We have taught and mentored writers who have set up projects at major studios including Paramount, Warner Bros., Screen Gems, and Legendary Pictures, TV networks including ABC, AMC, HBO, and USA, signed with top agencies including CAA, The Gersh Agency, Paradigm, UTA, Verve, and WME, and managers including Circle of Confusion, Grandview, Lee Stobby, Madhouse Entertainment, Mosaic, and MXN Entertainment, as well as winning the Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting contest and writing scripts which have made the annual Black List.
“Screenwriting Master Class changed my life, and I wouldn’t be where I am as a writer without having taken these classes. I used to struggle to write every day. Now it’s something that just happens because Scott provided me with the tools I needed to learn the craft and helped me gain confidence in my writing. Scott cares about the success of each and every one of is students, and that’s what makes Screenwriting Master Class so special.” — Amy Bircher
“I signed up for Writing the Original Pilot Script class with Tom Benedek, whose stellar reputation in the industry I was familiar with. This was the best writing decision I’ve made in quite awhile. I received succinct and extremely helpful feedback, a boost in motivation, and a desperately needed structure that enforced discipline into my writing schedule. I definitely will be taking more classes!” — Elise D’Haene, screenwriter, author, member, WGA West
“Working with Scott in a private workshop arrangement through Screenwriting Master Class greatly accelerated my screenwriting knowledge and craftsmanship. Scott is a most dynamic, gifted and generous educator. He offered a holistic, character-driven approach to story that helped bring out my best as a writer.” — Gyan Alexander
“I have taken two classes with Tom, and both were remarkable. I not only learned a great deal, but also found myself part of a very supportive and dedicated community of writers. Tom set a perfect tone, emphasizing craft and commitment while at the same time encouraging us to experiment, play with ideas, and create.” — Erin O’Connor
“I can’t think of a single book or lecture I’ve read that outdoes the Screenwriting Master Class. The teaching is clear and comprehensive. The response from classmates, inspiring, and the feedback from Scott, invaluable.” — Brianna Garber
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the lectures and Tom’s insight, encouragement, and feedback. I highly recommend these courses to anybody — from beginners to those farther on the screenwriting path.”
— Goran Spoljaric
“Scott, of all the classes I’ve sampled around the web, NOBODY draws the crowd you do, and NOBODY gives as much useful information. It’s your infectious enthusiasm that gets us all going. I’m so grateful to be a small part of the pot you stir. — Cyd Madsen
“Tom is terrific. For someone like me who’s read the basic texts and slogged through writing several less-than-great pilot scripts, his approach and insightful comments were really helpful.” — Chris Cowley
“I have no hesitation in recommending Scott’s classes. His character-based approach to screenwriting, combined with his generous insights and constructive criticism, have helped me create real, flawed characters that readers and audiences can identify with, and from which powerful, engaging stories spring organically. — Simon Littlefield
“What makes Tom stand out are: his ethics; his true caring and concern for each student and that student’s work; and his commitment to help each student successfully get what he or she needs to learn next to write a polished script — whether for the big screen or for TV. Thanks, Tom.” — Melodie Beattie
“You can either write something shallow or with depth and Scott offers depth. With Scott at the helm, I took his classes and now I have a better grasp of writing a script that has depth.” — Alex Tran
“Great teachers don’t just illuminate the subject matter, they help you to better understand yourself. Tom Benedek is a great teacher.” — Ezra Sherman
“Scott’s classes are a breath of fresh air, immersing the student, be they novice, or professionally active, in the essential waters of the process of screenwriting. Far removed from the typically flat landscape of the basic theoretical systems, his thought-provoking insights inspire both debate and creativity, while simultaneously anchoring the content in the reality of an insider’s view of today’s screenwriting industry.” — John Hörnschemeyer
“Each time, I couldn’t move forward with my plot, Tom gave me some useful advice so that I was able to progress with my story. His help and knowledge were really precious throughout the writing process.”
— Laure Bonvin
“For me, ‘BS’ (Before Scott) was a lot of trying to put a lot of seemingly dissonant information together to help me with my narrative drive, and it was tough going, because, as some of you can relate to, there is a LOT of conflicting information out there, or else it’s formulaic, or just doesn’t work for you. However, ‘AS’ (After Scott), the clouds parted and finally, things just made sense.” — Heather Farlinger
“Tom’s TV Pilot class gave me concrete building blocks, the foundations for constructing a season-long series narrative—ways to make viewers relate to the characters on screen, and how to make each beat play like a miniature “film”, a compelling narrative all by itself.” — Don Campbell
“Tom is a thoughtful, insightful teacher who takes the time to get to know his students and understand their creative process. Tom’s suggestions and notes were spot-on and his thorough understanding of character and story helped me to grow as a screenwriter.” — Matt Lintner
“Joining Scott’s Class is one of the best decisions anyone could make when deciding to embark on the journey of writing a screenplay. His passion for teaching and screenwriting could not be more inspirational. I couldn’t wish for a better teacher and mentor!” — Theodora von Auersperg
“It was obvious to me from the first class that Tom’s screenwriting acumen stems not from theory but from practicing the craft as a working screenwriter. His knowledge of screenwriting and his hands-on experience translates into clear, easy to grasp teachings that benefit beginner as well as more advanced screenwriters. — Ourdia Hodge
“Scott is an enthusiastic and thoughtful teacher and is able to engage with students of any ability. I always come away from Scott’s classes enlightened, empowered, filled with new ideas and concepts, ready to tackle my screen writing again.” — Peter Van Schellebeck
“That’s the ‘secret sauce’ in all the SMC classes Scott and Tom teach. It’s not a ‘here’s what to think’ listing of so called ‘rules of writing.’ Instead, the emphasis is always on HOW to think like a professional, about story, character and the business side of the craft.” — John Arends
“If you’re just staring at the screen, procrastinating by checking your emails, surfing the net, etc… stop it, sign up for a course. Any Screenwriting Master Class course. I promise you’ll get your money’s worth and then some.” — Lynette Crawford-Williams
