GLENN'S MAGIC REALLY WORKS
Class taken: January 2008

I recently revisited one of my original attempts at screenplay writing. I always liked the story, but never wrote more than 25 pages. As I read my half page narratives, seven sentence character descriptions and complete lack of scene setups, I started to feel very lucky for what has happened since that crap went on paper.
That was three scripts ago and what happened was Glenn Benest. He gives writers the tools necessary to say more by writing less. To now be able to use smashcuts, montages, intercuts, voice overs and even to have a reader listen to a helicopter in the next scene while ending the current one isn't just plain fun, it's absolutely necessary.
I've been to two EXPO'S now and have walked the mosh pit of 4000 new writers trying to sell stories five minutes at a time. Confidence is key in this arena.
Glenn makes sure your work comes through as you think you are telling it.

If you can't do that... then all you're doing is entertaining yourself.

--Tracy Crockett

Benest is the Best
Class taken: January 2008

Three words: Knowlegable, sensitive, inspirational. Glenn Benest has the capacity to move a script forward with insight and creativity. He takes the writer into novel aspects of the story and the characters that allows the writer to develop the script into something far more intriguing than first envisioned. We grow as writers and as individuals. If you enjoy a group atmosphere join one of Glenn's groups and get a kick start from well versed, creative writers who give you wonderful slants on your project.

--M.L. Gemmill

Glenn is a fantastic teacher and motivator. After a career in television (story editor on "Laverne & Shirley," "Double Trouble" and "Charlie & Company,") I wanted to get into features and came to his workshop with a script that had a good story, but in much need of work. With Glenn's guidance, the script became more layered, has more texture and is much funnier than the original. The first person I gave it to is a producer who wanted to option it before she even finished reading it. As a successful writer himself, Glenn knows how to give notes that really make a script come alive.

--Susan Lindner

When I met Glenn over five years ago, I knew nothing about screenwriting. All I had was the seed of an idea and a dream of turning it into a story.

Now, I'm writing two screenplays for hire, one for Revolution Studios and the other for Warner Brothers. It's remarkable how much the development meetings are like Glenn's workshop--a true collaboration. Apart from story structure and character development, what I learned from Glenn is that writing is a process. It doesn't always come out right the first time and that's why the workshop is so helpful. With Glenn as our group teacher and moderator, we're able to trade story and character ideas with one another--all of which help to bring our screenplays to the next level.

I am grateful to still be in his workshop.

--Bridget Friend

Don't Miss This Class
Class taken: January 2008

Glenn was my first screenwriting instructor, more than ten years ago. Though I went on to get an M.F.A. in screenwriting from UCLA, and am now a working (and striking!) writer, I keep going back to Glenn. Simply put, you can't get this kind of attention anywhere else. Not from your agent or manager, not from your screenwriting friends. I guess it's like analysis. People can listen and offer up all kinds of opinions, but that doesn't make them trained professionals. For the good stuff you've got to pay the guy and put in your time on the couch.

--Julie Ann Sipos

Glenn's class has been invaluable. I had already produced a highly acclaimed studio picture (The Hurricane) when I decided to join the writing group and I wish I had done it sooner. The process of analyzing and scrutinizing a script prevents you from getting away with imperfect work and allows an intelligent group to elevate any material. He and the class won't sign off on a script until it's ready, and that's why his students have done so well.

--John Ketchum

Glenn Benest - script consulting
Class taken: January 2008

Glenn Benest consulted with me over the phone and via e-mail on two scripts. The first script began as a simple outline. Glenn worked with me through two drafts of the outline and two drafts of the script – all in six weeks! The second script began as a rough draft. Glenn worked with me through rewrites and additional outline exercises that greatly improved the script.

Whenever I want Glenn to look at my writing I e-mail it to him. Within a few days he calls me. First he reviews with me everything that’s working and gives me great ideas to build on the strengths of the script. Then he reviews those elements of the script that aren’t working and gives me creative solutions to each problem. That’s Glenn’s greatest strength. He’s a writer and he thinks like a writer. He offers writers solutions that are solid and specific – and they really work.

--Alan Kritzer

I'm Lucky!
Class taken: January 2008

I'm lucky to be in Glenn's group. He is very encouraging, keeps me writing. But what I like best is his honesty. If something isn't working, he tells you why. If something is great, he tells you that too.

Best of all, he actually infuses great ideas into your story. I was surprised that he openly shares creative ideas. Some teachers would hold back and not share.

Glenn is also a caring person. And not a show-off, like you'd imagine from a successful Hollywood writer and teacher.

I look forward to Monday night, except when I haven't done my homework the week prior!!! So, of course, I don't want to disappoint him.....back to writing!

--Elizabeth Rockett

Glenn's class is a wonderful environment for committed writers. His approach to writing an outline before starting the writing process is probably the most valuable tool I have learned in any class I may have taken over the years. Glenn's comments were very helpful for my first script which has now been optioned. I can't wait to write another script in his class.

-- Sabine El Gemayel

Glenn has an uncanny sense of story. He can (and often does) wade into 150 pages of near chaos to identify the narrative thread that will bind the student's scenes and characters into a compelling screenplay. Through the process of strengthening that thread, the student learns screen structure, which is really what it's all about. In the last session of the class, I wrote a television pilot, began outlining a new feature film, and landed a literary agent. Is this class worth the price? You bet.

--Dean Harvey

back