The Built-in Schedule of the “Dating Your Character” System:
Since writing a screenplay can be a journey in itself – with real life sometimes rudely interrupting – we tackle the problem of not only generating a connection with your Character, but feeding it. We offer tips for sticking to a realistic routine and how to combat dreaded writer’s block.
Create yourself a Character who goes beyond your self…
What We Offer
SPEAKING:
Our speaking engagements are geared to inspire writers using a variety of devices. Our two-hour interactive class has lecture components and each offers four on-the-spot exercises to help creatives (writers, actors, producers) pinpoint their investment in their Characters. Additionally, we provide access to entertainment-industry intelligence, offering insider tips on craft and career tracks for both beginning and advanced writers.
List of Topics:
“Using ‘DYC’ to Polish Your Pitch”
“Exploring the World of the Story with Your Character”
“Surviving Writer’s Block – DYC Techniques for Overcoming Your Fears”
“Putting the Character Back into Character – DYC tools for indentifying
your Character’s core values, world view, and specific DNA.”
ONGOING WORKSHOP INTENSIVES:
Our workshops are 6-week commitments. Each session consists of a presentation by a “DYC” instructor, in-class exercises, personally-tailored analysis of your script, and problem-specific homework. Participants need to be open to sharing their work, as everyone will have their script, treatment, or outline reviewed with suggestions for revision emphasizing protagonist/supporting Character differentiation. The sixth week includes a final showcase of a chosen scene performed by actors in front of an invited audience of friends and industry representatives.
We believe in offering a safe space for experimentation and discovery.
We expect everyone to maintain a respectful attitude towards others in the group.
All we ask of our participants is that they demonstrate a serious dedication to their writing and show up prepared with their finished reading/writing assignments.
WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS:
“Their seminar is a hard shot of adrenaline to the heart!”
Christopher Carlson, Screenwriter Homecoming, Author of Puddlejumpers
“When people start to approach writing a script, they think about form and structure – and their throats close up. This system relaxes you and gets you into “that zone” for whatever you need from your character. This is also the perfect experience for single women.”
Carol Green, Publicist, “DYC” workshop attendee 2010-2011
“They have an uncanny ability to shape unique characters for an ever-evolving market.”
Victoria Wisdom, Literary Rep/Producer
“What a difference caring makes – you just raised everyone’s game. It was by far the best workshop I’ve attended since moving to Los Angeles.”
Viji Seshandri, Actor
“Devorah Cutler-Rubenstein is not your typical writing instructor and ‘DYC’ is not your typical screenwriting system. Together, DCR and ‘DYC’ throw you into a relationship with your character – your character comes alive – helping to ground the imaginary world in specifics down to the colour of the wallpaper in your character’s bedroom. Devo and her ‘DYC’ story system help you tell the best story possible.”
Spencer Shiffman, USC Summer Film Program Student, Asst. Editor Ransom (2017)
“You are the real deal! I definitely used some of your principles in rewrites and pitches.”
Vineet Dewan, AMPAS Nicholl Fellowship winner, Screenwriter 5 Weddings (2017), currently attached to write a feature based on a Hasbro game.
“I knew nothing about the art of pitching when Devorah Cutler-Rubenstein entered my world. During our sessions Coach Devorah was the potter and I was the clay that she shaped into a masterful pitcher. The exercises and advice she shared, as well as her inspiration was invaluable! As a result I was the winner of ‘Pitch Miami’, a contest sponsored by the Women’s International Film Festival with a $5,000 development prize. I will forever be in her debt for being my guiding force.
“P.S. Thank you for everything Devo. You are awesome and I love you!!!”
Lolita Stewart-White, 2012 Pitch Miami winner, 2015 Sundance Institute Miami Fellow
“Love all the movie examples and the exercises.”
Deirdre Wagner, Actress
“Great energy, lots of fun!”
Daniel Cauterucci, Unscripted Writer/Segment Producer Jersey Belle, All on the Line
DATING YOUR CHARACTER CONSULTING SERVICES
We believe in providing solutions. Our services range from written analysis to phone consultations to in-person coaching sessions
Click to learn about our Coverage
Professional industry script analysis is an invaluable comparative assessment to see how your writing measures up in the marketplace. Creating Characters who are compelling and richly textured is vital if you want your writing to stand out. It’s what separates a talented amateur from a pro.
The at-a-glance “DYC” system rates each of your script’s major components as well as the overall effect of the story as a whole. Plot, pace, tone, dialogue, and description are evaluated relative to the level of real-world, working writers.
Click to learn about our Page Notes
We produce detailed page notes on scripts that pinpoint specific areas in scenes for improvement. Our suggestions are meant to help you hone your voice, imbue your descriptions with a casual chattiness, and tighten the pacing of the script. Because we consider Character development the most crucial aspect of a well-written story, we also evaluate the memorability of your Character on three fronts.
Click to learn about our Pitch Polish
We schedule sessions to hear your story pitch – your 30-second and your 3-minute versions. We help you amplify the most high-concept, most relatable, and most marketable aspects of your pitches.
Click to learn about our Marketing Evaluation
We appraise all of your marketing materials: logline, one-sheet, treatment, leave-behind art, and even your sizzle reel. While most emerging screenwriters need three to four strong spec scripts, having complementary visual materials can sometimes be helpful and catch the attention of a bleary-eyed development exec.
