Screenwriter Symposium

Saturday Writers Symposium

— Writers of all Genres and Skill Level Welcome! —

Learn from Masters of the Art of Visual Storytelling

Evans Lansing Smith10am-11:30am: "The Hero's Journey in Epic Storytelling" with Evans Lansing Smith, Ph.D., chair of Mythology Studies, Pacifica Graduate Institute, home to the Joseph Campbell Archives and the only advanced degree Mythology program in the world

This is a rare opportunity to learn from a Mythology Master who traveled the world with Joseph Campbell, author of THE HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES. Considered one of the most influential books of the last century, Campbell's work has had a major impact on writing and storytelling, especially movie-making. Filmmakers like George Lucas (Star Wars), Stanley Kubrick (2001: A Space Odyssey) and the Wachowski Brothers (The Matrix) credit their success to a storytelling pattern Joseph Campbell identified as “a shape-shifting yet constant story.” Discover what three vital components are in every epic story and learn how to recognize mythic elements in ancient stories and fairytales and re-tell them in a unique, modern way. 

Tickets: $20 (Art Center Gallery. Limited Seating                   *** Click here to ORDER TICKETS ***

LUNCH BREAK

Steven De Souza12:30-2:30 - "Mastering the Dual Elements of Action and Humor" with Stephen de Souza, Legendary Screenwriter

Among the handful of screenwriters whose films have earned over two billion dollars at the box office, Steven de Souza was responsible for several of the most successful films of the 1980s and 90s, including Commando, 48 Hrs.,The Running Man, and Die Hard. These films established his reputation as a writer who could juggle both action and humor. He'll share with writers how the combination of Action and Humor is vital to effective and entertaining storytelling and how it remained pivotal in all of his subsequent work (which expanded to include science fiction, horror, fantasy and even an award-winning web series