Tom Vaughan currently teaches three classes:

STORY AND PLOT I: STRUCTURE

Structure is the Story and Plot introductory course. This class is unique in how it focuses on the difference between story and plot, and how each affects the most important aspect of feature-length storytelling: the structure. While the class is absolutely necessary for the screenwriter, directors and producers will find the information vital as well. The knowledge presented is instrumental for anyone interested in developing projects in the film industry whether they intend to take a concept to script, or a rough draft to production script. The class was designed to demystify structure, yet still take it well beyond the often misleading 3 act paradigm.

Read more about the STRUCTURE class

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER


STORY AND PLOT II: IMPROVING THE READ

The Story and Plot: Structure class is recommended before taking this course.

The Improving The Read class addresses the second significant stumbling block to new screenwriters: making their scripts convey the emotional experience of actually seeing the film. It's easier said than done. The days of writing a script to be filmed are long gone. Scripts are now meant to be read. They will be read by a dozen people up the chain before the small miracle of being filmed is ever achieved. Screenwriting is a wholly different kind of writing and this class teaches the difference. This is an absolutely vital workshop for anyone looking to get more positive reactions to their scripts.

Read more about the IMPROVING THE READ class



STORY AND PLOT III: THE FIRST DRAFT

This is for the more advanced screenwriter. Past or concurrent enrollment in Story and Plot: Structure is required.

The First Draft class is a ten week class where the students continue the work started in the previous two courses. In addition, the students will work to complete a detailed outline of their story as well as the entire first act of their script (the first 25-30 pages). This class allows the rare opportunity for the student to have their project guided from the beginning by a professional screenwriter. The student will be advised on all facets of their project, from the marketability of the concept, the structure of the story, the character growth, and much more. This is an unprecedented class in Houston.

Read more about THE FIRST DRAFT class.