The next 8-Week online Group Story Maps Master Class will begin in early 2025. For updates on enrollment, stay tuned to this page or get on my newsletter list.

 

The Story Maps Master Class is an 8-week online screenwriting workshop, taught primarily using Google Classroom. It is not just a series of video lectures or auto-emailed documents. Every lesson, set of notes or reply comes directly from me (Daniel Calvisi, your instructor) to you. I teach it to groups and one-on-one with private clients. The group class is capped at eight students max.

This is NOT a home course that you take on your own. This is a workshop where you get to know your fellow writers and their work and you get direct contact with your instructor, a professional Story Analyst, Screenwriter, Author and Writing Coach with over two decades of experience working with writers at every level, including those with credits from all the major studios, networks and streamers (Netflix, Max, Sony, Disney, Warner Brothers, HBO, CBS to name a few). Many professionals in the film and television industry hire me to consult on their top projects and I deliver story expertise gained from years of training on the job (with employers like Miramax, Fox and New Line) and from living and working in Los Angeles with successful clients that include an Oscar winner, Showrunners, hit show staff writers, and produced feature screenwriters. I’ve published best-selling books on screenwriting, including one that introduced the first Beat Sheet for television.

This course does NOT require “live” logins at any specific time. There are no live lectures or required login times. You can log into the Classroom at any time from anywhere in the world. Your work will be CONFIDENTIAL, bound by an agreement that we all sign. Please read below for more information, and use the link at the bottom to reserve your spot in the group class, or email me with any questions.

The Story Maps Master Class is a proven screenwriting program that guides you from logline to submission-ready script, offering you reliable, detailed notes from:

• A teacher with over 25 years of experience and extensive industry credentials
• At least two current, working professionals in the movie and television industry in Los Angeles (managers, execs, producers, pro screenwriters from TV and film). See below for the names of the current pro Advisors.
  
• Your fellow writers

That’s a lot of feedback!

In many online screenwriting courses, you’re lucky to get your instructor’s notes on ONE assignment. I give you notes every week on every assignment.

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ENDORSEMENTS

“”Dan’s writing process is great. I learned a lot from his breakdowns and step-by-step instruction, as well as the regular feedback. The wealth of extra material provided was also great! Thanks again for a great class!”
-Michal Schick, Master Class student, staff writer on Netflix animated series The Dragon Prince

“Dan’s method for writing a screenplay was exactly what I needed. It gave me an approach to the writing process that carries all the way to the completion of a story. His method also enables me to create compelling dialogue and have fun while still moving the story forward. I highly recommend learning from him.”
– Miguel Chavez, Group Master Class Student and SAG Actor (recurring role on AP Bio on NBC)

“I found Dan’s coaching to be super helpful! After doing a few consultations with some other coaches, I decided to go with Dan. I ended up finishing my script with him and got past the writer’s block.”
-Elizabeth Reichelt, Coaching client and Writer’s Assistant for Bridgerton, Inventing Anna and Physical. Elizabeth used the script from our coaching to get her current manager.

“I thought this class was really helpful! I loved the structure and fast pace. I plan on using the structural secrets you’ve shared to keep me on the straight and narrow going forward. (No more writing a script that has to be completely rewritten because I didn’t do my Story Map etc.!) So THANK YOU!”
-Maggie Mahrt, former assistant to showrunners of Grimm, award-winning writer/director, Group Master Class Student

“I absolutely loved Dan’s class! His worksheets and feedback were invaluable in streamlining my ideas. This course helped me turn a concept I’ve been thinking about for 2 years into a rough draft in 8 short weeks.”
-Julia Liu, cinematographer, Group Master Class Student

“I really enjoyed the Story Maps Master Class. Dan provides clear and concise feedback on your writing. You will receive feedback from other students and you’ll learn how to give better feedback. Having deadlines as a writer is super helpful. You might be surprised by how much of your script you’re able to accomplish in such a short time. I highly recommend it!”
-Teesha Nelson, Group Master Class Student

“Dan, I owe you a lot. Thank you again for having put me on the right track and teaching me everything about screenwriting.”
-Suzanne Lutas, award-winning and optioned screenwriter, Group and Private Master Class Student

