WLT Crash Course: “Indie Screenwriting 101” with Alex Chew
October 21 2026 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CDT
$35.00 – $55.00
This Event is for Members only.
Click here to learn more about benefits of membership
$35 for Members
$55 for Non-Members
Have you ever wanted to write a screenplay but didn’t know where to start? Have you started but want to fine tune your skills and workshop your ideas? This is the class for indie screenwriters who are done waiting for permission.
This screenwriting class cannot promise you the perfect formula for Hollywood success. The teacher is not a guru. She’s just a writer—like you. This class will grant you the opportunity to learn more about brainstorming, writing prep, screenplay format, and structure. You’ll also get your questions answered about the business of bringing your scripts to the big screen without Big Hollywood connections.
TUNE IN IF:
- You want to learn the basics of screenplay formatting.
- You want to get started with one-on-one support.
- You have questions about the differences between short, feature, and TV pilot scripts.
- You have questions about writing proof-of-concept short films for your bigger ideas.
- You have questions about accessing grants and contests.
- You have questions about what film festivals are looking for.
- You have questions about what independent film studios are looking for.
- You have questions about how to stop waiting for permission, assemble your team, and write a low budget movie.
- You have questions about how to land a literary manager.
The deadline to register for this class is Wednesday, October 21 at 5:00 PM CT.
Can’t make it to the live class? No problem! All classes are recorded and made available to students until January 31, 2027.
Instructor
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Alex Chew is a screenwriter, filmmaker, Black Auteur Film Festival director, and executive producer at Sequence 8 films. Her screenplays have been shortlisted at Nicholl, Austin Film Festival, CBS Mentoring Program, Cinestory, Launchpad, Screencraft, WeScreenplay, and Stage32. Her shorts have been selected for the Academy Award qualifying Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival, Denton Black Film Festival, Film Quest, Sidewalk, Julien Dubuque, Waco, San Antonio, Phoenix, Rome International, Babefest, Twelve Lions, Portland Horror, Austin Comedy, and more. She is also a two-time Austin Film Festival Panelist, Austin Film Society Short Film Grantee, City of Austin Elevate Grantee, Black Art Matters Grantee, Vanishing Angle Grantee, and was selected for the prestigious Austin Film Society Artist Intensive. Currently, she is in development with several twisty genre features about badass Southern Black women, including an adaption of the novel Delta, with her literary manager Anastasiya Kukhtareva at Wildflower.
Before purchasing, please read all policies as noted below and on our Accessibility and Policies page.
If your browser has difficulty with our website store, or if you prefer to mail in a check, click here for a class registration form. The document provides instructions on where to mail it. If you prefer this option, please email wlt@writersleague.org with a copy of the form as well to ensure we add you to the class roster as soon as possible.
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Class & Event Registration Policy
Once a purchase has been made, registrations are not refundable and cannot be transferred to a different class or event. No exceptions will be made. If you purchase a registration and then find you cannot attend the class or event, someone else can attend in your stead. Simply contact us at wlt@writersleague.org and let us know the name and contact information for the person who will be using the registration so that we can update the class or event roster.
Newsletter Opt In
By registering for this event, you opt in to receiving marketing communications from WLT. Your email will not be shared with any unrelated organizations or marketing groups. If you wish to unsubscribe from these communications, you may do so by hitting the unsubscribe button at the bottom of the emails.
Anti-Harassment Policy
The Writers’ League of Texas is dedicated to providing harassment-free spaces for everyone, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, age, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Violating these rules may result in expulsion from WLT programs without a refund at the discretion of the WLT staff.
Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
- Comments that reinforce social structures of domination (related to gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, age, or religion);
- Sexual images not appropriate for the specific subject of the public discussion;
- Deliberate intimidation or stalking;
- Harassing photography or recording;
- Sustained disruption of discussions or other events;
- Unwelcome sexual attention;
- Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
Enforcement
Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in harassing behavior, event organizers retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender or expulsion from the event with no refund. Event organizers may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants. We expect participants to follow these rules during all events and event-related social activities.
Reporting
If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible. Reports can also be made via email at wlt@writersleague.org. We’ll handle any and all reports as respectfully as possible. You won’t be asked to confront anyone, and we won’t tell anyone who you are.
Accessibility Policy
Closed captioning is available for all online classes and special events.
The WLT is committed to making its programs & services accessible to all writers. Please contact us at wlt@writersleague.org or at 512-499-8914 for more information or to discuss accommodations you may need.
Credit Card Transaction Handling Fee Policy
All credit card transactions will incur a 4% handling fee. If you’d prefer to pay by check for membership, a class, or an event, you can use the provided forms on the membership or event pages and mail to: WLT, P.O. Box 14355, Austin, TX, 78704.
Writers’ League of Texas classes and workshops are also funded in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts – Investing in a Creative Texas. For more information, go to www.arts.texas.gov.