A fun, beginner-friendly screenwriting workshop in Jacksonville for adults and mature teens interested in learning how to write for film, television, and more.
Our Screenwriting Fundamentals Workshop is designed for complete beginners and anyone curious about how stories are written for the screen. Through guided exercises, story development, screenplay examples, and supportive discussion, participants explore character, dialogue, structure, conflict, and visual storytelling.
You do not need a writing background, completed script, or fully developed story idea to join. Most participants are completely new to screenwriting, and first-time writers are warmly encouraged to attend.
This supportive, hands-on workshop is led by award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter Franklin Ritch.
No previous writing or screenwriting experience is needed.
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Level: Beginner
Format: In-person, 4-hour workshop
Meets: 12 PM – 4 PM
Upcoming Date: Saturday, July 25th
Instructor: Franklin Ritch
Best For: Adults & Mature Teens
Tuition: $99
Includes:
✔ 4-hour interactive workshop
✔ Guided screenwriting exercises
✔ Story and character-development activities
✔ Screenwriting materials and resources
✔ Complimentary snacks & drinks
✔ Free parking
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Screenwriting Fundamentals is a beginner-friendly screenwriting workshop in Jacksonville for adults and mature teens ready to develop their ideas, strengthen their storytelling skills, and learn how scripts are written for film and television.
Our beginner screenwriting workshop introduces first-time writers to story structure, character, dialogue, visual storytelling, and screenplay format through clear instruction and hands-on exercises.
Participants explore character, conflict, dialogue, structure, pacing, visual storytelling, and screenplay formatting while learning how to turn an initial idea into a clear and compelling story.
You do not need previous writing experience or a completed concept. Many participants are exploring screenwriting for the first time, and the workshop is designed to make the process feel approachable, practical, and creatively exciting from the start.
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Story Concepts: Learn how to shape an initial idea into a clear story concept and communicate it in a compelling way.
Structure & Pacing: Explore how screen stories are organized and how writers create momentum, progression, and satisfying dramatic turns.
Character Goals & Conflict: Learn how goals, intentions, obstacles, wants, and needs help shape characters and move a story forward.
Realistic Dialogue: Discover how to write dialogue that feels natural, purposeful, and specific to each character.
Visual Storytelling: Learn how screenwriters communicate emotion, action, and information through images, behavior, and what the audience sees on screen.
Theme & Tone: Explore how a story’s central ideas and emotional style influence the audience’s experience.
Genre: Examine how different genres create expectations and shape character choices, structure, tone, and storytelling style.
Resolutions: Learn how discoveries, changes, setbacks, and reversals help build toward a meaningful conclusion.
Screenplay Format: Become familiar with the basic formatting and page conventions used in professional film and television scripts.
Rhythm & Economy: Practice keeping scenes focused, communicating clearly, and making every moment on the page count.
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🎬 Beginner-friendly screenwriting instruction
🎬 Guided writing and story-development exercises
🎬 Screenplay examples and discussions
🎬 Character, dialogue, and conflict activities
🎬 Concept-development practice
🎬 Screenplay-formatting fundamentals
🎬 Opportunities to ask questions and receive feedback
🎬 Creative collaboration with other storytellers
🎬 A supportive, low-pressure workshop environment
Participants are encouraged to explore ideas, ask questions, and experiment creatively without pressure to arrive with a finished story or write an entire screenplay during the workshop.
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Screenwriting Fundamentals is a one-day, four-hour workshop created specifically for beginners.
The workshop combines guided instruction with screenplay examples, story discussions, writing exercises, character development, and opportunities to begin shaping original ideas.
Instructor Franklin introduces the key differences between screenwriting and other forms of writing before guiding participants through story structure, character, conflict, dialogue, visual storytelling, and screenplay format.
Exercises begin with approachable story concepts and gradually build throughout the workshop, helping participants better understand how ideas are developed into scenes and structured stories.
There is no homework, no required preparation, and no expectation that you arrive with a completed concept. The focus is on understanding the fundamentals, practicing new tools, and gaining the confidence to begin or continue developing your own screenplay.
No previous writing or screenwriting experience is needed. Just bring yourself, an open mind, and a willingness to create.
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✔ Have never written a screenplay and want a supportive place to begin
✔ Have a movie, television, short-film, or character idea they want to explore
✔ Want to understand how screen stories are structured
✔ Are interested in strengthening dialogue, character, and storytelling skills
✔ Are actors who want to better understand scripts from a writer’s perspective
✔ Are filmmakers looking to build stronger story-development skills
✔ Enjoy creative writing and want to explore a new format
✔ Are looking for a fun, inspiring, and creative outlet
✔ Have always wanted to write a screenplay but did not know where to start
Many participants join simply because they enjoy movies, storytelling, or creative writing; not because they plan to become professional screenwriters.
Some continue developing short films, television concepts, or feature-length scripts, while others leave with a greater understanding of storytelling and a new creative skill they can continue exploring.
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Instructor Franklin Ritch is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and filmmaker whose debut feature film, The Artifice Girl, premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival and received the Golden Audience Award.
The film later received top honors during its European premiere and screened at major international festivals including Fantastic Fest and the Sleeping Giant Film Festival.
Franklin was named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 New Faces of Independent Film.”
His teaching style is accessible, thoughtful, practical, and creatively encouraging.
Franklin helps beginners understand story structure, character, dialogue, screenplay format, and visual storytelling in a way that feels clear rather than overwhelming.
Students consistently describe his workshops as inspiring, informative, welcoming, and creatively energizing.
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Level: Beginner
Format: In-person, 4-hour workshop
Meets: 12 PM – 4 PM
Upcoming Date: Saturday, July 25th
Instructor: Franklin Ritch
Best For: Adults & Mature Teens
Tuition: $99
Includes:
✔ 4-hour interactive workshop
✔ Guided screenwriting exercises
✔ Story and character-development activities
✔ Screenwriting materials and resources
✔ Complimentary snacks & drinks
✔ Free parking
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Creative Veins Performing Arts
1800 Atlantic Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Located in the heart of San Marco!
✔ 4,000+ sq. ft. of creative studio space
✔ Cozy movie room and welcoming lobby for guests
✔ Free on-site parking and 24/7 free street parking
Take a studio tour here!
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“I had zero screenwriting experience going in, but by the end of the workshop, I felt confident and inspired. The environment was so welcoming, and I actually left with the first few pages of my script!”
— Keira B., First-Time Screenwriting Student
“This workshop ignited my passion for writing. Franklin’s guidance was invaluable!”
— Frances R., Beginner Screenwriting Student
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Every screenplay begins with an idea.
Screenwriting is about learning how to shape that idea into characters, conflict, dialogue, images, and moments that connect with an audience.
Screenwriting Fundamentals gives participants a welcoming place to explore the writing process, understand how screen stories are built, and begin developing their own creative voice.
You do not need a completed script or years of writing experience. You only need curiosity, imagination, and the willingness to begin.
Space is limited to maintain a supportive, interactive, and personalized workshop experience.
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Please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re truly happy to answer any questions and help determine whether this workshop is the right fit for you.
📧 [email protected]
📱 904.323.2471 (call or text)
Creative Veins Performing Arts
1800 Atlantic Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
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