“Dan, thank you for your support and professionalism. First of all, I learned so much from your critiques and I  appreciate the way you pushed me to do better all the time. I also now understand more about the business after the critique from the industry advisors. It inspires me to improve myself!”
Max Badier, Private Master Class Student

“Dan’s weekly class notes were super in detail and he was constantly value adding to the story. Another huge asset Dan brings to the course are the mentors/industry professionals. I couldn’t have done it without you, Dan! Thank you!”
-Amelie Bonnet, Group and Private Master Class Student

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In the Master Class, you may write alone, but you’re never on your own. I foster a supportive, positive environment that’s focused on the craft, the work and the real world, not on theory.

INDUSTRY ADVISORS

Each term, I bring in two working professionals in the film and TV business to give Master Class writers extra feedback on their work and targeted advice on navigating the industry. Past pros have included managers, producers, executives, pro screenwriters and more. Past advisors’ credits include Final Destination, Paint, Bridgerton, Reacher, Open By Christmas and many more.

With such veterans on board to advise on your concepts and career, and my over 25 years of experience as a professional story analyst, teacher and writing coach, the Story Maps Master Class becomes a must for any developing screenwriter.

For the most recent term, our first advisor was producer Evan Astrowsky.

Evan Astrowsky (imdb) is a seasoned producer who found his first success with CABIN FEVER, directed by Eli Roth, which has grossed close to $40 million on a $1.5 million budget. He continues to get residual checks for that horror classic, as well as the CABIN FEVER sequels and 2016 remake. His other credits as a producer include FANBOYS, IRONCLAD, THE LAZARUS PROJECT and MINI’S FIRST TIME. Talent in his films have included Luke Wilson, Carrie-Anne Moss, Brian Cox, Paul Giamatti, Kate Mara, Jay Baruchel, Seth Rogen, Kristen Bell and the legend himself, William Shatner.

Evan also brings a lot of advertising experience to the table, as he has produced commercials and music videos for some of the biggest production companies in Los Angeles and the most esteemed brands in the world. His spots have featured talent like The Rock and Dave Bautista.

Currently, Evan is in development on a number of projects, including a TV series with the producer of SEAL TEAM (CBS) and a drama with screenwriter Glenn Sanders. Speaking of Glenn…

 

Our second pro Advisor to the most recent Master Class was Glenn Sanders, WGA screenwriter, director and former Global Sr. Creative Director at Amazon Studios.

Glenn Sanders (imdb) is a unique professional, having been both a working screenwriter and a high-level studio marketing exec. A WGA member since 2017, he’s currently rewriting the contained sci-fi thriller he sold last year, and writing an original screenplay for himself to direct. He previously sold screenplays to Dichotomy Pictures, Gold Circle and BenderSpink, and has written several features on assignment. Glenn most often writes grounded science fiction with a sense of scale and wonder, but has written comedies, adventures and thrillers as well. He has also directed original shorts set in the Back to the Future and Taken universes starring Christopher Lloyd and Liam Neeson. His first novella will debut on Kindle soon.

Glenn also has an amazing track record with marketing and advertising in the film and television industry. As a studio exec, Sanders served as Global Sr. Creative Director at Amazon Studios, where he launched global marketing campaigns for shows like REACHER and THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RINGS OF POWER, which holds the record as Prime Video’s most-watched series ever. Before Amazon, he helped launch 8 of the top 50 box office films of all time, including DEADPOOL 1 and 2, JURASSIC WORLD, three STAR WARS films, and multiple Marvel releases. For his efforts, he’s won 5 Grand Clios… and lost countless hours of sleep to the altar of Hollywood.

In addition to being a successful screenwriter in the trenches of Hollywood, Glenn offers the rare view from the marketing side of the industry as he designs campaigns for the biggest film and television properties around.

Both industry advisors will provide you with invaluable feedback and advice on your craft and career.

GOALS

Your first and most crucial goal is to write a great script that blows away the reader. I know, because I worked as a professional Reader for years for major companies like Miramax, New Line and Fox. To stand out, your script can’t just be good, it has to be GREAT.

