Yearlong in Feature Film
with Andrew Bell
Genres: Fiction, Writing for Performance
Online
Online Intermediate, Advanced
Intermediate, Advanced 30 Sessions
30 Sessions “I love helping my students write features. It’s what we know, love, and think of when we talk about movies. I’m most excited about helping students flesh out personal ideas into compelling, narratively rich, character driven screenplays, while being inspired by and getting to know a new batch of writers.” -Andrew Bell, instructor and filmmaker
In this craft-focused cohort, we’ll spend a year planning, writing, and revising feature-length scripts ready for screenplay competitions, fellowship and grant submissions, and film production. Students should expect to write weekly, invest in the work of their fellow writers, and commit to finishing a long-form project.
We'll conduct deep readings and discussions of several important screenplays and films before diving headfirst into student work. While this class is primarily workshop-based, we’ll cover different strategies and approaches to story, character, conflict, dialogue, structure, and revision.
Leave with a polished and revised feature-length screenplay ready for production, script competitions, or to use as a writing sample.
What to expect:
- Generative Writing: students create new work from assignments. Students will generate work primarily outside of class hours.
- Workshop: students submit work for critique from the teacher and class.
- Feedback from both peers and instructor.
- 2+ hours of writing and/or reading outside of class per week.
Students say…
“Andrew is an excellent teacher. I've gotten more out of the two classes I've taken with him than any other film writing classes I've been in.”
“Script writing and TV writing (and/or pitch decks) were completely new to me and it was a great class to step outside my comfort zone – and get myself writing again. Andrew did a great job providing awesome resources and it felt like a very clear roadmap for continuing my interest.”
“I appreciated the care and time that everyone got on their scripts from the class and from Andrew. it was really helpful for my writing. Andrew was always ready with notes and went out of his way to offer office hours and extra time when we'd ask for help. I was happy with the workshop style and learning how to read other people's writing…the most learning I had was from actually sitting down and writing and reading other people's writing”
“I was always grateful for Andrew's insightful, detailed notes on our work. I also appreciated that he was so accessible for questions and assistance outside of class sessions. He fostered a really unique and productive class dynamic. We all got so much writing done!”
Q&A with instructor Andrew Bell:
What type of writer is best suited for this class? How much writing experience do I need to take this class?
This class is best suited for an intermediate to advanced writer looking to develop and write a longer piece. While writers should have some experience writing fiction and feel comfortable sharing their work with a group of friendly peers, screenwriting experience is not necessary if the student is eager and willing to learn the medium. It’s not rocket surgery, it’s just movies.
What will I learn over the course of this yearlong?
Writers can expect to learn what goes into developing and writing a feature screenplay. A lot of that is hard work. We’ll learn the fundamentals of story, character, structure, conflict, and dialogue, but more importantly, we’ll support one another as we develop and write these personal projects. Some of the most important lessons we learn, we learn by investing in the work of our fellow writers and watching their scripts grow.
What's the balance of in-class generative writing, lecture, and workshop?
There is very little in-class writing in this course. I’ll lecture a bit, we’ll have some lively class discussions, but the bulk of this course is workshopping our scripts. This course is all about helping each other develop and write our screenplays.
How many times will I get to workshop in this class?
Depending on class size, students can expect to have their work workshopped every week or other week. We're chipping away at these scripts piece by piece. It's gonna be fun and we're in it together.
How much time outside of class will I need for this class each week?
You’ll get out of this class what you put into it. I would expect a student to work between 2-5+ hours a week in this course. You could get away with less some weeks, but your writing would probably get better if you put in more.
How much feedback will I receive on my work? Will it be from peers or my instructor?
If you want a bunch, we’ll give you a bunch. If you want us to shut up, just tell us. We’re here to help. You’ll get feedback from both your peers and the instructor.
Who will we be reading?
You’ll be reading each other’s work, mostly. In the beginning of the course, we’ll also read a few strong professional scripts to learn from, determined based off the tastes and needs of the group. Any additional reading will be provided by the instructor, but there shouldn’t be much.
What will I come out of this yearlong with?
It’s in the course title, silly. You’ll have a feature length film. That’s generally between about 72 and 120 pages, depending on the needs of the story and expectations of the genre. Before that you’ll have an outline or treatment, and after you finish, you’ll have a revised draft (or at least a very strong start on one).
Anything else you want your students to know?
I can’t wait to dive into this with a new group of writers. Hoping to see a few familiar faces as well. We’re gonna have a ton of fun 🙂
TV writing more your style? Check out Yearlong in TV Writer's Room, also with Andrew Bell (and in person!).
Heart belong more to the stage than the screen? Check out Yearlong in Playwriting with Miriam Tobin (in person).
