THIS CREATIVE WORKSHOP WILL TEACH YOU HOW TO TAKE AN IDEA AND DEVELOP IT INTO A STORY FOR FILM, TELEVISION, A BOOK & MORE USING THE UNIQUE "SIX WEEKS TO FINAL DRAFT" PROCESS.
About:
STEVEN SCAFFIDI
Writer - Producer - Director
Over the past 10 years or so, I've written a dozen screenplays, a book which was published and then turned into a stageplay, plus projects for television, online and more. Many of these stories and ideas were conceived and written in coffee shops. For some reason, my creative juices seem to flow while enjoying a cup of java at one of my favorite coffee shops around New Orleans.
What I love about writing in a coffee shop is that when I get writer's block I can just look around and I will see something that will kickstart the creative part of my brain and I'm back in the groove again. Yes, it can get a bit noisy at times with coffee grinding or customers chatting, but it works for me and other writers who have written some amazing stories sitting in a coffee shop.
So, you must be asking yourself, "How does the Coffee Shop Creative Workshop work, and what makes it so unique?" First of all, we're going to have a great time in a relaxed atmosphere, and I'm going to show you how to write a great story using my unique "Six Weeks to Final Draft" process. I'll teach you some cool ways to lay out your story before you start writing so you don't get lost in the weeds when working on your project. Next, I'll lay out a simple yet powerful plan to finish your screenplay, book, or whatever you decide to write in just six weeks or less if you follow my step by step guide.
At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter if you decide to write in a coffee shop like me, or in the privacy of your own home. And who cares if you finish you work in 6 weeks or 6 days? The fact is, that you will finish and you will have the opportunity to put your name on your work and shop it, sell it, produce it or just admire it. It's your story and anything is possible if you are passionate about it. In just one session, you will be amazed how much you will learn about the writing process and what to do with your work once it's finishedI'm really excited to offer this great workshop to you that won't take up a lot of your time or cost you a lot of money. Workshop dates and session times will be posted on this page and our social media channels as soon as they are scheduled. Each Coffee Shop Session is limited to only a small group of people in most cases or you can choose a customized workshop if you prefer. I look forward to meeting you and can't wait to help you create a great story that has a real shot at going somewhere.
Let's roll!
Kelly Harrington - Aspiring Writer
"Steve made what has seemed very intimidating seem far more accessible. Mainly the workshop was a good first step for me in getting out of the 'someday' mode."
Rick Guy - Published Writer
"Steve's breakdown of the writing process makes putting my ideas to work in order to create a finished project on a deadline much easier."
Stella Page - Teacher
"I enjoyed the small group discussion and the well thought out tools you gave us. The ideas are steadily bubbling up. Overall, your enthusiasm and experience were delightfully inspiring."
Rose Sparrow - Resource Specialist, Arkansas Economic Development
“Sharing my views on your teaching style, the opportunities we got as a class was second to NONE!!! I will forever be thankful for your willingness to offer the program and to work with the community colleges. The friendships and partnerships that were developed will forever be special to each of us. Now, years later, that training will go to good use. You can’t get any better than that."
Joey Scaffidi- Principal, Christian Brothers School
"The Ghost Rider Creative Workshop was well received by those who participated. The feedback from these students and parents has been positive. Many were surprisingly pleased by what they learned during the workshop. Your workshop motivated the participants to write."
Randy Bonneval - Christian Brothers Workshop Student
"The Ghost Rider Workshop was very helpful, and I learned a lot in a short time. I came home and started rewriting my story. I registered it with the Writer's Guild just and you suggested. I know I have along way to go, but you definitely have put me on the right path."
Kevin Shipp - Program Coordinator, Girl Scouts
"It was a great opportunity and those who were able to participate in it recieved valuable insight into the world of cinema and how ideas become books, screenplays and even movies."
June Marshall – Film Industry Accountant and Production Assistant
"My introduction to Louisiana’s film industry came as the result of a 7-week training program offered jointly by Ghost Rider Pictures & the Urban League of New Orleans. At the end of the training program, I felt confident that I was equipped with enough knowledge to enter the film industry as a bonafide trainee/intern to further develop the skills necessary to work in the film industry. I was able to start working on the film “RAY” as soon as I completed the training program, and I have been working continuously ever since. I owe my new career to the Ghost Rider Pictures & Urban League of New Orleans film industry training program."
Spud McConnell – Television, Radio and Stage Personality
“You can take what you learn in the workshops and apply it to many other things. Even if you don't become a filmmaker you're going to get a lot out of this.”
Georgia Scott - Student
"I thought your workshop was excellent, and if I don't have a finished product by the end of this year, its certainly not due to your workshop not providing me with the knowledge on how to do so. I would definitely recommend your workshop to anyone with potential interest."
Ed Pavur – Student
“My girlfriend and I took the workshop and enjoyed the laid back atmosphere. She said she wanted to attend another session and gave it a rating of 11 on a 1-10 scale.”
J. Wiltz – Law Firm Assistant
“The most interesting thing for me was learning the discipline of structuring the story. I’ve had a good bit of writing experience before taking the class so this was a welcome change. Everything was perfect!”
Steve Palm - U.S. Air Force
"What I found interesting was learning the process of making a film from an original script. This was a great reality check on what I've been reading and planning. Everything was great!"
Dennis Tardo – MBA Student
“The workshop was perfect. I really liked the Conceptualizer process which showed me how to break down and organize my ideas before writing.”
Nancy LoCoCo - Flim & Television Production Coordinator
"EXPERIENCE - there is no better way to learn. That's how Ghost Rider Pictures presents their workshop. Steve Scaffidi believes in taking the class out of the classroom setting. If not in the physical realm, certainly in the mental realm. He explains that everyone has a story and no story is insignificant. He will teach you to take a thought and expound on it. Brainstorm, he calls it. There is nothing like setting your mind free. Nothing like seeing your idea on paper, take shape and form into a scene, an act and yes, even a script. You'll learn to put feeling in your writing and your words will come alive. His workshop should only be the beginning. From there the whole world opens up to you. Each opportunity that is placed in front of you presents a challenge that is easily conquered by going back to the basics that are never forgotten from Ghost Rider Pictures Workshop."
Dr. Thomas Poothullil - Medical Doctor
"The Ghost Rider Workshop was very interesting and helpful to me. Everything was really good from the location, to the Interactive sessions that give the students an opportunity to participate in writing the first act of an original screenplay.”
Beverly Blasingame - Writer
"I was ready for this. I took it in like a sponge. I didn't know how inspired I was until I was driving home after the workshop. Now I have an idea, and I'm ready to run with it! You did a great job teaching and encouraging without anxiety."
Sonia Johnson – Business Owner
"The film production course was a tremendous success. I learned so much. The instructors taught me very important values and valuable aspects of the film industry. A few of them would include believing in yourself and following your dreams, dreaming BIG no matter your age, and how not to give up on those dreams. The lesson which impacted my life the most was how to dream big. By doing so, I've written a book and started my own business."
Daniel Brewster – Student
“Everything was great. I found everything covered in the Ghost Rider Workshop to be extremely helpful.”
Patrick Cullen - Businessman
“I’ve written before and have attended other screenwriting workshops. Your personal experience as filmmakers and the possibilities open to writers is what interested me. I loved it, and enjoyed both the business aspect and the literary guidance.”