My Story Maps method is just the way to get you there, and it begins with the eight weeks of the Master Class. In fact, my method has been endorsed and used by many top professionals:

“Using examples from some of the most respected shows on television, writers will learn to master the form from outline to Fade Out.” 
-Hilary Weisman Graham, Writer
(Orange is the New Black (NETFLIX), Bones (Fox), Kidding (Showtime))

“I was looking to both reinforce and challenge what I knew and also what I couldn’t yet quite articulate. I found your book on Amazon, loved what I had previewed, and decided to drop the dime. Glad I did. It’s an excellent resource.”
-Matthew-Lee Erlbach, Writer (Masters of Sex (Showtime),
MTV, Nickelodeon, WWE, Off-Broadway playwright)

“I always get asked – how do you write a pilot? Dan Calvisi has the answers!”
-Sam Ruano, Writer (Killjoys (HULU), Lost Girl (Sony TV), Little Mosque on the Prairie (CBC))

“We had to rewrite a number of scripts at the last minute, so we turned to your Story Map beat sheet and it was a huge help. We’re now story mapping every episode of our new shows.”
-Billy Rovzar, Executive Producer (Lemon Studios, series on HBO, Netflix and Apple TV+), Private Coaching Client

“It’s time to tell my own stories and I can safely say I’m a better writer, thanks to you.”
– Victor Perez, Visual Effects Supervisor (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, The Dark Knight Rises), Private Master Class Student

THE STORY MAPS MASTER CLASS INCLUDES:

• My e-books, plus bonus story maps.
• 8 weeks of lectures, assignments and notes from me, a professional Story Analyst with over two decades of experience evaluating material and coaching writers to create their best work.
• Direct email and message board correspondence with me and your classmates.
• Notes from your peers, including your personal “Notes Buddy.”
• Notes on your work from our current Industry Advisors (managers, producers, pro screenwriters).
• Q&A Zoom conference call (recorded) with the Advisors.
• Access to the archive of past recorded Q&A’s with other Advisors.
• Evaluation of your final assignment with a commercial recommendation on your material and career.
• A private, recorded Zoom conference call with me.
• Discounts on future classes and coaching.
• Your choice of one of my Webinars.

POTENTIAL BONUS: If you can finish a submission-quality script within six months of completing the initial 8 weeks of the course, I will refer you to one of my industry contacts, either a Manager or a Producer, free of charge.

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NOTE: The next 8-week online GROUP Story Maps Master Class will begin in early 2025. For news about enrollment dates and pricing, stay tuned to this page or join my newsletter list.

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We can also do a PRIVATE MASTER CLASS with just you and me. Please inquire about availability. If you have any questions, please contact me via the form below or HERE asap.

First come, first served. Let’s make your script GREAT!

Sincerely,
Dan Calvisi

Daniel P. Calvisi is a script doctor, writing coach and the author of Story Maps: How to Write a GREAT Screenplay and Story Maps: TV DRAMA: The Structure of the One-Hour Television Pilot. He is a former Story Analyst for major studios like Twentieth Century Fox, Miramax Films and New Line Cinema. He coaches writers, teaches webinars on writing for film and television and speaks at writing conferences. Many of his clients have worked with the top networks and studios in the industry, such as Netflix, HBO, Max, Warner Brothers, Disney, Sony, ABC, Showtime, Apple TV+ and more. He has been endorsed by Script Magazine and featured on Indie Film Hustle, Film Courage and L.A. Screenwriter. He holds a degree in Film and Television from New York University. He lives in Los Angeles.

P.S. If you have not done so already, I suggest you sign up for my free Story Maps Newsletter for Serious Screenwriters, which will keep you up to date on any Master Class news, including the next launch date. I will never share your email with any other party.

 

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“Dan has created a book that is straightforward and full of valuable insight and guidance for screenwriters at different experience levels.”
-Laurie Lamson, Editor, Now Write! Screenwriting

“I’ve worked in film and television for years and I can say for certain that there is nothing else like Dan’s book anywhere out there. His system is truly unique and breaks TV pilot structure down step by step for the first time, using very specific examples from some of the great pilots of recent years.”
-Fritz Manger, Producer (A Deadly Adoption with Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig)