I had a great experience with Writers Boot Camp. I took the Basic Training Writers Boot Camp course in summer 2025. The schedule fit well for me as I work full time and live in SoCal (not the LA area); they had Saturday classes online. My take on the Writers Boot Camp: great stuff! Disregard the negative reviews, especially if those were from several years ago. Jeff runs a pretty solid program and allows for multiple opportunities to write and gain feedback. He is an open and frank person. I gained valuable feedback from Jeff during our live sessions and valuable feedback from Brad after the session. You have to take advantage of the opportunities Jeff announces to the class. I did and it helped. I completed the course and the requirements. If you don't, you don't get the benefit of Jeff's program. There's a reason why so many writers and producers come from this program. I followed the advice in the program, and I'm proud to say I placed in my first screenwriting competition as a first time writer (I placed as a quarterfinalist). This competition is long running and popular competition. I got my first laurels from the competition! I know it may not be much to be proud of but I have no experience as a screenwriter. Since the boot camp course, I've written a lot more screenplays including TV series and movies. Now I'm looking for representation. As a first time writer, I was a bit unsure of what to expect or if my writing was even good enough. The truth is, as I have learned, no one really knows everything or what the heck they are doing. You just write and all it takes is one person to push your idea forward. Jeff and the Writers Boot Camp has credibility. You won't regret the class if you just follow what he says, and follow through on why you took the class. My goal was simple: 1. I wanted to learn the basics of screenwriting 2. I wanted to write my first screenplay and 3. I wanted to see what happens after following my passion and the fun I have writing creative storylines. Very simple goals, with no pressure but it was something obtainable. And I did, thanks, Jeff, Brad and the Writers Boot Camp! read more

As I reflect on my time as a Professional Member at Writers Boot Camp from 2018-2020, I have a fond memory of my time there and also life before the Coronavirus outbreak. My recollection there remains even more clear now because of how well the end of my time coincided with the beginning of the pandemic. Unlike most, who have clear memories on what they were doing before all of our lives changed, I remember it more distinctly because of how my writing process significantly changed over the two years I was in Professional Membership. Before joining Writers Boot Camp I would spend months filling up notebooks with stories I wanted to tell, not knowing that I was both spending too much time researching stories, but also spending way too much overwriting them. It wasn't until I signed up for Professional Membership and started in Basic Training, that I realized how much extra work I was doing and how unaware of my own process I was. I quickly learned how much time and effort I could be saving in my pursuit of screenwriting. With the tools and distinctions that Jeffrey Gordon and his staff showed me, not only did it become easier to write and decide what to write, but I soon gained knowledge and awareness in my own process. Working in a group environment ultimately makes your work more transparent, because for so long I was writing in a vacuum. Like most writers who don't have the benefit of a writing group, it's hard to see feedback as timely and throughly as I did as a Professional Member. Some breakthroughs came easier than others. In Project Group I learned how much my story was still in my head, even after multiple drafts of writing on my own. With screenwriting, as with most writing, the proof is in the pudding, and in Writers Boot Camp, the pudding is on the script page. The most important part I learned is that re-writing is when the magic starts happening on the page. Writers Boot Camp emphasizes the re-writing process from day one. They tell you right away, you're going to be re-writing your first draft, so they get you comfortable with that idea. This philosophy keeps you from thinking your idea, character and pages are precious, because unless you're a born natural, they most times are not. The company and its trained staff know what makes material work, they know how to execute those ideas and they love movies! Those three things I feel, are the most important parts about creating a productive and comprehensive learning environment for aspiring writers and filmmakers. I'm now a better writer, conceptual thinker, collaborator and authority of my own work. If you would have asked me before I joined Writers Boot Camp if these things were true, I would have told you, "yeah", but now as I look back I can truly say, I didn't even know what I didn't know. I didn't see a lot of things I was doing wrong, but today I see them all. Now, I spend my time re-writing and making my scripts better, knowing what I need to know. I no longer waste my time hoping I'll be a better writer, because I'm becoming one. read more

