Indie Film School | Screenplay Development

Three sessions with Ela Thier taught me more than an entire semester of an expensive film school.
PAYAL SETHI
Distributor, Film Karavan
Film Market & Festival Programmer: IFP, Tribeca

I was stuck in the worst writing block ever when I stumbled upon one of Ela's articles online. Before the day ended I was writing again. I simply had to meet this woman! I've now been studying with Ela for two years. I wrote two feature scripts; wrote, produced and directed a short currently playing in festivals around the world, and I've met my co-writer and co-producer in Ela's class. Ela is simply the best writing teacher I've ever met!

INNA BRAUDE

Ela's warmth meant it felt exciting rather than exposing to dive right in. I went to the class to brush up on my storytelling techniques but came away feeling fired up and excited about my writing again.
NICOLA LEES
Over 10 years in Television Production, BBC

Ela's workshop gave me the structure and courage to bring what was in my imagination onto the page. I'm deeply grateful to her.
DEBORAH KAMPMEIER
Writer-Director-Producer
Houndog (starring Dakota Fannings)
Virgin (starring Robyn Penn White)

I love your warm and generous spirit and your sense of humor. Your method is the best one I encountered for using stories to address the human condition. Your class is one of the best things I've ever done to advance my creativity and craft.
BEVERLY BROOKS
Co-Producer of segments for E!
Co-writer and producer of TV documentaries

Ela is one of the most genuine and caring people that I've met. At every session, you walk out the door with the knowledge that your teacher believes in you, in what you have to say, and that you are the best person to tell your story.
CHANA EWING
Little Big Girl Production

Ela has an infectious passion for her craft. I've found a whole new way to approach what used to feel like a mountain and is now fun. Ela always encourages you to hold true to your own ideas and imagination while offering a new way of understanding structural needs. I can't wait for her next class!
BENNO SCHOBERTH
Writer-Director, Shelter, First Prize IFP Market

I want to thank you for opening the door for me. I will be shooting my first short, Straight Face, within the next few weeks. You really are an inspiration.
TINA LEE

Ela's lessons on giving feedback and listening to artists should be published widely. She is able to help people help each other. Her wealth of insights into story-telling will make me not only a better filmmaker but also a better teacher and student.
YVETTE EDERY
ArtistrYE Productions, NYU Professor of puppetry

When I read the testimonials on Ela's website, I said to myself: "No one is that good." And I was right. Ela is infinitely better than good. Most screenwriting gurus claim to know all the answers. Ela goes them one better, she asks all the right questions. Whether you're a complete novice or a battle-hardened, ink-stained wretch, I defy you to take this workshop without learning a number of invaluable lessons about film, the craft, the business and, more importantly, yourself.
STEVE KLAUSNER
Best Screenplay, Headspace, NYC Horror Film Festival

Ela's razor sharp mind for screenplay analysis is astounding.
VIRGINIE DANGLADES
Editor, Sparks, Three Days in Dublin

Ela's techniques turn her students into writing athletes. It's the difference between despair and glee at the keyboard.
JOSEPH SPAID
Director, Kiran Over Mongolia and Watch the Closing Doors

Ela's workshop not only changed me, but I can even see her influence on filmmakers who haven't taken her class but are learning from her students! Ela doesn't just care about art she cares about artists, and has the tools and know-how to empower artists at all levels.
CAMERON KELLY
BA in Film Arts, Hunter College

If you've ever been inspired and wonder why you lost it, you probably got stuck on plot. Ela's workshop helps free your mind from this obstacle so that your inspiration has no place to hide.
CHRISTIAN ZARAGOZA

I co-wrote a one-act play this summer that received much critical acclaim... We followed your notes and handouts! Thanks for making me a better writer, Ela!
TARA BRODIN

Ela is encouraging, smart, and easy to talk to. I feel like I'll be able to write a screenplay whereas before it seemed like an impossible task. Thanks for all your help, I can't wait to continue!
TRACEY SCOTT WILSON
Helen Merrill Playwriting Award and Whiting Award

I went from being a Neanderthal writer using sticks and rocks to evolving thousands of years and using super-technology. Much to absorb and utilize, and I believe I will.
RAQUEL SOLOMON

An excellent workshop for writers opposed to dry "how to…" modules. This one will get you thinking and more importantly: writing! This class is for any writer with any amount of experience. Ela will provide you with tools to dig you out of any pit, as you employ structure without losing the soul of a script. With her workshop comes inspiration and drive; you will turn your imaginative dreams into a tangible reality.
MELISSA BERG

