
Here’s How Beginners Are Learning Screenwriting & Going From Idea to Screen-Ready in 90 Days
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 21st.
The Power of a Single Story
Most people have a story to tell, one that they know would make a great movie. But…
Without knowing the right format, structure, and storytelling building blocks – it feels impossible to even start.
And, writing for film is a whole different beast than novels or short stories – which is why so many beginners (and even more experienced writers) get stuck before they finish a single script.
I know the feeling.
Five years ago, I had over 100 writing awards over 20 different scripts, a novel, and one produced feature, but I was beyond frustrated. Doors weren’t opening. Then, one night, everything changed with a short script called Boneyard Racers.
A producer friend asked if I could write something around a couple of hearses he had access to. That same night, I poured everything I knew about screenwriting into a 12-page script.
The next day, I handed it over and said, “Here’s our next movie.” A few months later, we shot it with a $500 budget, drag-racing hearses, a live band, and a crew working under Covid restrictions for the love of a great story.

That little short film went on to win awards worldwide, land distribution, and even screen alongside Oscar winners. More importantly, it gave me the confidence – and the partnerships – to go on and make my first feature films as a director.
My first feature, Spin the Wheel, was made for less than the cost of a used car, and still went on to win over 20 awards and gained distribution on Tubi, a major streaming platform. My follow-up feature, Contamination, is currently in its festival run and has already acquired distribution and a limited theatrical run.
That’s the power of a well-written short script. If you can tell a great story in under 15 pages, you’ll have the skills and confidence to tackle anything – including your first feature.
And that’s why I created Zero to Hero.
This is the program I wish I’d had when I started: live guidance, real support, and the foundation you need to go from “wanting to write” to “actually finishing your screenplay.”
Stop me if this sounds familiar…
🎬 You love movies and have always wanted to write one of your own.
💡 You’ve got an idea you can’t stop thinking about — but no clue how to turn it into an actual script.
📝 Screenplay formatting feels like some secret language you’ll never learn.
⏳ You’ve tried to start before, but you stall out after a few pages and don’t know what’s wrong.
🤷 You’re not sure if your idea is even “movie-worthy.”

Here’s the truth: inspiration isn’t the problem.
What you need is:
✅ A proven roadmap that takes you from blank page to completed script.
✅ A mentor who’s already written award-winning screenplays and knows the industry standard.
✅ A small group of peers to hold you accountable and cheer you on.
That’s exactly what you’ll get inside Zero to Hero: The Beginner’s Guide to Confident Screenwriting.
In just 12 weeks, you’ll go from someone who “wants to write a movie” to someone who’s actually written one – with the skills, confidence, and system to keep writing more.
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.
By Week 12, You’ll Have:
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.
Here’s What You’ll Learn on Your Hero’s Journey:
Phase 1: The Call to Adventure (Weeks 1–3)
- Week 1: Master screenwriting basics and learn to “watch like a writer”
- Week 2: Turn that idea bouncing around your head into a solid story concept
- Week 3: Structure your story with the classic three-act framework
Phase 2: Crossing the Threshold (Weeks 4–6)
- Week 4: Create a detailed beat sheet that maps your screenplay
- Week 5: Build rich, complex characters with flaws, needs, and arcs
- Week 6: Choose locations that make your story come alive on screen
Phase 3: Trials and Transformation (Weeks 7–9)
- Week 7: Break down and write scenes that drive story and reveal change
- Week 8: Write visual, lean action lines that make your script cinematic
- Week 9: Write dialogue that sounds natural and reveals character
Phase 4: Return with the Elixir (Weeks 10–12)
- Week 10: Write powerful openings and meaningful endings
- Week 11: Overcome writer’s block and build lasting writing habits
- Week 12: Get personalized feedback, a rewrite checklist, and your next-steps action plan
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.
Here’s What Past Students Say:
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.
One-Time Payment
$597 USD
Pay $597 today
Installments
$209/mo USD
Pay in equal installments of $209 per month for three months
Zero to Hero Schedule
Our first session begins on Sunday, September 21, 2025, starting at 2:00 pm MST.
Each class will run for approximately 90 minutes.

Class Starts on Sunday, September 21, 2025
Starting at 2:00 pm MST (4:00 pm ET / 3:00 pm CT / 1:00 pm PT).
Classes will be around 90 minutes.
There will be classes on September 21, 28; October 5, 12, 19, 26; November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; and December 7, 2025
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.
You can’t wait for the perfect conditions. They’ll never come. You have to be your own hero.
Join Zero to Hero now and finally write that great story.
Questions? Email me at neil@neilchasefilm.com – I respond personally to every inquiry.
P.S. Remember: The difference between dreamers and screenwriters isn’t talent – it’s finishing that script. Let me help you finish.
The Money-Back Guarantee
I stand behind the quality of this program and want you to feel confident in your investment. Because this is a live, small-group course with limited seats, refunds are handled as follows:
Full Refund Window: If you attend the first class and feel this program isn’t right for you, you may request a full refund within 7 days of the start date.