Writers Boot Camp - Specialty Schools Near Me - Santa Monica, California

After 19 years as a Broadway Actor and Creative Director/Fashion Editor, I was ready to tell my own stories and Writers Boot Camp introduced me to some much needed tools to organize all my wild ideas. WBC provided me with an organic process that didn't stifle me creatively, but rather gave me an open door to dream big with structure. I also needed a space that was wildly inclusive and supportive of diversity and capable of giving constructive feedback no matter the subject matter - Writers Boot Camp gave me exactly what I was looking for and more. Thanks Jeff! -James Brown III Writer/Actor/Producer read more

I just got an email from the Writers Boot Camp, which compelled me to finally write this review. Mainly to help other writers not to waste their money. I took (or better, I paid thousands of dollars for) an intensive year-long program, which turned out to be a disaster. Note: it's been several years ago. The program supposedly was for advanced screenwriters with a focus on selling screenplays. None of that ever happened. I was sitting in a class where Jeff clearly had a couple of favorites. When he was not diminishing the non-favorite writers, he was teaching some basic structure that was far from advanced and certainly not worth his steep price. We also never talked about how to sell our screenplays. Later, I figured it out on my own. At some point, I asked for my money back, which never happened. Live and learn. I wouldn't believe any of the 5-star reviews. There are some great university evening classes, or read some of the outstanding books and study other screenplays. I took the Robert McKee Class, Lew Hunter, Truby, Richard Walter. Go to a conference if you want to learn more (not to pitch). They often have some great classes. Wishing everybody lots of luck in their creative endeavors. Happy Writing! read more

CAVEAT EMPTOR! I am resistant to talking badly about any company, but this is a real exception. A horrible experience. High-pressure sales and plain rudeness. Unprofessional. I'll tell you why without making this too long. Their main offering costs $5,000, and so I wanted to research their offerings for comparison. It was clear from early on that I was taking too much of their time after a few phone calls and emails. They even had the gall to shame me by telling me I was not in line with their sales process! They did arrange for me to speak with past students, and they made this seem like they were going out on a limb! It's normal in the sales process to get references, isn't it? There was a constant pressure "close" the sale while I was still confused about their offerings. The website, the interviews, and the staff seem to call things by different names (One-on-One, Professional Membership, Basic training, Pro Live Membership, Project, etc.) Of course, they were always pushing their most expensive offering. They didn't really take time to ask me the right questions to see if one of their less expensive offerings would work. So I wanted to visit them since in the past they HAD a good reputation, and an acquaintance had recommended the place to me. The final straw was when I traveled several hours to LA to talk directly with staff. Without telling me explicitly, the interview was cancelled. She never bothered to call or email. No apology. After six hours of driving, I was left sitting in a coffee shop wondering what the hell happened. I am happy to say that I never took any of their courses. If they treated me this bad BEFORE taking my money, can you imagine after?! I imagine that companies like this prey on inexperienced writers, selling the dream of success in Hollywood. Who knows. There is something wrong in a big way. Where there's smoke, there's fire. This is a shame since some past students seem to have had success on some big name shows. Again, I am shocked and dismayed by their front office. Caveat emptor! read more

This class is a joke. Jeff Gordon is a walking narcissistic personality disorder. A few specific issues below: His "method" is no method at all. All points are the same old things you'd find in any writing book or class - he's just renamed them and pretends it's a method. He enjoys insinuating that students are slow for asking relevant questions. He's that teacher who seems to feel exceptional by pointing out students' shortcomings - not in order to assist in learning, but to belittle (Except for young, hot girls, those he has exceptional patience with). He'll say stuff like "It's ok to email me a question, MAYBE two, but don't waste my time with stupid questions." Very few felt free to send him any questions throughout the course, which was probably what he wanted. One time he mentioned that "any work for feedback sent by email tomorrow should be sent before 2pm". One student had literally sent a hers at 2.02pm. He responded at 2.05pm with nothing else in the email, but: "I'm sorry, but you're late". Jeff Gordon will send out a pre-recorded talk for us to listen to. But there's a 24 hour time limit - if you miss it due to work, etc - too bad. Even if it's in the middle of your paid course. For one class (we were only 7 people that day) we were to bring a 1/2 page scene for him to read and analyze out loud. A few of them were a tad longer, maybe 2/3 of a page. What does he do? He stops at exactly half the page, missing the end of the scene because he wouldn't read three more lines of dialogue/action. I'm not kidding. One time he gave us a set of ten questions for us to answer about our project - he spent 30 minutes explaining again and again that "the answers should not be numbered but rather TWO hyphens should be placed before each answer, not one but TWO". He would even show us on a piece of paper how he needed it, like this: "-- answer, -- answer, not -answer." Completely meaningless note to spend any time on, let alone even give. One time I received no feedback on the work I had submitted via email. When I followed up, he wrote back that he can't give feedback on late work. I forwarded the email I had sent, showing clearly that it was sent within the timeframe. I received no reply and no feedback. If you're thinking of taking this class - please rethink it. There are many classes out there - this one isn't for you. Trust me. read more

