These workshops are a collaborative effort of the Iowa Scriptwriters Alliance and the Iowa Motion Picture Association to develop and promote the Iowa production industry and provide training.
For the workshops, ISA writers submit short scripts. An independent panel of judges, narrow down the scripts to a few finalists. IMPA directors then select a script, audition actors and recruit crew members for the production.
On filming day, each production is limited to an intense three-hour shooting period. Directors provide commentary while workshop participants sit near the set and have an up-close view of the production process. Writers see their words come alive and directors demonstrate their talents in front of participants.
Comments received after the workshops were dramatically positive. Audience members enjoyed "seeing the process, learning the lingo" and "being able to ask questions." Everyone appreciated "the variety of script styles" and seeing how "the director worked with the actors and other crew members."
The workshops are "fun... interesting... informative... and a great networking tool." One participant summed up the Shooting Scripts workshops by writing, "this is probably the best workshop I've ever attended."
Many Shooting Scripts productions have gone on to win accolades and awards.