What sets this workshop apart isn’t just the content—it’s the method behind it. I don’t just teach you lessons; I show you how I arrived at them. You'll learn how I studied patterns in my favorite films and series, broke down what made them work, and used those insights to create the framework for this course. You’ll walk away not only with knowledge of the pre-writing process, but also the tools to find patterns in your own favorite movies/series and build your own personalized approach—one that you can lean on time again to "get reps in" and improve your craft as a screenwriter. This workshop is about more than learning my system; it’s about discovering how to develop your own.
Breakout Story's Pre-Writing Workshop
Learn the Art of Pre-writing and Write Remarkable Scripts that Captivate Hollywood.
As a working literary manager who has a submitted hundreds of scripts to executives in Hollywood, I broke down the five most common reasons for passing and learned from them to developed this essential workshop for screenwriters.
Six In-Depth Video Classes to Master the
Pre-Writing Process
Module 1: Introduction
Getting Started
Understand why developing your five conceits before going to draft is essential for your script's success. .
Learn how to define the viability of your script so that any pass you receive is purely subjective and not due to an objective flaw in your writing. .
Establish your story's anchor – the original inspiration point – to guide your pre-writing without sacrificing your core idea.Let me know if you'd like these formatted for Webflow (HTML or Rich Text), or inserted into a cloneable template!4o .
Module 2: Concept
Develop An Undeniable Concept
Learn the power of a concept statement and how to use it as a tool to develop a compelling concept. .
Master the concept of polarity and how to apply it to all aspects of your writing. .
Categorize your project accordingly so you know how to properly develop your concept. .
Module 3: Character
Create Objectively Compelling Characters
To make your audience care about your character, learn to develop them within the context of your story. .
Determine which of the four types of character identities makes your character compelling. .
Learn to write your character's signature scene based on the techniques used by successful screenwriters.4o .
Module 4: World
Create A World With Captivating Rules
Learn the difference between WORLD vs SETTING and how the former is essential to all of your story conceits. .
Distill your world into its unique rules that your characters and story will live by. .
Use the Billboard Test to determine the viability of your world.4o .
Module 5: Story
Launch Your Story With Purpose
Avoid the pitfall of "things happening" vs "telling a story" by properly connecting your scenes. .
Learn the three essential beats that make up an effective inciting incident. .
Master the Change In Status Quo which is imperative to launching your story. .
Module 6: Point of View
Shape The Way Your Audience Thinks
Understand the three responses your audience should have to your point of view. .
Learn how your point of view is sometimes more important than your story. .
Develop your signature scene which effectively conveys your point of view. .
Six In-Depth Video Classes to Master the Pre-Writing Process
Module 1: Introduction
Getting Started
Understand why developing your five conceits before going to draft is essential for your script's success.
Learn how to define the viability of your script so that any pass you receive is purely subjective and not due to an objective flaw in your writing.
Establish your story's anchor - the original inspiration point - to guide your pre-writing without sacrificing your core idea.
Module 2: Concept
Develop An Undeniable Concept
Learn the power of a concept statement and how to use it as a tool to develop a compelling concept.
Master the concept of polarity and how to apply it to all aspects of your writing.
Categorize your project accordingly so you know how to properly develop your concept.
Module 3: Character
Create Objectively Compelling Characters
To make your audience care about your character, learn to develop them within the context of your story.
Determine which of the four types of character identities makes your character compelling.
Learn to write your character's signature scene based on the techniques used by successful screenwriters.
Module 4: World
Create A World With Captivating Rules
Learn the difference between WORLD vs SETTING and how the former is essential to all of your story conceits.
Distill your world into its unique rules that your characters and story will live by.
Use the Billboard Test to determine the viability of your world.
Module 5: Story
Launch Your Story With Purpose
Avoid the pitfall of "things happening" vs "telling a story" by properly connecting your scenes.
Learn the three essential beats the make up an effective inciting incident.
Master the Change In Status Quo which is imperative to launching your story.
Module 6: Point of View
Shape The Way Your Audience Thinks
Understand the three responses your audience should have to your point of view.
Learn how your point of view is sometimes more important than your story.
Develop your signature scene which effectively conveys your point of view.
Are Your Scripts Not Gaining Traction?
Throughout my entire career, I’ve heard countless screenwriters lament about how their scripts keep getting passed on and that they’re not finding any success with their writing. Their solution - WORK HARDER. However, most screenwriters treat writing like a numbers game and equate hard work to script output — keep writing scripts and eventually, one will sell. But that’s not necessarily going to make you a better screenwriter which is most likely the reason why your scripts getting passed on. Imagine if professional athletes took that approach—just played more games, compete in more competition and eventually you’ll win. They don't. When they lose, they get back in the gym and train. They identify weaknesses, design practice routines to address those weaknesses, and they do it consistently before even getting back on the playing field.
That's what this workshop is about.
You'll learn the pre-writing process which is a system based on the most common reasons scripts get passed on. This system is derived from patterns distilled from successful screenplays that gives you a way to think effectively about the five essential pillars of your story before you type "FADE IN." It's not about writing harder or faster. It's about writing smarter. About practicing your craft and getting your reps in off the field so when it comes time to open Final Draft, you will be that much better as a screenwriter and your resulting script will have a higher likelihood of finding success. Because selling your script doesn’t start with a new idea. It starts with a new approach..
