The journey of writing a screenplay is fascinating but can also become lonely and you'll be happy to have another pair of eyes. Elana coaches screenplay writing from the incept point or enters the process at any stage of script development. She works with writers one-on-one, and teaches hands-on weekend workshops to groups no larger than 7 screenwriters.

There's an energy that pushes forward both you as the screenwriter, and the main character of your screenplay. How this energy manifests itself into the elements composing a screenplay is what's explored, honored and followed when working with Elana. In this way, authentic cinematic screenplays that elevate the heart, mind and soul - are created.

The private sessions will inspire, guide and support you as you make your choices about story and structure, character, theme and subtext, visual detail and dialogue, and all other forks-on-the-road you might come to, when writing your screenplay.

What a screenwriter says:

D. Ann Nadeau, actress and screenwriter: "The idea for my screenplay came out of a writing assignment I did in Elana's creative writing class. Then we began working on it one-on-one, - Elana midwifing the birth of this baby with her generous spirit, knowledge and good taste."

The hands-on weekend retreat:

You want to write a screenplay.... maybe it's from your life and maybe it's an idea you have... but you don't know how... or you know how but need some support.  Come to this workshop..... it will be instructive, effective, inspirational, safe, encouraging and fun!

Using both intuition and logic, you will discover the heart, soul and voice of your characters, contemplate the relationship between character and plot, explore possibilities in screenplay structure, and find cinematic devices to express your story visually.

You will learn effective methods to allow the story to emerge from the subconscious.

Spend a significant time laying the foundation for your screenplay, writing a key scene(s) and/or beginning Act 1.

Each such session will be followed by respectful, responsible, effective group discussions.

Each participant will receive an hour-long private consultation with Elana.

You'll view and participate in analyzing a film, and examine celebrated screenplays.

Linear and non-linear (circular, post modern) styles will be discussed and assisted, as well as adaptations from other literary sources.

You will leave the weekend with pages written, a clear vision of your script, and inspiration to finish your first draft.

What a screenwriter says:

Greta Berlin, Journalist, human rights activist, Los Angeles: "I had always wanted to write a screenplay but had no idea how to begin. Elana's enthusiasm, patience and expertise have set me on the right path to fulfill that dream."

Coaching ACTORS

The simplicity of the preparation accounts for the complexity of the performance -- Milton Katselas

Coaching Actors For Auditions, Parts, And Creating A One Person Show

Fees Are On A Sliding Scale Beginning At $150
For A 1.5 Hour Session

Though highly educated and experienced in the techniques and methods of acting, Elana is primarily intuitive, visceral, and views the actor's work through the eye of her heart. She creates a safe, loving space that encourages vulnerability and deeply personal daring, as the actor explores new and surprising ways to becoming a character. Together they search for that "golden nugget" that will turn an actor's performance from good to great…

Elana is gentle in her approach but has a finely-tuned taste that demands specificity, authenticity and uniqueness. She will firmly guide an actor on a journey that will bring the best out of him/her.

What an actor says:

Brenda Adelman, writer and actor of "My Brooklyn Hamlet": "After blocking the one-woman-play I had written, I realized I was not emotionally connected to the material.  Within a few hours of working with Elana I was able to slow down, speak directly from my vulnerability and trust the words I myself had written.  The audience cried and laughed and gave me a standing ovation."

Frankie Coleman: writer, actor. "While workshopping the material for a one woman play, Elana helped me bring my energy from the head to my body and heart, and in this way, turn psychology into behavior and character."