Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Do I need to own Final Draft to take this course?
In recent years, Final Draft was often referred to as the 'standard' for scriptwriting software. The honest truth is that your scripts will be presented as PDF files, not Final Draft files, so you can safely work in whichever software package you'd like as long as you're able to generate the proper formatting for that particular industry. In short, you can use any software program you'd like as long as you can generate a clean PDF. I've made a few recommendations above, and if you're just getting started, one of the low-cost or free options is probably best.

Q: Will you help me with my script?
Yes. The plan is for everyone to work on their own individual scripts and lessons are customized as much as possible to suit each student's active project. In other words, I'll try and help guide your particular story along each and every week. 

Q: Will there be homework?
Yes, because of time limitations, writing will be required outside of class, but if you're not excited about creating great scripts with the skills you're learning, this probably isn't the right career choice for you. This is a deadline driven industry and self motivation is the single best advantage you'll have over the competition. Consider homework a litmus test for the career ahead.

Q: Is there a certificate, degree, or other documentation provided at the end of this course? And are credits transferrable to a college degree?
No. But it's important to note that this industry doesn't require a degree or a certificate. In my twenty years of doing this kind of work professionally, no one has ever asked to see my degree, nor have they asked if I ever got one. They only ask for my portfolio, sample work, and contact information.

Q: What are your credentials to teach this course?
I'm not a full time teacher or professor and I make no such claims. I am a full time professional writer, artist, and designer with over twenty years of experience, and I feel I can offer substantial real-world information professionals like me use on a daily basis. Still, I do have a B.F.A. and I've been teaching private classes for about fifteen years. I've also included a bio and list of credits in the "About the Instructor" section that may prove helpful.

Q: Can you guarantee me a job when we're done?
Clearly not. The goal for this course isn't to give you a job, the goal is to teach the very things I wish I knew when I started doing this for a living. Many of the lessons I've learned were discovered by accident, through countless hours of trial and error, or by working closely with established professionals. Make no mistake, this course will teach you the basics, and future courses will cover these things in even more detail, but every creator has to earn their own stripes, and set their own goals. Constant practice and application are the keys to success. In the words of Bruce Lee, “Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.” You must do.

Q: What if I miss a class?
The information in each class will build toward lessons applied in future classes, so a missed class could become a problem. Our class time is limited, so if you miss a class, the best solution would be to partner up with someone else in the class to review the lessons and materials created.

Q: Can I get a refund if I miss or cancel?
In the event that the instructor and/or venue is unavailable, a makeup course will be offered at a later date. Since seating space is limited (and I do not overbook) refunds will not be given to individual students for missed classes or cancellations. Your tuition fee pays for your seat, whether or not you use it is totally up to you. To avoid scheduling conflicts, please double check your calendar and availability before booking this course.

Q: Why is it priced this way?
Based on my experience, recurring courses work best in the evenings but evenings are difficult to squeeze into an already busy production schedule. Because of that, I've put a premium on time away from home and family. Lessons will be tailored as much as possible, and theres no existing curriculum or textbook for the course. That means the workload for the instructor will be considerable. And finally, this isn't a hobby, this is a skill set you can use to earn revenue, I do believe there's added value in that. 

For any other questions, please email Kody at KodyChamberlain@Gmail.com