I've never met a more generous and compassionate filmmaker. Ever. I've written more in this class than any other.
RENE ALBERTA
Writer-Director, above & beneath, Premiered at Sundance, Broadcast on PBS and IFC Channel

Oh, I just love this class. Ela's words are like manna to a writer's soul. She annunciates feelings I've had about writing forever; when she wrote notes on my work, she expressed what I felt deep down. Ela's enthusiasm is contagious; she's as a good a motivator as she is a teacher and writer. Absolutely top notch. I'd recommend this class to anyone!
IAN KELLY

To be a teacher, among other things you must have a generous spirit and this Ela has in spades. She turns her students into more creative and disciplined writers, her workshop is hands-on writing, it is fun and offers the opportunity to network with other enthusiastic and hard-working writers. I highly recommend Ela Thier's writing workshop.
LEE EYPPER
Award-Winning Writer-Director Throw Me A Line and Girlspree

Learn from someone who is doing it, rather than the many "experts" who pontificate. Ela is generous of heart and knowledgeable; I've never taken a class this informative and user-friendly.
KEVIN DWANE

Besides knowing the craft of screenwriting like the back of her hand, Ela is a natural teacher that can identify an individual writer's needs. She lets each voice emerge in a way the best suits the medium.
COLIN McGREAL
Writer-Director, Apsara, Winner of several best-short awards

A huge eye-opener. I'm now obsessed with my script and looking forward to working on future scripts - instead of agonizing over the process. Thank you.
MATTHEW JARRETT
BS - TV and Film, Syracuse University
Writer/Director, The Misconception of Randal Bimford

Ela develops the course as we go to fit the needs of the class, keeping it interesting and relevant. Her grasp of structural elements seems infinite and is always illuminating. Her kindness and spirit are changing the world one screenwriter at a time.
BETH ANN DAILEY
Writer-Director of independent shorts including The Real Men We Love on Oxygen Network

With specific tools and guidelines, Ela took the intimidation of writing a feature away. Her simple step-by-step process helped me figure out how to write more effectively. I even applied what I learned on story structure to edit my feature documentary.
STEVE HUTCHISON

Ela gives concrete tools that are fun to use. She knows her craft inside out and conveys that knowledge in a way that eases the process and makes it your own. No book I ever read explained how to wrestle my story into shape. After being blocked for so long, it's refreshing to be able to move and explore again. Thank you, Ela, so much.
TIBY KANTROWITZ

I thought I knew a lot about making movies until I took Ela's class. Her simple, direct and specific instruction and help, will make me a better filmmaker.
ANNETTA MARION
Director, Alaska, The Doll Collector
Producer on dozens of film and TV programs

While bringing her own experience and aesthetic, Ela always meets a script on the script's own terms, helping to guide it exactly where it wants to go. Ela's approach has given me much more control in my work, but more importantly, she greatly amped up my passion for writing, commercially and independently, and I consider that an enormous gift that will pay dividends on all my future scripts.
ADAM NEMETT
Instructor of Cinema Studies, Maryland Institute College of Art
Graduate of Creative Writing Program, Princeton University
Writer-Director, The Instrument

Ela can recognize, appreciate and nourish your idea by pushing you to find your story's structure and its moments of emotional discovery and catharsis.
LEISL DAVIS

When Ela sat down to give me notes on my treatment, I kept stopping her to ask: where have you been all my life?
ELIZABETH MEISTER
Director and Editor
MFA in Film, Northwestern University

I've been trying to finish my script for over a year, and your writing exercises helped me break it down. Now I feel like I can write an original, worthy, interesting and marketable script.
CHARLIE DARLING

Ela was able to see exactly where the problems were in my scripts and gave clear and effective notes about how I could fix them. She knows structure like the back of her hand, was able to relay how to fix any problems while still keeping me inspired in my own story without getting bogged down in the abc's of structure.
NATASHA LEVINGER
Award-winning writer of Oxygen movie My Sexiest Mistake
Rewriter of a variety of movies for film and television

I was actually skeptical at first because my genre was a violent action film and it didn't seem like Ela's specialty. It turned out that my most violent character was also her favorite! She's been a great aid in helping my action script with something that many others are lacking: a great story. I highly recommend.
JAMIE PAYGE
Screenwriting student, Hofstra University

