1 session, Sunday, March 17th, 6-8:30pm Eastern/3pm-5:30pm Pacific
online
$65
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This unlikely pairing is a portal. In this one-day seminar, we’ll explore two magical films, “Barbie” (2023) and “The NeverEnding Story” (1984)—one an instant classic, one a nostalgia-drunk classic, but both brilliant examples of “alternative storytelling” and fearless play on the page. Both films are considered overtly commercial (and were commercial hits), and both are grounded in child’s play, but both films gift profound lessons to writers/storytellers of all modes and genres—game-changing, mind-blowing teachings on no less than the nature of power exchange and capital “c” Creativity itself. As geographical cousins, the landscapes of Barbieland and Fantasia offer struggle, self-discovery, and full-on revolution (middle fingers raised high!). Specifically, we’ll explore how these two groundbreaking films exalt boundless imagination ( = sheer delight), and exemplify the power of embodiment in screenwriting ( = the gateway to true healing).
Together, we’ll map the “Barbie” script’s most clever hat trick: turning an icon of misogyny and repression into an icon of feminist glory. If you found "Barbie" utterly-to-moderately delightful and are interested in mayyybe dipping your own toe in screenwriting (OR, you're already waist-deep in scene work), this is your seminar. If you don’t write scripts, but LOVED the film: ditto. If you found it paradoxical or conflicting: ditto!
And if you scream in delight every time you see a meme with Falkor’s ears flapping in flight, this is also your seminar! We’ll investigate how the beloved 80s hit “The NeverEnding Story” is a beautiful parable for the artist’s promise (/potential failure), as well as a trial on the nature of imagination itself.
NO screenwriting experience necessary! Just bring your cinephile joy and curiosity.
Enroll in this class.
About the Instructor
Lauren Veloski is a screenwriter, comedy writer, creative coach, and founder of THAT'S BANANAS. Her first feature script, the indie comedy “SORRY, THANKS,” was praised by Lena Dunham for writing “as seamless as any studio rom-com—if studio rom-coms had astute, nuanced dialogue.” An “unromantic comedy” about casual douchebaggery, “SORRY, THANKS” world-premiered at SXSW, played 15 fests internationally, and sold to IFC/Sundance. After 15 years as the “story brain in the room” on countless television and film projects, Lauren launched THAT'S BANANAS in 2022 to do what she most loves: work one-on-one with writers at all levels, helping them come fully into their badassery and power on the page. Visit her online at www.thats-bananas.com
Student Testimonials
"Lauren Veloski is like a scriptwriting oracle. She thinks so deeply about the concepts we’re discussing, and she has such a clear vision of what makes the work meaningful. I am so glad I took this class. I feel ready to make my own thing, but more importantly, I feel like I have the kind of permission I was seeking to carve a spot for myself. Lauren is a cheerleader, a warrior, a sage."
—Lindsay Hunter, author of "Hot Springs Drive"
"Lauren is pure gold! Full of industry intel combined with a super-passionate heart for the craft and for women’s voices"
—Lisa Lister, author of "Self Source-ery"
"AmazingI hadn't written a "real" screenplay before, and was so happy to be given the confidence to just go for it! It was great to learn the basics of screenplay structure, possibilities for The Heroine's Journey, and to read screenplays written by women in a variety of genres. Lauren was so enthusiastic and supportive."
—Laurel Kaish
"Lauren's insights were mind-blowing to me."
—Eva
"Lauren is a phenomenal teacher, highly recommend!! She keeps it light while diving into the complexities of human relationships and words."
—Kate Anderson
"I loved this class! Lauren is incredibly knowledgeable and perceptive. She has such deep expertise in writing that it's a pleasure just to listen to her talk. The class was thoughtfully organized, offering a balance of instruction, examples, and writing exercises. Lauren was encouraging and inclusive in class sessions and met each person at their level. I recommend her highly."
—Jane Hilberry, poet & professor
"Your class was deeply healing for me. It was fantastic to be uniquely supported by you and equally so to hear your support of others. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. To be able to speak out loud my story after a lifetime of feeling unsafe to express myself was freeing. I am forgiving of myself and others. Hearing others' stories was expansive. I loved being in your class."
—Jeanne Litt