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Don't Take My Word for It — Here's Proof!

The following articles are written by Hal, and appear on his ScriptforSale.com website. They are reprinted with Hal's permission.

I've chosen to reprint these articles, to give you a sense of what the Pro Series: Down Under™ will be all about:

How to Write A Screenplay that Sells
In this article, Hal presents a 12-step plan for screenwriting success. (Applies to the entire ProSeres: Down Under™)
[click here]

Concept is Everything When You Pitch
In this article, Hal shows you why High Concept gets noticed. (The ProSeries: Down Under™ will show you how to create High Concept Australian/New Zealand stories, too.)
[click here]

Raising the Marketability of a Character-Driven Story
Character-driven stories fit well within local budgetary restraints. (The ProSeries: Down Under™ will help you develop stories that launch the next wave of Australian/New Zealand stars.)
[click here]

Fresh Writing: The Unexpected Response
A great example of the power of Hal's teaching style. Read this article, and you'll be writing better tonight! (Stages Two and Three of the ProSeries: Down Under™ are filled with daily insights like this.)
[click here]

Setting Up an Emotional Moment
This article lays out the exact steps to setting up an emotional moment. (And the ProSeries: Down Under™ takes it all to the next level.)
[click here]

Screenplay Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
Three of the biggest marketing mistakes screenwriters make, and they're endemic to Australia/New Zealand. (The ProSeries: Down Under™ isn't just about teaching you screenwriting, it's about teaching you how to market your work.)
[click here]

Once you've had a look at Hal's style, you'll see why I'm so excited about teaming up with Hal for the ProSeries: Down Under™.

Book your space early, and take your writing to the next level!

Check dates >
Enrol >

QUESTIONS
&ANSWERS

QUESTION:
What % of our day does the course involve? How many hours?

ANSWER:
It’s up to you, really. The course is split into 10 modules, with most modules running for about 10 to 12 days (with a break of about a week or so between the modules). During the modules, each day you’ll get a lesson. Takes 10 – 15 minutes to read, generally. Each lesson has an assignment, and most have a 24-hour deadline. You’ll post your assignments to a forum. You can do each assignment quickly, to get the jist of it… or you can take a lot more time and really sink into it. I’d generally recommend allowing an hour each day, while the modules are running.

QUESTION:
Do we have set time frames to complete assignments?

ANSWER:
They’re usually 24-hour deadlines, sometimes 48 hours. But the deadlines are not hard-and-fast. If you slip behind (say you need to duck out for two weeks for business), you can catch up on your return. The lessons keep coming, but the deadlines are really for you, to keep you on track and focused.

QUESTION:
Do we need an idea for a screenplay before starting the course or can we work with something we've already written?

ANSWER:
The first module is the High Concept module, where you’ll take your idea and rework it to create a concept worthy of the time and energy you’ll be putting into the writing of it. It’s best to bring a NEW idea to the class, rather than trying to rework something you’ve written previously… simply because if you bring a previous script, you’ll be in love with certain scenes and ideas, and simply won’t give yourself the freedom to go off in whole new directions. I always suggest bringing new ideas to ANY screenwriting workshop (rewrite workshops notwithstanding), and then going back and applying the principles you’ve learned to the old script afterwards.

QUESTION:
Do we pay more if we pay using a plan?

ANSWER:
$50 more, to cover the additional credit card charges. We require a $300 deposit to book your seat, and the balance will be deducted monthly from your card at the rate of $150 per month. The first charge will be a month after the start of the workshop, and we’ll add the $50 finance charge at that time, so your first payment will be $200. The rest is charged on the 15th of each month.

QUESTION:
Will I be able to sell my script when I'm finished with the ProSeries?

