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• Central Coast Writers Branch presents
• Screenwriting As A Pro!
• With James Dalessandro

August 26, 2006 James Dalessandro

Once again, author and screenwriter, James Dalessandro, shared freely his talent, knowledge, and experience in the screenwriting business by delivering the down-and-dirty truth about writing for the screen. Dalessandro did a spectacular job in the morning session demystifying the strict format screenwriting imposes on its star players and detailing with concrete examples why this structure is crucial in creating a successful screenplay. James described the difference between writing a novel and a screenplay as being similar to writing free verse versus a sonnet. There is a format, and it must be followed or your work will never be read. In the afternoon James screened Chinatown (Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway) stopping the action frequently to relate back to the form (not formula!) of the screenplay and explain why and when critical scene progressions happened. The experience reinforced the importance of choosing our words carefully and keeping our stories, whether they be short stories, novels, or screenplays, moving forward. An important lesson, perhaps especially so for the non-screenwriters in the audience. Thank you, James, for an entertaining and enlightening day

The Monterey Museum of Art's La Mirada gallery provided a wonderful setting for our August 26th Screenwriting As A Pro! The Works in Pacific Grove provided coffee and sweets for the morning and Eddison & Melrose delivered another delicious lunch. workshop with James Dalessandro.

About our Workshop Venue--

Thank you to the management and staff of the beautiful La Mirada facility of the Monterey Museum of Art. This gracious mansion and gallery is a living reminder of historic Monterey. Did you know: The La Mirada facility has only recently opened its doors to a wide range of community events such as our workshops, and we are fortunate to have such a resource. If you haven't visited the museum and gallery at La Mirada, you owe yourself the pleasure. La Mirada is located just off Fremont Street on Via Mirada. Via Mirada is also the access road to the lower parking areas for Monterey Peninsula College and the Thursday Farmer's Market. There are signs on Fremont and Via Mirada. The mansion is on the right, through stately iron gates, just after turning off Fremont. If you're looking for the perfect spot for a wedding, reception, workshop or other gathering, consider La Mirada. For details, contact their Special Events Coordinator, at 831-372-3689.