How Beginners Are Writing Their First Screenplay in 2025 – Without Film School or Industry Connections

Forget everything you’ve been told about what it takes to “make it” as a screenwriter.

This isn’t about moving to Hollywood, spending thousands on film school, or knowing the right people.

This is for people who love movies, have a story idea burning in their head, and are finally ready to turn that idea into a real screenplay.

Our first live class is on September 16th.

Stop me if this sounds familiar…

You’ve spent hours watching movies thinking “I could write something like that.”

You’ve got a notebook full of half-baked ideas, or maybe just one idea you can’t get out of your head.

You’ve Googled “how to write a screenplay,” learned a bit about story structure, dialogue and action – but ended up more confused than when you started.

And… you still haven’t written your script.

They’re not Hollywood insiders. They don’t have expensive film school degrees. Most of their friends don’t even know they’re writing.

But they are learning the proven process – and turning ideas into finished stories.

And in the next 12 weeks, I’ll show you exactly how you can do the same… with live guidance, week after week, until you’re holding your very first completed screenplay.

Zero to Hero: The Beginner’s Guide to Confident Screenwriting

Go from a blank page to your first completed screenplay in just 12 weeks – with live guidance every step of the way.

The Zero to Hero program is a live, hands-on experience designed for beginner screenwriters who want to learn what it takes to write a great script – and feel confident doing it.

You’ve Got the Idea. Now Let’s Write the Script.

I bet that you’ve got a movie idea you can’t stop thinking about.

Maybe you’ve scribbled some notes, or maybe you haven’t even started because you don’t know how to start.

I felt exactly the same way fifteen years ago, before I learned how to turn ideas into award-winning screenplays.

What You Actually Need: A Mentor, A Map, and Accountability

This isn’t another “watch videos alone and hope for the best” course.

Zero to Hero is a live, intimate screenwriting experience where you’ll learn directly from me – an award-winning screenwriter with 100+ competition wins – alongside a small group of other aspiring writers.

Every week for 12 weeks, we’ll meet live on Zoom where you’ll get:

Plus, you’ll join our private community where you can share progress, ask questions, and connect with fellow writers between sessions.

But here’s what matters most: You’ll have proven to yourself that you can take an idea and turn it into a finished script.

That’s your hero’s journey – from someone who “wants to write” to someone who writes.

What Makes This Different?

🎥 Live Weekly Sessions – No pre-recorded videos. Real instruction, real feedback, real time.

👥 Small Group of Students – You’re not student #52. You get personal attention and feedback on your specific work.

🔥 Hot Seat Coaching – Share your pages, get immediate feedback, and watch me coach other writers on their work in a writer’s room setting.

📝 Progressive Assignments – Each week builds on the last. No overwhelming dumps of information.

🏆 Award-Winning Instructor – Learn from a produced writer and filmmaker whose screenplays have won 100+ international awards.

💬 Private Community – Connect with fellow writers for ongoing support and accountability.

Who This Is Perfect For:

You don’t need expensive software, prior experience, or the “perfect” idea. You just need to show up and follow through on the exercises.

Why Learn Screenwriting From Neil?

When it comes to the modern movie landscape, great stories used to be the norm. Now, they are the exception to the norm.

Unfortunately, the movie industry has increasingly become an echo chamber where filmmakers are more concerned with what critics and peers think than connecting with actual audiences.

The industry needs outside voices to get back to its roots of telling good stories that resonate with the movie-watching public, rather than simply other insiders.

I’ve been working in the indie film industry for over 15 years now. During that time, I’ve worked in front of and behind the camera – at just about every position there is on a film set.

I approach every screenplay with a story-first mindset. I’ve seen first-hand that you can have all the production value in the world – cinematography, star actors, visual effects – but if the script is weak, none of it matters.

I’m not just a produced screenwriter, I’m also a working filmmaker.

Because I’ve worn so many hats, I approach every script as a writer, director, actor, cinematographer, producer, and, most importantly, audience member.

Each time I read or write a screenplay, I put myself in each one of these shoes – always asking the question: “Is this what I’m looking for?”

When the answer is yes, you know you have a good story on your hands!

Your Choice: Keep Dreaming or Start Writing

Twelve weeks from now, you’ll either:

Still be saying “I’ve always wanted to write a screenplay…”

OR

Be holding your completed first draft, knowing you have the skills to write your next one.

Zero to Hero gives you everything you need to finally finish your first screenplay, through:

• Live expert instruction (not videos you watch alone)
• Personal feedback on your actual pages
• A supportive community of fellow writers
• Built-in accountability to keep you moving forward
• A proven system that works

Zero to Hero Pricing

Most people only dream of writing a screenplay.

For less than the cost of a weekend getaway, you can finally finish one.

Zero to Hero Schedule

Our first session begins on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, starting at 5:00 pm MST.

Each class will run for approximately 90 minutes.

Limited Spots Available

A limited number of spots will be available in this cohort – because you deserve personal attention, and not to be lost in a crowd of hundreds.

Once these spots are filled, you’ll have to wait for the next session.

Ready to Go from Zero to Hero?

🎬 If you’re tired of having “a great movie idea” and ready to have a completed screenplay instead, then this is your moment.

Join Zero to Hero now and finally write that great story.

Questions? Email me at neil@neilchasefilm.com – I respond personally to every inquiry.

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P.S. Remember: The difference between dreamers and screenwriters isn’t talent – it’s finishing. Let me help you finish.