I've been a Pro Member at Writers Boot Camp for the past 21 months. In that time, I have worked on five projects, including two pilots and three more scripts at various stages of development and rewriting. I have a feature I'm planning to shoot by the end of the year and I'm very close to having a collection of scripts in my arsenal ready to submit as quality writing samples for TV staffing season. The motto of Writers Boot Camp, "The Secret to Writing is Writing", is the reason I signed up. I wanted accountability for my writing, taking multiple scripts from conception and development through the rewriting process. And the professional-level support and advice given by Jeff Gordon and his team is top notch. Plus, when I started Pro Membership I saved a lot because the first-draft Basic Training process was given to me as a complimentary​ part of membership--an excellent way to jumpstart a script to write a first draft in only seven weeks. I highly recommend taking advantage of this valuable opportunity--if you really want to be a writer and are willing to make the commitment to yourself and your creative goals. The community of fellow writers is also a great bonus. Group meetings are twice a month, and I've learned that the process is similar for every writer. The unique, creative environment has accelerated my own awareness by understanding the parallels that every artist experiences. And Jeff is always reachable for quick questions as well as specific "Office Hours" for more in-depth issues, and during those times when obstacles seem more impossible to overcome. Overall, I'm very happy with my investment of time and money into my writing career as a Professional Member at Writers Boot Camp! read more

Save your money. You can get everything you need from a UCLA extension course or books. The owner's (Jeff Gordon) claim to fame is an dev deal with Schwarznegger that never came to fruition. I thought it was a complete waste of money. Buy a book and join a writer's group instead. Plus all of his tools are ripped off from Joseph Campbell's A Hero's Journey. Save yourself thousands of dollars by going to this link. http://www.thewritersjourney.com/hero's_journey.htm read more

I signed up for the two-year program. A massive waste of money. A great deal of hype but little substance. They claim their method is proprietary -- yet is it based on timeless principles of storytelling. Very unhappy with the entire program. I learned more from a single weekend retreat than I did in this program. Worse of all: I signed a contract, got unhappy with the program within a month, they insisted that I pay, I refused then they came after me with a collection agency and legal threats. Do you want to do business with a business that treats unhappy customers in this way? read more

I took the Basic Training BootCamp, and based on the experience I had with the program and Jeff Gordon himself, I soon realized that if I was going to develop as a writer, continuing on with WBC would not be a wise decision. When I contacted the WBC office I emphasized that I had absolutely NO background in screenwriting whatsoever. The representative I spoke to led me to believe their program would be receptive to newbie writers and open to any and all support they may need. So I eagerly arrive at the two day orientation excited to start my journey into the unknown world of storytelling. What ensued was quite disappointing however. The only benefit to the near $1,000 I paid for the Basic Training program was two free dinners, and to have Jeff Gordon regurgitate the already convoluted lessons and diagrams written in the workbook. In our online follow up sessions, I was berated by Jeff for asking questions that were considered too green. He once went so far as to reply to a question I asked, by improvising a logline scenario implying that I was an interruption to the class, and made the entire lesson about myself. He then had the audacity to challenge me to not take his response personally. I instead had to rely on my sessions with the assistant Brad Miller to get the info I needed. I'm not sure if he still works at WBC, but I will add that Brad was incredibly helpful. Some might say, this kind of behaviour exists to prepare the writer for cut throat industry standards, but being a hired professional, and a student paying for guidance are two completely different things. I have continued writing with other coaches like Pilar Alessandra and Jennifer Grisanti, and was blown away by the difference in their teaching approach and overall respect for students who look to them for guidance in their careers. Their prices are FAR MORE REASONABLE, they are respectful, and make themselves highly available. After my sessions with these two women, I was livid when thinking back to how the WBC is run and how Jeff Gordon continues to operate his business. I debated as to whether it was worth writing this review, I just don't want to see anyone else get swindled into spending the egregious amount of money this program costs to walk away with a sub par experience. I agree with previous comments that WBC definitely has a "high pressure sales" attitude, that I naively hadn't sniffed out or researched when I agreed to the program. At the time, I was feeling somewhat adventurous, so I guess I learned my lesson in the long run. Granted I walked away with some pointers and a first draft of my pilot, but I can't say the WBC experience was worth the money, and I'm seriously suspicious of the stellar reviews sporadically popping up on this page. read more

