Feature Structure Lab

Oct 18 to Dec 13 — Sundays, 10:00am – 1:00pm (PT)

Instructor: Craig Fernandez

In every unforgettable movie, the magic starts long before “Fade In.” It’s born in the high-octane process of breaking story—mapping every pivotal beat (scene) — from the first spark to the final frame. But for most feature writers, this part of the journey happens in isolation, leaving you guessing how the pros crack a story wide open.

Through a collaborative approach, this advanced course will take you from the seed of an idea to a full outline. During the course we will troubleshoot story problems, refine structure, and create a dynamic roadmap for your script. You’ll work alongside the instructor and a team of peers, receiving valuable feedback to strengthen your story beats and ensure your film delivers on emotional arcs, twists, and momentum.

By the end of the 8-session lab (with 2 weeks of prep work) you’ll have a clear grasp of how to break a feature film story, pitch your vision, collaborate effectively, and think like a professional screenwriter. This course is an invaluable preparation for life as a working writer—helping you develop the skills that will set you apart in a highly competitive industry.

What to Expect:

• Two weeks of tool prep work before the class begins, focused on character and structure.
• An 8-session course, where each student gets one dedicated 3-hour session devoted solely to their feature film story break.
• Collaborative story-breaking with seven other writers, providing feedback and solutions.
• A hands-on experience mirroring the real-world development process.
• Tools and techniques to ensure your screenplay has a rock-solid structure before drafting.
• Guidance on pitching ideas and collaborating with confidence.

Prerequisite: At least one Script Anatomy class or equivalent experience.

Testimonial: “I loved Craig’s teaching so much that I signed for two classes with him this summer. He helped me crank out a pretty solid draft of my feature in just a few months. He was always encouraging, kind and creative as an instructor. You could tell he cared about each student’s work yet he never tried to mold or morph people’s ideas into something they weren’t or push his own ideas. He always had extremely valuable notes, and nurtured each writer’s unique voice. I’d take another class with him in a heartbeat. Highly recommend him!“–Yagmur Tok

When: Oct 18 / Oct 25 / Nov 1 / Nov 8 / Nov 15 / Nov 22 / Dec 6 / Dec 13

*OFF Nov 29 for Thanksgiving Holiday

Place: Online

Cost: $795

Limit 7 writers

Click here for our refund policy. All sales are final. No refunds. A transfer request 45+ days before the 1st day of class will be honored (class must be selected within five business days of transfer request).

PHOTO / VIDEO DISCLAIMER :Script Anatomy reserves the exclusive right to use any photograph/video/audio taken at any Script Anatomy class, without requiring the permission of those included within the photograph/video. Script Anatomy may use the photograph/video/audio for educational, commercial, marketing or publicity purposes without limitation, and in perpetuity.

INSTRUCTOR DISCLAIMER: Since all of Script Anatomy’s instructors are working writers, opportunities sometimes arise in their careers that prohibit them from teaching. Change of instructor doesn’t qualify you, the student, a refund. By paying and signing up for this class you are acknowledging and agreeing that the original instructor of this class may change before the class begins.

AI USE POLICY: Script Anatomy is a craft-based screenwriting program. Our work here is built on the belief that writing is a skill developed through practice, feedback, and revision, not something that can be outsourced.

Your own material: While we know some writers use AI tools for researching and brainstorming, we ask that the scripts and pages you bring to class represent your own writing and creative decisions. Using AI tools to generate scenes, dialogue, or structure in place of your own work undermines the purpose of the program and is highly discouraged.

Other writers’ material: As a reminder, everything shared in this room, scripts, pitches, and personal shares, falls under the “cone of silence” category and is also considered someone’s original work and IP (intellectual property). Please don’t run anyone else’s material through ChatGPT, Claude, Sudowrite, or any other AI tool. Writers in this industry are understandably protective of their work, and we treat that seriously.

Please note our classes are for individuals aged 18 and older.