Registration Dates:
- August 13: Member registration opens at 10:30 am PT
- August 20: General registration opens at 10:30 am PT
- September 1: Last day of Early Bird discount
This class is not eligible for a member discount. Learn more here »
Payment plans are available for classes with 8+ sessions. Email education@hugohouse.org to inquire about payment plan options.
Andrew Bell
Andrew Bell is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and educator from the Pacific Northwest. His short film work has played at festivals worldwide and is broadcast internationally on ShortsTV, BloodydisgustingTV, and streaming on CryptTV. He is currently working on his first feature film and doing what he loves most—mentoring young writers, actors, and filmmakers. He holds an MFA from Columbia University.
FAQ
Complete FAQEach class description includes a breakdown of what you can expect in terms of in-class activity, feedback, and homework (if any).
Generative means you’ll be generating new writing, either in class or at home between classes.
Workshop means you’ll be sharing work to be read and critiqued by your instructor and classmates and that you will also be critiquing the work of your peers.
Reading means you’ll be doing close reading of a work with an eye toward craft.
Craft discussion means you’ll be looking at the tools writers use to do that thing they do so well and then trying it out yourself.
Class levels are designed for various stages of the writing journey. Simply self-select the level that sounds best for where you’re at.
Introductory: This is your first creative writing workshop, first writing class since high school, or first foray into a new genre or form. You’re looking to try something new, kickstart your writing, and/or establish yourself in the fundamentals.
Intermediate: You have a strong understanding of writing fundamentals and are eager to deep dive into craft. You’re honing your writerly identity and voice through independent projects. In workshop, you look for constructive feedback and are ready to do writing and reading outside of class.
Advanced: You’ve written a significant body of work and have taken it through several stages of revision. You’re getting ready to publish or are in the early stage of publishing, and you’re interested in refining the skills that will take you to the next level in the literary industry.
All Levels: You are any of the above and are looking to play with new possibilities.
You’ll get your class information, including Zoom link if applicable, three days before the first day of class.
Write With Hugo House is our free monthly write-in program, operated in partnership with the Seattle Public Library. Two take place onsite at SPL locations, one takes place online.
Sliding-scale classes are offered every quarter. Find them in our Class Catalog.
We announce flash sales, early bird periods, and special deals through our e-newsletter; sign up at the bottom of this page.
At this time, we offer payment plans on classes 8 sessions and up. Email education@hugohouse.org with the name of the class you’re interested in to set up a payment plan.
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We charge a 5% nonrefundable administrative fee for all payment plans.
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Extended payment plans up to 8 monthly installments and 16 semi-monthly installments are available upon request.
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We are unable to hold seats for prospective payment plan students. Students will be enrolled once their first installment has been paid.
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If you need to cancel, Hugo House will issue refunds according to its cancellation and transfer policies. Your 5% nonrefundable admin fee will not be refunded.
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If you withdraw from a class after it begins, you will not receive a refund and are still responsible for paying the full course tuition.
Asynchronous classes are perfect for students that need flexibility!
During an asynchronous class, instructors release new lessons once per week. Students then have one week to complete that lesson and any accompanying coursework. You’ll learn as much as you would in a traditional class but with the flexibility to work at the best times for your schedule!
While there are no live sessions, asynchronous classes are still a lively and rigorous experience. Async classes are not static lessons but an adaptable and energetic community space. Be ready to work in a collaborative environment, giving and receiving feedback on your writing, participating in discussions, and growing your writing practice in a way that works best for you.
Asynchronous classes take place through the website Wet Ink. Students receive an invitation to the class and to set up a Wet Ink account on the start date of the class. Each week of the class, a new lesson will be available through the Wet Ink portal. Classes close two weeks after the end date, and students receive an email containing their content from the class when it closes.
Hugo House will only process refund requests that are submitted 5 business days or more before the class start date. To request a refund, log in to your account, go to “My Account,” select the “Orders” tab on the left-hand side, click the appropriate order, and request a refund for your specific class. Administrative fees apply. Please see our full refund policy here.
In general, we do not record classes. However, an exception if a student has specific access needs.
We encourage students to only sign up for classes that fit with their schedule.
We do not tolerate racist, sexist, homophobic, ableist, transphobic or any other oppressive behaviors, regardless of who commits them. Please check out our full community guidelines by clicking here. If an instance of community guidelines are violated and not resolved within the classroom, students may let us know by filling out the student incident report.
If Hugo House needs to cancel a class for any reason, you’ll receive a full refund.
You can apply for a scholarship by clicking the red “Request a Scholarship” text on class pages. The scholarship request text is located at the top of each class page, underneath the “add to cart” button.
Hugo House members get to register early for classes – a full week before they open to the general public!, receive a 10% discount on events and classes, and more. See the full list of membership benefits here!
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