This review is for the location and facilities for Writers Boot Camp. My company rent this place for our company-wide conferences / training once every quarter. The location of this place is very convenient. There are 4 rooms available for training purposes and a big lecture hall for conferencing use. The chairs unfortunately are very uncomfortable. It's really difficult to sit in that place for a 3 hours conference. There are some random seats positioned on the side. The entire layout is a bit awkward. read more

Was first involved with two different San Francisco groups of bootcamp writers back in the 90s when I was still debating on leaping into TV or film full time or staying in ad creative. Ended up working with some on the production and bit acting side of things as a result. The powers that be recently kicked my tooshie back into Think Tank and will be starting the 2 year / 4 cycle track. Especially great for seasoned writers wanting to refocus or stay within the seasonal developmental cycles of writing. TV or Film focus. A mix of industry powerhouses and those of us that need to refocus post-baby ; ) Also a great alumni base for mentorship and contacts. Back from 30 second increments and branding other peoples' films to my own expanded scripts in 2008. Leaving one star window as motivation for writing development and review rewrite. read more

I highly recommend Writers Boot Camp to anyone wanting to improve their screenwriting skills and develop material that will help them apply for a television staff writing job, or pitch their own pilots or screenplays! I was interested in screenwriting and a showrunner friend-of-a-friend told me she got her start by going to Writers Boot Camp and that it had worked for her! If I hadn't followed through on my contract--even more to myself than to Writers Boot Camp--then there's no way I could fully understand the value of the education and support provided. During my 21 month professional membership, I received many benefits from my participation. First, I made a commitment to put in the time, which is something the founder Jeff Gordon emphasizes. He makes it clear that a committed person working full-time can still carve out 10 hours a week to write. This focus on committing to a "Creative Calendar" was very helpful for me and allowed me to be productive. Second, the Writers Boot Camp tools and materials are excellent and allowed me to draft a television pilot in my first six weeks, that I then revised. The tools allow me to have clarity and focus in my writing process and they both save me time and help me to develop high quality scripts. Now that I have "graduated" from WBC I still use these materials when I draft a pilot. Third, it was very helpful to learn by analogy from the material and evaluation process shared in a group of smart committed fellow Writers Boot Camp members. Their feedback was very helpful and watching other people follow through on their work and develop a strong portfolio of scripts was incredibly inspiring and helped me to stay on track. But perhaps most importantly was Jeff Gordon's teaching. He is a superb writing teacher. I went on to an MFA in Fiction at a Top 50 grad school with fantastic teachers, but I still think Jeff is the most talented writing teacher I've ever had. In class, he has a very impressive ability to read a page or two of a script and give insightful feedback that will help improve the entire script. Jeff's feedback on my projects helped me to improve my scripts, but watching this process with regards to my fellow writers' work helped me just as much! Jeff is generous in sharing industry knowledge and uses very helpful examples from films to illustrate techniques and tools. Jeff has also proved to be an invaluable resource as I navigate the industry. If I want advice from him regarding an option or a showrunner interested in a project of mine, I call him and he calls me back promptly and is always very helpful. It's great to have an experienced mentor to provide advice! The cost of Writers Boot Camp is similar to the cost of quality acting classes, but the support staff at Writers Boot Camp also spends time evaluating materials outside of class and providing what I think of as on-the-spot, as needed "career counseling." I paid for my 21 month professional membership up front, which allowed for a 25% savings. For me the ongoing support, advice, and career help has been invaluable. Several people I've met professionally in the industry (managers, writers, showrunners) told me they went through Writers Boot Camp as well. It really is a training ground for successful industry professionals. For me, it was a very worthwhile investment and allowed me to develop sample pilots. As a result I recently was a top two finalist for a staff writer job for a great television show. AND I used many of the tools from Writers Boot Camp to write a novel that sold a few months ago to a large publishing company. Writers Boot Camp was a fantastic experience for me--making an investment in my future as a writer helped me to be more accountable--and it's paid back in spades. I had "skin in the game" and so I did the work! read more

