthen their scripts, and pursue their creative goals with confidence.

Enrollment & Payment Information

Enrollment:
- Group Masterclass: Enrollment is open on an ongoing basis. Enrolled participants will receive their class start date, schedule, and Zoom details by email once the next session is ready to begin.
  - Seats are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis due to the limited class size.
- Private 1:1 Masterclass: Enrollment is available year-round. Sessions are scheduled individually based on availability.
Class Size: Limited to 6 participants; individual sessions are also available.
Typical Group Class Time: Wednesdays, 6:00–8:00 PM (Pacific Time)
Format: One 2-hour session per week for eight consecutive weeks.

Group class day and time are subject to confirmation based on the final schedule.

Click the Pay Now button(s) below to use your PayPal account, credit, or debit card.

SWN Member Discount: Current Scriptwriters Network Members receive a 15% discount on all masterclass options.

Zelle Option:

Zelle Payments: Send to info@scriptwritersnetwork.org
Account: The Scriptwriters Network Foundation, Inc.
- Important:
- Email info@scriptwritersnetwork.org to confirm your membership status and payment.
- Once your membership is verified, your discounted payment amount will be confirmed by email.
- NOTATE: “8-Week Masterclass The Art” in the payment description.
- Payment reserves your place in the next available group session or confirms your private 1:1 enrollment, depending on the option selected.

Confirmation:
After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Students enrolling in the group masterclass will be notified once the next session dates are announced. Private 1:1 participants will receive instructions to schedule their sessions.

A Zoom link will be sent one day before your class. Please allow up to 5 business days for processing.

Tuition

Course Type	Duration	Format	Price	15% Member Discount	SWN Member Price
—————	—————	—————	—————	—————	—————
Group Masterclass	8 weeks (2 hrs / week)	Online Workshop	$795	$120 discount	$675
—————	—————	—————	—————	—————	—————
Private 1:1 Masterclass	8 weeks (2 hrs / week)	Online Personalized Coaching	$1,250	$187.50 discount	$1,062.50
—————	—————	—————	—————	—————	—————
Ongoing Monthly Sessions -After Masterclass Session	2 hrs / month	Continued Mentorship	$150/month	$22.50 discount	$125/month
—————	—————	—————	—————	—————	—————

Ready to Write Your Story?

Reserve your space in the Scriptwriters Network Masterclass today — and take the next step toward your professional writing career.

8-Week Masterclass Schedule

Week	Focus	Key Topics
1	The Foundation of Storytelling	Introduction, finding your idea, premise, logline creation, overview of genres.
2	Scriptwriting ABCs	Formatting, structure, three-act model, and screenplay fundamentals.
3	Character & Conflict	Building strong protagonists, antagonists, and emotional depth.
4	The Outline & Beat Sheet	Developing a story map and beats for pacing and tension.
5	Dialogue & Scene Crafting	Natural dialogue, subtext, and visual storytelling.
6	Revisions & Feedback Techniques	Self-editing tools and peer review exercises.
7	The Business of Scriptwriting	Agents, managers, contests, pitching, and copyright basics.
8	From Page to Pitch	Final script polishing, pitching practice, and next steps in your career path.

Reserve Your Spot today:

Course Type			15% Member Discount	SWN Members
—————	—————	————	—————	—————
Group Masterclass $795			($120 discount) $675
—————	—————	————	—————	—————
Private 1:1 Masterclass $1,250			($187 discount) $1,063
—————	—————	————	—————	—————
Ongoing Monthly Sessions – After Masterclass Session *$150/month*			($22 discount) $128/month
—————	—————	————	—————	—————