ANSWER:
To be perfectly honest, that's not the best approach when starting a screenwriting workshop. For one thing, if you put too much pressure on yourself to "perform" in a workshop, you won't be free to explore and learn. But to answer your question, each assignment is designed to teach you a major professional SKILL, as you write your screenplay. So you're learning AS you write. Which means that at the end, you actually need to go back and rewrite, based on what you've learned. Hal has developed a very powerful step-by-step Rewrite process to be used a the end of the workshop. Expect to take another two months or so (depending on your speed and availability) to put your script into a presentable form.

If YOU have a question that's not answered on this page, let us know!
Email us at and we'll respond within 24 hours!

Pro Series: Down Under™
with
Hal Croasmun & Jeff Bollow

A six-month ONLINE workshop: Starting September 6th, 2008!
(New dates for the ProSeries:DownUnder have just been finalized, and we are now taking enrolments. Secure your seat early!)

Dear Screenwriter,

As far as I'm concerned, you've just hit paydirt.

I've been in the film industry for over 20 years, and I've never seen anyone teach screenwriting as powerfully, persuasively and effectively as Hal Croasmun (including me!), and I've seen them all. (For proof, just check out the links to his articles at left.)

Mark my words: Within five years, Hal will be the biggest name in screenwriting. He's already revolutionizing Hollywood. Even the industry's "best" consider his "Pro Series" better than UCLA, McKee, Syd Field, Truby, and all the rest.

And I agree. The "Pro Series" online workshop is, quite simply, stunning. Take it from me — a guy with nearly 1,000 students who rave about my workshops and seminars — Hal's material even blew me away!

BUT... for those of us trying to reinvigorate the film industry "Down Under", the only missing ingredient in Hal's course is the Australian and New Zealand perspective.

That's why I've teamed up with Hal to offer:

Pro Series: Down Under™

It's everything Hal offers in his "Pro Series" course, plus additional content specifically designed for Australian screenwriters writing for the local market. (See the complete course breakdown here.)

So whether you're writing for Hollywood, or for Oz, this is the only "must-do" series on Earth.

Upcoming dates >
Enrol now >

Learn from Producers Seeking Screenplays

To really understand why I'm so excited about the Pro Series: Down Under™, let me take a minute to give you some background.

I founded Embryo Films and Screenplay.com.au in early 2000 to teach screenwriting from the producer's perspective. I was looking for screenplays, and couldn't find anything I felt was commercially-viable, that I could sell to investors with a straight face (and I think Australia's box office over the subsequent five years proves my point).

So I designed some workshops. I planned to train a core group of writers who could write screenplays that I could then produce.

Now, I'm not trained as a teacher. I have a natural flair for it, and a passion for films, and the combination makes the FAST Screenwriting Workshop terrific.

But my heart lies in production. And I've always secretly hoped I could tap into something even better than me, that could rocket the local screenwriting community to the next level.

And I believe the solution to any film industry's problems starts right there on the page. My aim to to expand the SDC and help build a thriving and energetic screenwriting community here.

And that's where Hal comes in. I want every screenwriter in Australia and New Zealand to do this course.

Upcoming dates >
Enrol now >

"Commercially-viable Screenplays"

I've been complaining about the lack of commercially-viable screenplays for six years now. But what is a "commercially-viable" screenplay?

It's a screenplay that captures the imagination of an audience, and pulls them in! It's a screenplay that demands the attention of the reader. It's a story audiences will be compelled to see.

When we make movies audiences want to see, the film industry will generate bigger box office, and enable us to make more films.

Upcoming dates >
Enrol now >

Producer & "Expert Model" Maker

I've been keeping an eye on Hal's excellent website, ScriptforSale.com for about a year and a half now. And I reckon he's about to turn the entire industry on its ear.

What makes Hal so special is not his extensive producing or screenwriting experience. Rather, Hal's true strength comes from 15 years working with Fortune 500 companies creating training modules built around the "Expert Model" system.

He's an expert at it. And now that he's turned his attention to film producing, he has spent the past five years applying those training skills to screenwriting. And the results are absolutely dazzling.