I feel so rejuvenated from our class!! I'm so grateful. It was truly a wonderful experience and I look forward to the two more screenplays I have in me this year. I'm thrilled!
NICOLE FRANKLIN
Writer-Director-Producer

Ela's talent and passion for writing shines through in each honest and supportive suggestion. Our sessions together had an amazing impact on my knowledge of screenplay fundamentals, and my ability to get my ideas onto the page.
BRIAN ROSS
Film Student, New York University

Ela is like the fairy godmother of screenwriting, with all the right tricks up her sleeve to help transform any script into the real thing. Given her experience and her natural talent as a writer, there can't be a better find than Ela to help you get on your way!
SATTIE PERSAUD
Graduate of the Screenwriting Program New York Film Academy

After years and years of trying, I had pretty much given up on myself as a writer, and then I took Ela's class. With her help, I finally finished a feature length script that I'm proud of. Ela presents a simple, clear set of tools and applies them with intelligence, integrity, wit and charm. Ela is a treasure. She will help you find your own voice. Don't miss out.
LAWRENCE HORWITZ

You are an outstanding teacher. People with real inspirational teaching skills are rare. And when I find one, they inevitably change my life, as you already have. Your teaching skills and caring are like a light in a long, dark tunnel.
PAMELA TIMPSON

I just have to thank you for the unending support, love and friendship you give me and everyone you touch. Thank you for giving us the safe playground where our creativity can be freed.
SANDY GARFUNKEL

This was the best writing course I have ever taken in my life; much more fruitful and comprehensive than most of my writing classes in film school. Finally someone who teaches practical means and not vague concepts! I strongly recommend this workshop to writers at any level. Oh, I forgot to mention, most importantly: this workshop is absolutely FUN!! Thank you Ela. I hope you keep on inspiring
many more writers!!
TAKASHI HORIE

I came away realizing that relationships in stories, like in life, are everything.
JOE NARDELLI

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm recommending your workshops to everyone I know.
JOHN HATCH

Thank you for an amazing workshop. I feel like a window has been opened.
JESSICA FERRANTE

I entered the room hesitant but quickly felt inspired, finding myself enthusiastically engaged. I felt a child-like eagerness awaken my imagination. Thank you, also, for the humor!
FRANCA BARCHIESI

Your course was absolutely AMAZING! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your wisdom and structure. I'm ALL about structure
HOLLIE HARPER

Your direct, pragmatic approach opened doors for me that I'd not known were within reach. You have my thanks and admiration. Thank you for a truly mind-opening workshop.
MAX SHUPPER

Felix Frankfurter said, “Gratitude is one of the least articulated emotions, especially when it is deep.” I have been working on this for the last 30 minutes and am finding it hard to truly express my gratitude. First, I just want to commend you, Ela, for your ability to teach for 20 plus hours. Your stamina is off the charts, sister! I want to thank you for your generosity. Talk about giving! I thought about my education while seated in your classroom, and realized I had gotten more in two days with you than I did in years of previous study. The writing process will never be the same for me. Also, you don’t judge. I don’t know when I haven’t felt judged by a teacher. It was the most freeing feeling to be with a teacher who didn’t have an ax to grind and who wasn’t holding a red pen as the weapon of choice. In conjunction with this I love your desire to find the truth, the good, and the beautiful everywhere. Your hopefulness is wonderful!
ELIZA DAWSON

The workshop was extraordinary! There are so few classes or workshops that I have taken in my life that I could ever say that about. Thank-you!
JADINA LILIEN

Ela's lecture presentations are focused yet playful, balancing the personal and the abstract. She has the ability to give extremely thoughtful feedback and is enormously generous with her experience and thoughts. Thanks for the inspiration and ability to pass on real skills and tools. I'll be back for more.
GAIL PELLETT
Producer-Director-Writer of award-winning documentaries at PBS
for 20 years including 15 years with Bill Moyers

Your workshop impacted me very deeply; I've been writing daily since. What I came out with was a way to work on my ideas without getting in my own way. The workshop was immeasurably helpful even in my defining and shaping a documentary. I didn't think it would be useful for documentary filmmaking, but it was. Instead of thinking it up and making it happen, I shuffled the cards I had in a different way. And now the funders are happy!
STEPHANIE DANIELS
Emmy Award-winning Director/Producer