Gorgeous space, ample parking, what more do you need? I've been renting a classroom space at Writers Boot Camp since 2007. Before then, I'd used a couple of other rental facilities. Since I landed here, I have been happy to stay. The space is large, flexible, and fully equipped. In addition, it looks great. When new clients visit, they are always impressed by the space itself, which reflects well on me. I don't think I'd get the same effect from a rental classroom in a traditional office complex. Beyond that, Writers Boot Camp staff are personable and available to make my events and classes run as smoothly as possible. And did I mention the ample, free parking? All in all, Writers Boot Camp is a find. read more

Writers Boot Camp is hands-down the best screenwriting program. Period. What the program offers is a comprehensive/working knowledge of how to write not just a movie/tv script, but an effective and compelling script that will attract attention and make an entertaining movie/tv show. As a working writer and published author, I utilize WBC tools and teachings on a daily basis. In fact, Writers Boot Camp is mentioned in my debut novel and my studies there were integral in crafting my main character -- a self-proclaimed belligerent savant. WBC helped with the savant part as the main character knows a whole hell of a lot about screenwriting and what makes a script/movie great. WBC teaches a highly-effective and invaluable method of repeating one's success for effective stories. The program helps a writer turn a creative idea into a solid script. Tools such as the 3-6-3 and Unity Page are essential tests to ensure one's project resonates and stays on track during the writing process. Bottom line: if you aim to write compelling and sellable scripts that can and will attract attention in Hollywood, Writers Boot Camp is the place for you. Like any quality schooling, the program is worth every penny. Highly, highly recommended. --Phil Brody, author/screenwriter read more

Be warned of these people! They took over $1000 of mine well over a year ago. In the sign up process they do not tell you you need an idea to start the course. More importantly I had an accident and snapped my spine. I told them and they refused to refund my money. My back snapped for a second time which left me in hospital for months and 6 months at home. i told them I desperately needed the money back to survive whilst crippled. Again they refused and several times I asked to speak to the owner. They would not even give me an email address. I was then assaulted in my own home whilst on crutches and had to go back into hospital for 2 weeks. Again, they did not care they still have my money. I find their policies horrific. They self proclaim themselves as "The Harvard" of writing schools. Well, Harvard would of returned my money on the first phone call. This organization should be ashamed of themselves. read more

