Working The Wound Screenwriting Workshops
About
www.workingthewound.com
Originate complex protagonists whose personal arcs speak to the compelling and intersectional experiences of women, people of color, and/or the LGBTQ community. For writers of all identities.
Using this unique approach to the craft of screenwriting, Jenny Kleiman uses characters' misbehaviors and trauma (yes, in comedy too!) to develop complex story arcs. Specializing in plot problem-solving, these workshops will help you identify and hone your voice. Further, in an effort to combat and destroy familiar tropes previously reserved for women and minorities in cinema, these workshops are specific to developing and honing the inner narratives, experiences, and tribulations of minority leads.
As a screenwriter myself, I absolutely love storytelling. However, I was brought to teaching because I love figuring out how to make them "work." Every narrative is like it's own puzzle to be tinkered with and solved.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
At the heart of every narrative is a complex protagonist and at the basis of their journey, a WOUND- trauma that shapes itself into a misbehavior. Depending on your genre or structure, that wound helps dictate story structure and drive plot forward (or seeming backward!) in the characters’ journey to reach their goal.
Using this screenwriting tool to develop scene work and narrative beats, this class is an opportunity to create layered and complex characters to drive your feature or TV pilot. Over eight weeks, you will develop and workshop your idea with the focus and goal of FINISHING YOUR SCRIPT.
Modeled after a professional writers’ room, students will read each other’s work weekly to discuss, critique, identify, and learn story structure, this class is great for levels: beginners, intermediate, or professional writers looking to create great stories with compelling leads.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Represented by one of the top literary agencies in the world, Gersh, Jenny’s first feature script, AMERICAN PRINCESS, was featured on The Black List as the #1 Trending Script for March 2019 and finished at #16 overall for first quarter.
Her most recent short film, SOFA QUEEN, premiered at the 2020 USA Film Festival and online with the 2020 Lighthouse International Film Festival. Its received numerous festival selections, nominations, and awards including the Grand Jury Prize for Best Short (Comedy) at Film Invasion LA and Best US Comedy at the Venice Film Awards.
Jenny’s industry experience began with a directing apprenticeship under director/ producer, Roman Coppola. As a script reader, Jenny selected and pitched the pilot for MOZART IN THE JUNGLE which was picked up by Coppola’s company, American Zoetrope, and ran for 4 seasons. She went on to work as the writing assistant to screenwriter and master of horror, David Loucka (RINGS, HOUSE AT THE END OF THE STREET).
As a commercial director, Jenny produced and directed national commercials and internal branding videos for clients including Adidas, BMW, and SEE Eyewear and has been featured by major fashion names like NYLON, Topshop, New York Fashion Week, Charleston Fashion Week, and more.
As a producer, Jenny and longtime collaborator, Kayla Morrisey, formed The Royal Wild in 2014. Their first feature project, FLEURS, is currently in pre-production for Spring 2021, a co-production with Alexis Varouxakis (GOOD TIME, ARKANSAS, I AM MOTHER) of Adrenaline Entertainment.
Jenny is also the co-founder of the startup, Women's Independent Film Channel, or WIFC TV, a streaming service cultivating exposure for women in film. WIFC TV was selected for the competitive 2017 class of Project Entrepreneur by the Rent the Runway Foundation.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
8 week workshops - $400
Or
Whether you are fleshing out an idea or find yourself stuck between drafts, I am happy to offer a more personal and direct learning environment. With your choice of weekly packages or hourly rates, these sessions are particularly useful for those who are dedicated to finishing their project and readying it for market.
UNDER 65 PAGES (Shorts, TV Pilots, Pitches) - $250. Includes your choice of 3 pages of notes OR 30 minutes of feedback via a call/Zoom session.
OVER 65 AND UP TO 130 PAGES (Features) - $350. Includes your choice of 4 pages of notes OR a 45 minutes of feedback via a call/ Zoom.
UNDER 5 PAGE GENERAL CONSULTATION (outlines, idea, concepts, script-to-screen, production breakdowns) - $150. Includes 1 hour call/ Zoom.
*Each half hour past the original included time OR extra half-page of notes is $25. I'm responsible for letting you know when our half hour is coming to a close. The call will be scheduled within 7 days of scripts' receipt. Additional $50 for rush service (within 48 hours).