The Independent Film School
2-DAY FILM SCHOOL • free
Saturday-Sunday • November 15-16, 2025
scroll down for schedule
Partial attendance welcome. If you can’t attend any of it, register and we’ll send recordings.
Saturday, November 15
ALL TIMES LISTED IN EASTERN US TIME ZONE
Partial attendance welcome. All sessions are live. Recordings of select seminars will be sent.
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12pm - 1pm ET
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writing seminar: part 1
Eliminate writing blocks
Say goodbye to writing blocks and hello to your next screenplay.
Find those scripts that only you could write.
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Listen mode only. You won't be on camera
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1HR LUNCH BREAK
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2pm - 3pm ET
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writing workshop 1
creating characters
“I took your free training one year ago and since then co-wrote a screenplay, a pilot, and sold a web series to Viacom. I couldn’t recommend you more. Thanks so much for the inspiration!” – Matt Evans
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Your camera & mic on. Meet & connect
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15MIN BREAK
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3:15pm - 4:15pm ET
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writing seminar: part 2
Crafting page turners
How do you structure a story while respecting the wonderfully unpredictable creative process? Turn inspired free-writes into well-crafted page turners.
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Listen mode only. You won't be on camera
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15MIN BREAK
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4:30pm - 5:30pm ET
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writing workshop II
creating story
“It’s hard to have any hope… Your training gave me confidence, hope, and surprisingly – enthusiasm – which I haven’t felt in a while.” – Sheree Mirabito
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Your camera & mic on. Meet & connect
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5:30pm - 6'ish ET
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Q&A
“What you offer for free is highly inspiring, motivating, and uplifting. Through your free content alone I’m rethinking what I’m capable of.” – Jeanne Smith
Sunday, November 16
ALL TIMES LISTED IN EASTERN US TIME ZONE
Partial attendance welcome. All sessions are live. Recordings of select seminars will be sent.
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12pm - 1pm ET
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FILM DIRECTING seminar
directing actors & shot planning made simple
Common mistakes in working with actors, and in shot planning, can turn wonderful scripts into meh films. Gain effective and easy tools to direct like a pro.
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Listen mode only. You won't be on camera
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1HR LUNCH BREAK
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2pm - 3pm ET
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producing seminar
Become the producer you've been waiting for
The odds of selling a screenplay and having someone else produce it is equivalent to winning a lottery ticket. The good news: you can learn to produce your own work – and enjoy it.
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Listen mode only. You won't be on camera
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30MIN BREAK
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3:30pm - 4:30pm ET
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writing workshop III
story endings
“I can actually do the writing I so desperately wanted to do, but could never seem to find the time, energy, or headspace for.” – Jenn Koiter
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Your camera & mic on. Meet & connect
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4:30pm - 5'ish ET
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Q&A
“I’ve met like-minded people that I now meet with for work dates, inspiration, and real friendship. Life-changing.” – Pamela Muñoz
WHAT HAPPENS MONDAY?
Those who would like to continue to study with me will receive information about The Independent Film School’s All Access Pass.
That said, our free offers are complete and invaluable training sessions in and of themselves. Whether you join a paid program or not, you’re equally respected, valued, and central to our community. Most of what we offer is free.
Fun is the most efficient use of our time
Partial attendance welcome. If you can’t attend any of it, register and we’ll send recordings.
“I have worked in the film industry for 20 years and got more from your [free] lecture.”
isolation causes creative blocks
We can help. Show up.
FAQ'S
Yes. If you can’t make those dates, register anyway. We’ll send recordings of seminars at the end of each day. (Writing Workshops are live only.)
…Yes!
Whether you have no experience at all, or you’ve won twenty Oscars (congrats!) you’ll get inspired, and leave with fresh insights and maybe even a little bit of… hope.
We considered charging for this phenomenally robust weekend, but decided to make it fully accessible.
I’ve had countless students tell me that they got more from my freebies than from entire semesters of expensive film schools.
About your instructor, Ela Thier
I’ve written, directed, and produced numerous award-winning features and many shorts. Most recently I completed 109 Billion Followers, a feature film co-starring Oscar-winner J.K. Simmons, Tony-winner Nina Arianda, Jake Ryan, and Olivia Simmons. I’m currently slated to direct three feature films with notable actors and collaborators. Filmography on IMDB.
Since 2006, I’ve guided thousands of screenwriters, filmmakers, and actors, in various ways. I’ve seen time and again that to thrive, what artists need are skills, community, encouragement, and guidance from someone who believes in them and holds out high expectations.
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