SCREENPLAY DEVELOPMENT
For Writers and Filmmakers
StoryBoard Development Group is dedicated to the mastery of feature film screenwriting and development skills. The group was founded as an off-shoot of a UCLA Extension class in 1981 and has been operating continuously ever since.
Every month we discuss the screenplay for a feature film that is about to be released - except Springtime when we discuss one or two current Oscar nominated screenplays. We focus on the craft of screenwriting and conduct a serious in-depth discussion with our members and guests who are writers, filmmakers and industry professionals who have an understanding of established screenwriting structure and principles. Scripts are scheduled so the finished film can be seen on screen soon afterward.
Each month a different guest moderator leads our discussion. Our guest moderators are among the best teachers, authors, consultants and professionals in the business. A StoryBoard membership offers an opportunity to meet them individually and to experience a variety of analytical styles and approaches to screenwriting.
We meet on the 20th Century Fox studio lot on the second Monday of every month. Members receive a copy of the screenplay prior to the meeting and come prepared for a serious discussion. Meetings start at 7:30 pm and usually run until about 9:30/10:00PM - sometimes later on occasions when more time is required.
The cost of membership for a six-month period is $210. One-time guests are welcome to attend a meeting for $35. A copy of the screenplay to be discussed, along with sandwiches, snacks & beverages on the night of the meeting, are all included in the cost. At the monthly meeting, members can pick up the screenplay for the next month. If you are a member and should happen to miss the meeting we will mail the screenplay to you.
Prospective members should be actively involved in screenwriting and/or filmmaking, and be familiar with established screenwriting principles and structure.
Members having a screenplay they have written, or having a project to which they are attached, who would like to participate in a development workshop where other members discuss your screenplay, are welcome to submit a screenplay for consideration. Once the project is accepted, we’ll schedule a development workshop for a date sometime other than our regular meetings.
Please contact me if you are interested in becoming a member, would like to attend a meeting, or have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you.
Scott Burnell
Chairman
StoryBoard Development Group
1761 S. Marvin Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90019-5122
323 205 0773
please include “StoryBoard” in the subject line of emails.
StoryBoard Screenplays have included:
The Hurt Locker An Education Shutter Island
Frozen River Slumdog Millionaire Up In The Air
Knowing Julie & Julia Revolutionary Road
The Soloist Pride and Glory Taken
Burn After Reading Crossing Over Pulp Fiction
Juno Savage Grace No Country For Old Men
The Bucket List Inkheart The Yellow Handkerchief
Charlie Wilson’s War The Brave One The Bourne Ultimatum
Crash The Departed The Kids Are All Right
The Queen Bobby The Black Dahlia
Basic Instinct 2 Be Cool The Devil Wears Prada
Zodiac Munich An Unfinished Life
Being Julia Man On Fire Dirty Pretty Things
Mona Lisa Smile Monster Seabiscuit
Bruce Almighty Anger Management The Hours
StoryBoard Guest Moderators have included:
Pamela Jaye Smith Linda Cowgill John Truby
Syd Field Michael Hauge Richard Walter
Derek Rydall Chris Vogler Jeff Kitchen
Wendell Wellman Michael Ray Brown Dara Marks
Ken Rotcop Barbara Schiffman Donna Michelle Anderson (pka DMA)
Michael Halperin Diana Lezmez David Kohner Zuckerman
Melody Jackson Barney Miles Lichtenstein Janna Gelfand
Kathie Fong Yoneda Mario Bernheim Jeff Newman
Victoria Wisdom Ellen Sandler Beverly Gray
Jim Pasternak Bonnie MacBird Lew Hunter
Linda Seger Rachel Ballon Neill Hicks
Blair Richwood Skip Press Blake Snyder