I’m Alec Sokolow
Screenwriter, Professor, Consultant, Mentor
Helping You with your screenwriting
Screenwriting Mentoring
Oscar Nominated Screenwriter here to help you as you write your own screenplays
Consulting Services
Feature Films, Video Games, TV, Character Creation, World Building, Branding
Character
Telling your story through your Character
Structure
Constructing your screenplay into acts and sequences
Process
Understanding your writing process
Career Advice
Navigating the marketplace
What Is Screenwriting?
Everything movie starts with a screenplay. A piece of writing that is a work of visual storytelling as well as an architectural blueprint, a business plan, a roadmap for collaboration of production and marketing. Screenplays are stories and stories need structure.
Screenplays rise and fall with their story structure. Much like building a house, screenplays are designed and built with their act breaks, their escalating sequences, their hero’s journeys and the dramaic irony which allow for surpring resolutions.
Screenwriting is all about design and execution. But, every screenplay starts with a spark. An idea. A character. And, of course, dreams. Both your character’s dreams as well as your dream. Your dream of writing a movie that attracts investment, bankable stars and an audience. Screenplays are the stuff that dreams are made of.
Help me help you
So, how can I help? Well, for starters, I have a lot of experience I can share. I’ve spent 35+ years working in all aspects of screenwriting by all the major studios in Hollywood and beyond.
I’m one of the original writers and achieved an Academy Award Nomination in Screenwriting for “Toy Story.”
My other credited movies includes “Money Talks,” “Goodbye Lover,” “Cheaper By the Dozen,” “Garfield,” “Garfield; A Tale Of Two Kitties” and “Evan Almighty” while also working on dozens of other film projects. Please feel free to check me out on IMDB.
If you do, you’ll see that I’m also the writer of the meta-mythology for Activision’s groundbreaking “Skylanders” video game franchise. “Skylander’s Adventure.” “Skylanders Giants.” “Skylanders Swap Force.” With a focus on gamer experience, in-game storyline, unique character creation.
I am also a Professor of Screenwriting. Currently at New York University. Previously at my alma mater, The University of Pennsylvania as well as Loyola-Marymount University and Stony Brook University.
I specialize in character driven storytelling and screenwriting throughout the entire creative process from the germ of an idea through the development and monetizing of the intellectual property to the marketing and distribution of global entertainment properties.
While also mentoring emerging screenwriters and filmmakers with a focus on story structure and production process.
So, why write a screenplay?
Because it’s fun and fantastical and stimulating and every movie starts with an idea that becomes a screenplay that gets produced and may be seen around the world through time.
But, let’s not kid ourselves. There are overwhelming odds that your screenplay might never be produced. The odds may seem daunting but, trust me, the rewards are magnificent.
So, why write a screenplay? Because movies belong to all of us and every movie starts with a screenplay. There’s an old saying. “Screenwriters don’t make money. They make moments.” And, if you are still reading this, you can see those moments in your mind’s eye. You can visualize and imagine your movie on the big screen. You have that spark. You want to create those magic moments.
Well, so do I. Ever since I was a kid. I love movies. I love screenwriting. And I believe that screenwriting from FADE IN to FADE OUT is the portal to a theater in my mind and my dreams of opportunities. I’d love to now help you in your own screenwriting process as you quest out on your own dream.
1. Your Protagonist's "Freuds"
It all starts with your characters. You must know your characters inside and out. Who they are? What was their childhood like? What makes them laugh? What keeps them awake at night? What is their reason for being? Why do they really exist? What really drives them? The more you know about your protagonist, the more options you will have in your writing.
2. Your story and plot
Your story is what you are REALLY tackling. Your plot is what drives events to reveal your story. You can’t have one without the other, but you need to know the story you are telling to allow the plot to dance with surprise and impact. Said another way… every writer must know what they are really writing about in order to design a surprising and satisfying journey for the reader.
3. Your Trailer Moments
Most movies must be marketed and sold in order to be financed. To do that, screenplays must be packaged with elements. Notable actors and directors. So, how can your screenplay attract these elements? With the larger than life magical moments. Chase scenes. Fight scenes. Cute meets. That perfect line of dialogue. Things we all see in the previews and trailers we watch before the feature presentation. We all must design and create these magical moments in order to sell your screenplay, monetize your ideas and market your film.
4. Your Act Breaks
Screenplays are built structurally. So, what are your act breaks? How do they drive your storytelling to its ultimate conclusions? What forces the action and tension and journeys yet to come? Your act breaks are the culmination of your sequential action that force a change in the path your storytelling must take.
5. Writing to your star
Movies must be financed and movie stars and bankable celebrities help finance movies. So how do you attract bankable stars? By designing scene and moment in your screenplay to give their characters the biggest moments of tension and power and vulnerability. Writing to and through your star will help you attract the bankable talent that can get your screenplay financed.
Mentoring Packages
THE FULL MONTY
I will read your screenplay and give extensive written notes breaking down your narrative drive and pacing and characters and, of course, making suggestions as to how to elevate your writing and vision. We will then have a 90 minute follow up notes session.
More Details
You will receive a detailed analysis of your pre-existing work, breaking down the narrative drive, the character development and the plot points structure.
$750
THE RIGHT STUFF
You have an idea you would like to write, but have not written it yet. Or, you have a draft that you are not quite happy with. In these one-to-one mentoring sessions I will help you break down your story into your structure and develop your characters so that you can pepare yourself to write your next draft.
More Details
Sometimes every writer needs a sounding board. Fresh “eyes & ears.” In these sessions, we will work together to connect the dots for your next draft.
$350/hour
GOOD WILL HUNTING
I’m the first to admit, there’s a lot of uncertainty in the writing process. In these sessions I will offer my 35+ years of experience as a professional screenwriter to help guide you as a writer through your creative and career process.
More Details
We’ll talk about writing and life and process. I will help you see where you can be “burning your calories” as a writer. We will discuss your vision and dreams for your ideas.
$250/hour
About Me
I’ve worn many hats in my personal and professional journey. I’ve spent 35+ years being hired in all aspects of screenwriting by all the major studios in Hollywood and beyond. I am the original writer and achieved an Academy Award Nomination in Screenwriting and won an Annie Award Winner for Screenwriting for my work on “Toy Story.”
I co-created Buzz Lightyear and Woody on the page and even wrote the line “To Infinity & Beyond.”
I’m the writer of the meta-mythology for Activision’s groundbreaking “Skylanders” video game franchise.
I’ve also been a college professor, a talk radio host, a collegiate varsity athlete (Squash), written children’s books, produced documentaries, been married, divorced, raised two artists, danced at the original Studio 54 and surfed in Hawaii.
I specialize in character driven storytelling and screenwriting throughout the entire creative process from the germ of an idea through the development and monetizing of the intellectual property to the marketing and distribution of global entertainment properties.
Testimonials
Alec is my inspiration. Or maybe I was his inspriation. In either event, Alec took me beyond infinity
Alec is the lasagne of Screenwriting mentors.
Evan Schmevan. Alec is almighty!
LET’S TALK