That's what this workshop is about.
You'll learn the pre-writing process which is a system based on the most common reasons scripts get passed on. This system is derived from patterns distilled from successful screenplays that gives you a way to think effectively about the five essential pillars of your story before you type "FADE IN." It's not about writing harder or faster. It's about writing smarter. About practicing your craft and getting your reps in off the field so when it comes time to open Final Draft, you will be that much better as a screenwriter and your resulting script will have a higher likelihood of finding success. Because selling your script doesn’t start with a new idea. It starts with a new approach..
Practice doesn’t make perfect Practice makes permanent
Just because you continue to write and churn out scripts, doesn't mean you're going to improve as a writer. Like elite athletes, you have to know how to practice and spend time in the gym to give you better results.
Passes are not always subjective
Learn how properly developing the five key conceits of your story will make your script objectively compelling so that the only reason for passing is purely subjective.
Writing is Pre-Writing
Like a master chef spending hours preparing ingredients before the actual cooking begins, learn the importance of developing your concept, character, world, story and point of view before you open Final Draft.
Who This is For:
Whether you’re just starting out, or you’re an established professional, this pre-writing workshop is meant to provide an essential tool that you can use for your entire screenwriting journey.
Aspiring Writers
Brand new creators who have stories they are passionate about telling and need a starting place to begin their screenwriting journey.
Emerging Writers
Experienced screenwriters who have had some traction with their scripts but are still looking for their first break to establish themselves in the industry.
Professional Writers
Storytellers who have established themselves as professional screenwriters, but are looking for a new approach to elevate their writing to the next level.
Our Testimonials
Perfect Your Pre-Writing Skills and Learn The Secrets to Crafting Scripts that Grab Hollywood's Attention.
Pricing
The Ultimate Guide to Pre-Writing Mastery
Six in-depth video classes
Lifetime access to all workshop materials
Exclusive techniques used by a Hollywood literary manager
Insider strategies for creating viable scripts
Achievable action-items to elevate your writing
Free 30-minute consultation with Conrad
See Why Writers Love the Pre-Writing Workshop
Breakouts revolutionized the way I approach screenwriting. The structured tools and resources helped me refine my story ideas and turn them into compelling scripts.
Brennan J.
Client
Thanks to Breakouts, I finally unlocked my creative potential. The user-friendly interface and expert guidance made the pre-writing process enjoyable and productive.
Melanie C.
Client
Breakouts has everything a screenwriter needs to succeed. From brainstorming tools to advanced outlining features, it’s a one-stop solution for creating scripts that resonate. Hollywood, here I come!
Shannon M.
Client
Breakouts has everything a screenwriter needs to succeed. From brainstorming tools to advanced outlining features, it’s a one-stop solution for creating scripts that resonate. Hollywood, here I come!
Shannon M.
Client
Breakouts revolutionized the way I approach screenwriting. The structured tools and resources helped me refine my story ideas and turn them into compelling scripts.
Brennan J.
Client
Thanks to Breakouts, I finally unlocked my creative potential. The user-friendly interface and expert guidance made the pre-writing process enjoyable and productive.
Melanie C.
Client
Free 30-Minute Consultation
Get A Personal 30-Minute Consultation with a Hollywood Literary Manager
Enrolling in the Pre-Writing Workshop will give you a free 30-minute one-on-one consultation with Conrad Sun, an active Hollywood literary manager. During your consultation, you’ll:
Get tailored advice
Get tailored advice on concept ideas, strategy, and pre-writing challenges.
Ask industry-specific questions
Ask industry-specific questions that pertain to your craft and career.
Get a 24-Hour Refund Guarantee
Try the Pre-Writing Workshop Risk-Free
We’re confident that the Pre-Writing Workshop will change the way you approach screenwriting for the better. That's why we are offering a refund guarantee: if you don’t feel more inspired to write your screenplay after completing the workshop, we’ll refund your investment—no questions asked.
Enroll Now, Risk-Free for 24 HoursWatch the videos and explore the six in-depth classes.
Schedule your free 30-minute consultation with Conrad Sun.
If, within 24 hours, you feel the workshop isn’t the right fit, we’ll give you a full refund – no strings attached.
Frequently Asked questions
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers
01
How long does the workshop take to complete?
About 2.5 hours, with six concise and actionable lessons.
02
What if I’ve never written a script before?
No worries! This workshop focuses on foundational pillars of your project and does not require and screenwriting experience.
03
Will this work for TV and film?
Yes, the principles taught here apply to both mediums.
Don’t Wait to Start Crafting Your Breakout Script
Your stories deserve to be heard, and the Pre-Writing Workshop is effective approach toward turning your ideas into viable, industry-ready scripts. With six actionable video classes, personalized guidance from a Hollywood literary manager, and a risk-free 24-hour guarantee, there’s never been a better time to invest in your screenwriting.
Enroll Now for $99