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 Opens: November 1, 2025
Limited to: 6 participants per group; individual sessions also available
New Group Session: Begins January 2026
Live Class Time: Wednesdays, 6:00–8:00 PM (PDT)
Private sessions are scheduled individually
One 2-hour session per week

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 confirms your seat in the upcoming session.

Confirmation:
After payment, you’ll receive an email with your class confirmation; private 1:1 will receive a link to schedule your session.

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.

Class Schedule:

Wednesdays, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (PDT)
January 14 – March 4, 2026
8 weeks | Online via Zoom
Limited to 6 participants per group; individual sessions also available.
Runs for eight consecutive weeks
Private sessions are scheduled individually
One 2-hour session per week

8-Week Masterclass Schedule

Week	Date	Focus	Key Topics
1	Jan 14, 2026	The Foundation of Storytelling	Introduction, finding your idea, premise, logline creation, overview of genres.
2	Jan 21, 2026	Scriptwriting ABCs	Formatting, structure, three-act model, and screenplay fundamentals.
3	Jan 28, 2026	Character & Conflict	Building strong protagonists, antagonists, and emotional depth.
4	Feb 4, 2026	The Outline & Beat Sheet	Developing a story map and beats for pacing and tension.
5	Feb 11, 2026	Dialogue & Scene Crafting	Natural dialogue, subtext, and visual storytelling.
6	Feb 18, 2026	Revisions & Feedback Techniques	Self-editing tools and peer review exercises.
7	Feb 25, 2026	The Business of Scriptwriting	Agents, managers, contests, pitching, and copyright basics.
8	Mar 4, 2026	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
—————	—————	————	—————	—————