Masterclass 2026: Script Writing with Andy Wolk

Script Writing with Andy Wolk
Writing the Screenplay!
October 17 & 24

This class is designed for people who have ideas or stories that they want to write and develop into short or long screenplays. We will specifically concentrate on how to turn an idea or a character into a compelling story for the screen. We will explore the nuts and bolts of screenwriting – creating memorable characters, establishing a protagonist with a strong goal, writing sharp dialogue, and developing conflict and stakes. It will very much be a class where we “learn by doing” as it will feature writing exercises both in class and out where students can generate new scenes and we will get to see some of those scenes read by actors.

Required preparation for our first class:

Write an opening scene for the script you wish to write (or are in the midst of writing). This scene (3-4 pages tops) should introduce your protagonist, what they want, and what is making their life difficult. You don’t have to explain who the character is -- just have them do something that reveals who they are. If you don’t have an idea for this scene that you want to write, here is a set up you can use –

A young actress desperately needs to make a 10:00 audition. She has been practicing for days and ff she gets this part, her life and career will change. But her car won’t start and she is so broke her uber account has been cancelled. Be very specific in the writing – what is the part? What does she do to get there? And how does that reveal her personality?

Opening scenes to look at:

Some movies that have great opening scenes or sequences that you might want to look at are –

THE VERDICT
TOOTSIE
JOKER
LADYBIRD
ANORA
WHIPLASH

*Please note, students under 18 require permission from the moderator to take this academy class. If you’re in this category, please reach out to us at academy@antaeus.org.

About Andy Wolk
Mr. Wolk’s film and television career began with the acclaimed HBO film CRIMINAL JUSTICE, which made Time Magazine’s “Ten Best” list and earned him a Writers Guild Award nomination. He later won the Writers Guild Award for NATICA JACKSON. His other awards include an EMMY and the HUMANITAS AWARD. His extensive directing credits include THE SOPRANOS, DAMAGES, UGLY BETTY, ARLISS, STATION 19, MANIFEST, SEAL TEAM, and BLUFF CITY LAW, as well as numerous television movies. His films, many of which he also wrote, include TRACES OF RED, DELIBERATE INTENT, FIGHTING THE ODDS, and ROUGH MAGIC: EXIT SHAKESPEARE.

In theatre, he directed Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT and THE WINTER'S TALE through Lincoln Center and most recently directed Kenneth Cavander’s ANTIGONE for Antaeus Theatre Company. He has also worked with Manhattan Theatre Club, the Public, Juilliard, and CSC. He has taught directing and screenwriting at Carnegie Mellon, the American Film Institute, and the University of Pennsylvania, and served as a Creative Advisor for Sundance Institute Labs.