In June, world acclaimed film writing instructors Michael Hauge and Steve Kaplan will return to Australia to share the stage in presenting an exclusive weekend seminar on writing a romantic comedy.
The two day, 18 hour class has been developed with Epiphany International Artists and Inscription as a world exclusive for Australian writers, directors, actors and producers.
Since Shakespearean times, romantic comedies have brought huge audiences to the theatre. Heartfelt stories told with humour are guaranteed to appeal to people of all ages in any social context. Nothing has changed today. Since 'When Harry Met Sally' was released in 1990, romantic comedies have consistently grossed over $100 million dollars every year.
As well as international hits such as 'Groundhog Day', '40 Year Old Virgin', 'Sleepless In Seattle' and 'My Best Friend's Wedding', talented and original writers such as Quentin Tarantino 'True Romance', Woody Allen 'Annie Hall', Nancy Oliver 'Lars and The Real Girl' and Charlie Kaufman 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind', have made romantic comedies that elevated expectations and continue to re-invent the form.
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Steve Kaplan is a consultant and script doctor to such companies as Dreamworks, HBO, Disney, ABC, NBC, Paramount, Touchstone Television and others, Steve has coached and developed the best writers of American television. |
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Michael Hauge is a world leading story consultant, author and lecturer. For over 20 years he has worked with screenwriters, editors, producers, novelists and development executives on their various film and literary projects. |
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As Michael Hauge says, "The best romantic comedies are not only funny, sexy and entertaining, they provide you with a wonderful opportunity for exploring deeper levels of inner conflict, character growth and theme. And while action films, thrillers and science fiction primarily deal with physical courage, romantic comedies force their heroes to develop the emotional courage necessary to expose their innermost fears and weaknesses."
In an industry that has often favoured making slapstick comedies or films with dark, brooding themes, 'Strictly Ballroom' stands out amongst the crowd in the Australian industry as a romantic comedy with unique appeal and creativity that went on to achieve worldwide acclaim and launch Baz Luhrmann's career internationally.
As we head into the the next decade, we find romantic films swamping cinemas with renewed passion, magic and fantasy. It's time to bring the fun and romance back to the Australian big screen. Romantic comedy is one of the best ways to advance your screenwriting career.
Taking this class is not only a unique opportunity to work with two of the best screenwriting coaches in America today, but a career imperative if you’re serious about writing a quality screenplay that reaches a worldwide audience.
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"In a field chocked with script doctors, Michael Hauge remains the surest, most sensible alternative. When I pick up the phone for help, he’s the call I make"
Shane Black, Screenwriter 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang', 'Lethal Weapon 1 & 2'
"Steve Kaplan was a very important influence on me as a writer. Many of his techniques for analysing a comedy scene I still use to this day"
Steve Skrovan, Screenwriter 'Everybody Loves Raymond'
"Michael Hauge's principles & methods are so well argued that the mysteries of effective screenwriting can be understood - even by directors”
Phillip Noyce, Director 'Patriot Games', 'Rabbit Proof Fence'
"We've been hearing nothing but great things about the class… thank you for a great experience"
Katie Koskenmoki, Dreamworks Animation
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