Interview: Script Coach Pilar Alessandra
“write first, worry later” - Pilar Alessandra
“Can any of you add a single hour to the length of your life by worrying?” - Matthew 6:27. This week’s SC Interviewee is Pilar Alessandra, a writing instructor and script coach who edifies and instructs others on the skill of writing via her program, On the Page. Not only have her students and clients sold features and pitches to major studios, they also write and show-run for shows such as, Homeland, The 100, Dear White People, Grey’s Anatomy, Silicon Valley, The Chi and many more. She has led seminars at Disney, DreamWorks, ABC, CBS and the AFM and also helped to train writers in Lena Waithe’s mentorship program. Pilar is certainly a pillar in the film/TV industry - we hope you enjoy learning a little more about her:
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1. How did you first get started analyzing scripts?
I fell into script reading in my 20’s and found that I loved it. Being able to get a sense of story and voice before a script hits the big screen was so interesting. What I learned on the job by reading for DreamWorks and Radar Pictures helped me develop the writing tools I use in my classes today.
2. You have been teaching screenwriting courses for several years. What are some of the biggest mistakes you see screenwriters making?
These days writers are so polished and savvy. I’m generally impressed by the quality of scripts that come to me. But, I do see a tendency to write tropes and characters borrowed from other movies. It’s great to be influenced by your favorite filmmakers - but your voice and your experiences are your own.
3. What is your favorite part about what you do?
I love teaching. Seeing the light-bulbs that happen when a writer finds their idea, or connects with a character, or gets a scene just right. That’s awesome.
4. What do you think is the hardest part of screenwriting?
I've watched writers get paralyzed with doubt. They worry their story is “unsellable” or they over-analyze a plot point before they’ve even hit the page. I advise them to write first, worry later.
5. What's next for you?
I’m excited about the real-time, interactive, online classes I now teach through On the Page. These classes allow me to work with writers outside of LA and all around the world. And I can teach and talk to them just as I do in my in-person classes.
Pilar’s next online class is a course entitled Rewrite Techniques. Sisterhood Cinema readers can receive 10% off by typing in the coupon code, onthepage10. You can find the course by clicking here. In addition, she also has a FREE podcast where she interviews successful writers, producers and instructors from all corners of the industry. #SisterhoodCinema
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