Here's what he's done: Hal has reverse-engineered what the experts do! He's gone to dozens of top Hollywood producers, and asked them what a script needs for them to BUY it. What does a script need to have in order to realistically be purchased. And after several dozen interviews and continual modifications and enhancements, he has developed a course that gives you techniques and skills never-before-presented by anyone!

Not just to help you write a great script. But to help you write a great script that will SELL.

Upcoming dates >
Enrol now >

Discover Insider Secrets Even Insiders Don't Know

Look, I've read every book on screenwriting there is. I've been teaching screenwriting for over five years, and have been a filmmaker for over twenty. I've read over a thousand scripts and written about eighteen of my own. I've produced a feature film and have six more in development.

And I can tell you this: Hal's work on "High Concept" and "Subtext" alone are literally revolutionary. This stuff just doesn't exist anywhere else (I know because I've been trying to find it!) And if you apply it, this stuff will leapfrog you to the top of this industry.

Even in my own workshops, I've told students that they must have High Concept stories, and compelling subtext. The experts all know that. The producers all want it. But nobody's been able to pinpoint exactly how to do it.

Well, Hal has.

And now that I know it, I want you to know it, too.

Look, I'm not ashamed to admit it: I've learned more from Hal than I thought was possible. And what I did know already was presented in such a simple, powerful way, that it was like discovering it all over again.

If you're serious about screenwriting, you will LOVE this course. In fact, I'm so sure of it, I'm extending Hal's 100% money-back guarantee PLUS $100:

The Guarantee

Go through the entire ProSeries:DownUnder™ online workshop. When it's done, if you don't feel that your screenwriting has improved by at least 100%, you get your money back plus $100.

To receive the refund, you only have to do three things:

1. Go through the entire ProSeries.
2. Turn in every assignment, fulfilling its requirements.
3. Not improve your screenwriting by at least 100%.

If those three things happen (and you're the judge of #3), then email me and I'll refund your money plus $100.

Upcoming dates >
Enrol now >

There's Even a Payment Plan

This course has ten modules, each with ten days of exercises, several group teleconferences, one-to-one phone calls with Hal and with me, and tons of extras. It's over 120 days of content, not including the enormous learning value of feedback and interaction. And every single day of it is structured to be a massive breakthrough for you as a writer. It's worth every cent, and I know, because I PAID to be a participant myself.

I think it's so important that you do this course, that for the first time on any of our workshops, we're even offering a payment plan.

You can enrol with as little as $300 down, and divide the rest of the payments over the six months of the course. Contact us by email or see the FAQ to the left for full details.

Participants from the first three ProSeries:Australia courses are raving about them! You owe it to yourself to be competitive as a screenwriter.

Enrol Today

The price for the ProSeries:Down Under is $1199 AUD / $1299 NZD (approximately $1000 US), which is the same price as the US version of it, plus you get additional Australian and New Zealand content and a local perspective.

EARLY-BIRD Discount! Book your seat by August 22nd, 2008, and you'll pay just $899 Australian! That's a huge savings over the US price, with added content as well!

I assure you, it's worth every cent! Complete the enrolment form today, and then book your seat at the online store, and save over $300 today!

It's an incredible value, and I say that as someone who has DONE the course, as well.

Get ready to write the best script you've ever written.

Complete the enrolment form, and then book your seat at our online store right now, while you're thinking about it. Hurry, seating is limited!

I promise, you will be so glad you did.

Jeff Bollow

P.S. Don't forget to check out the sidebars on this page -- they offer more details! On the left are articles written by Hal, so you can see the power and simplicity of his approach. On the right is an overview of the modules of ProSeries: Down Under, and how it works. If you've got any other questions about it, don't hesistate to ask! Send us an email to info@screenplay.com.au. I really hope you can join us!

Click here to check upcoming dates >
Click here to enrol >

About Hal
After 15 years developing Expert Modelling training programs for Fortune 500 companies, HAL CROASMUN decided it was time to turn his attention to his true passion — the film industry. Hal is a writer/producer and founder of the ScriptforSale.com website, where he has spent nearly five years developing a unique Expert Model approach to screenwriting. It's called the Pro Series, and is revolutionizing the Hollywood film industry.

Pro Series: DownUnder™ in a Nutshell

For a complete course breakdown, click here.

STAGE ONE:
Create the foundation of a marketable screenplay.

Module 1: Create a Marketable Concept in the High Concept Class (with additional content for Australia and New Zealand)
Module 2: Plotting and Outlining an amazing story.
Module 3: Create Characters for A-List Actors

STAGE TWO:
Build scenes and pages that keep readers engaged.

Module 4: Write Fascinating Scenes
Module 5: Create Anticipation, Expectation, and Compelling Description. Turn your script into a page-turner.

STAGE THREE:
Elevate your writing to a professional level.

Module 6: Revealing Subtext Class
Module 7: Advanced Dialogue
Module 8: Write a great ending.
Module 9: Make your first ten pages shine.

STAGE FOUR:
Get yourself and your script ready for the market.

Module 10: Create a complete marketing campaign for your script (with special considerations for the Australian/New Zealand markets)

PLUS: You get:
- Monthly teleconference sessions with Hal and Jeff,
- Three one-on-one phone calls with Hal and Jeff (the first at the end of the High Concept class to make sure you have a great concept to write, and the next two are during the Market Your Screenplay class to ensure your marketing materials and pitch are ready for the market), and
- ProSeries Alumni membership, where you'll network with other writers who have completed the course

When Hal says this process is like no other, he's right. You will literally improve your screenwriting every single day of this course.

So if you really want to be a screenwriter (and I honestly hope you do), this course will be the best investment you've ever made. 100% guaranteed.

Want a DETAILED breakdown of exactly what to expect?
CLICK HERE

Check dates >
Enrol >

"I've found myself RAVING about this course. Loving it! This course is the ultimate motivator for writing my new script. Lessons arrive in my email and each assignment progresses my script. Not only are Hal and Jeff great at teaching, they're real motivators as well.

The ProSeries gives you the steps to write an amazing script from concept to completion. My screenwriting has improved at least 100%. I feel like I have new powers. "I know kung fu." I've recommended the Pro Series to two of my friends who have joined the current Pro Series Australia. I've got two more who are waiting for the right timing to join the next Pro Series. Awesome course!"

Simon Adams
Screenwriter
"Project Greenlight Australia"
Top 10 Finalist

"This course will show and teach you more than any other screenwriting course you would have ever done in the past. The focus is on producing marketable screenplays, and Hal does a great job of showing you exactly how to do that. To have someone guide you through every step of the way through the ENTIRE writing process for six months is incredible. A definite recommendation for any screenwriter who wants to learn how to make a living out of screenwriting."

Kaden San
Screenwriter

"Thank you so much for bringing the Pro Series to Australia.

I don't often have paradigm shifts, but the High Concept Class gave me lots. Hal has extracted the Expert's Process of creating High Concepts and has developed a very effective way to pass those skills on to others.

Many writing teachers will tell you WHAT to do, Hal teaches you the HOW. His system will potentially save a writer many wasted years and give you a real chance to sell your work. I wouldn't waste another day writing anything without running my ideas through the system he teaches. It's been a very worthwhile course and I recommend it highly."

Katrine Powell
Screenwriter

"I am having daily revelations through doing this program. They may be on the skills or my characters or part of the story, but they keep coming. Just do the assignments and your writing will improve and you will have break through moments. I really love this course and don't want it to end."

Rob McDonald Screenwriter

"I feel everyday I work through this program I learn so much more. Having to write on a regular basis is imperative to becoming better at my craft. It has given me a real guide as to how to make my dialogue interesting for both me to write and for the reader to enjoy."

Jessica Murphy Screenwriter

"The proseries is excellent. My skills have improved and I know that they will continue to. I'm excited about having all these new skills to apply."

Vicki Forward Screenwriter

Don't you think it's time YOU felt this way about your writing career?