All training has something to offer right? I mean, even if the teachers and so-called 'support' are awful, disorganised, ill-conceived, or the knowledge is sub-par - hey - at least you can console yourself with the old adage that you 'learned how NOT to do it, right?' In this case, definitely wrong. RUN - don't walk - from even THINKING of giving these phonies your credit card information and/or taking this ultimately nonsensical 'course', what amounts to a poor man's loose (at best) re-hashed & out-dated spin on what folks like Truby and Snyder have laid out for us in lucid, industry-standard speak. And no, I don't normally write revues. But this - my fellow writers in search of the 'Holy Grail' to get you in the chair to pump out that hidden masterpiece - is NOT the place to put your money. Here's what these charlatans with their nonsensical jargon and flim-flam concepts on screenwriting don't want you to know: nothing will put you in that chair and write but training from established writing teachers [i.e. 'The Anatomy of Story' by Truby, 'Save The Cat' series by Snyder, 'On Writing' by Steven King', & 'The War of Art by Pressman are almost all you need] reading scripts, watching movies, and writing, writing, writing. Granted, sometimes when teaching like this rubs you the wrong way, it's often to illuminate a telling &/or unhelpful belief you might need to 'adjust'.. Not such an opportunity here, unfortunately. First, the curious 'teacher' leading it, Jeffrey Gordon - in this writer's opinion, and that of several other reviewers I've noted - masks an inferiority complex verging on the aggressive -- possibly mitigated by a failure at professional writing perhaps? -- with undermining 'digs' aimed at some unfortunate soul(s) who felt 'safe' enough to share their stories openly in the class. You know...one should feel the freedom to fail? For Gordon, that's akin to rolling over on your back, proffering yourself to a hungry pitbull. Although I personally never experienced these such not-so-subtle jabs, merely observing this chicanery left me far felt less inspired than I did before plunking my hard-earned $$$ down. But if you're looking for that "kick up the behind" as the name suggests, well..sorry to disappoint you again. There is no 'boot camp' at all. That is, if you don't 'check in', do they hound you and kick your butt back into the chair? No. Are we grown-ups and should do this on our own? Yes. But I figured this what is 'promised by the premise' when one pays upward of $1,100 for a course called 'writer's Bootcamp'! If not, well...that's like calling yourself a fitness coach and not bothering to rally your clients. Unfair? OK.. Call it 'writer's workshop' then...or 'writer's ponderings', or 'My musings on Writing by A Guy Who Never Sold a Script in His Life' (is my guess). Sure, that'd be fine. But 'Writer's Bootcamp'? Disingenuous at best...and I'm only at the title. Next, you spend the better part of a weekend learning phoney non-industry jargon like "the 3-6-3" [= beat sheet] and get totally confused by a hackneyed version of what - according to *real* industry standards - a log-line should look and sound like... And it's not this! But hey, why care what the biz thinks?? Here it seems to be all about forcing a parrallel universe / conflagration of nonsensical terms on one until either your head spins...or you guzzle the Kool-aid long enough to *think* you need it..then you're really screwed. [Saying that, hmmm... maybe that's the idea?...] Writers need this kind of mind-cluttering garbage like a hole in the head. Consider the fact that folks like, say, Truby and Snyder make/made their handsome livings from story editing and - in Snyder's case - literally millions of dollars - by actually selling scripts. Does this not beg the question: "Wouldn't you rather learn from those who actually 'do', than from some apparent snake oil salesman who sold comparatively little, if anything, in his life?" Sure, this 'boot camp' will happily take the credit of listing all those fancy 'alumni' who have 'sold or won prizes' etc on their website. But like other things they hide - like the creepy agreement you get to see only AFTER you send payment - I'd be curious to hear some real & current testimonies from such folks, and how many of these alleged 'alumni' stuck it out and successfully used this nonsense "technology" to write something that actually got sold. Like a bad blend of old-skool EST mixed with a low-rent retread of outmoded story lessons, all thrown into a cult-like environment where the minions scuttle about to serve the guru, avoid this place like the plague. Instead: read scripts. Write scripts. Watch movies. Learn from real masters...and write, write write!!! read more

If you're considering joining Writer's Boot Camp, DON'T DO IT! Save your money. WBC is overpriced and under delivers. I spent $8,000 for their two-year program and have regretted every penny of it. If you are interested in a serious writing program, go to UCLA. Their professional development program is half the price and the professors are actually teachers with degrees. The difference is like night and day. The Writer's Boot Camp method teaches "tools" like the Unity Page, 3-6-3, Horizontal - basic concepts that you can get in any screenwriting book. From there, you are on your own. The sales staff emphasizes the support team you get with the facilitators at WBC, but it's very hit or miss. Most of the people giving feedback are not qualified to be giving feedback. Only maybe one or two of the facilitators are actual writers who have sold something. Then there is the legal paperwork you have to sign to join the program. A big red flag. You are obligated to pay the $8,000 up front, before going to a class. They also make it clear there are NO REFUNDS. So if you go to a few classes and discover the program is not for you, you are out of luck. A reasonable program would allow you to withdraw and prorate your money. If you're looking for a writing group that you can trust to share your work with and help you get to the next level, good luck with that. The Writer's Boot Camp preys on people who will never make it in this business, but hope to. There is no screening to get into the program, except being able to pay $8,000. People come and go in the project groups with not much continuity. As a result you get a mixed bag of participants. If you are lucky to write a selling script, I will guarantee that it won't be because of Writer's Boot Camp. I don't usually write reviews, but this experience has been such a disappointment. If there is any silver lining from all of this, maybe it's that someone reading this review will be saved their money and the hassle I've been through. P.S. I recently read the book "Write Screenplays that Sell" by Hal Ackerman which offers much more useful information about the art and craft of screenwriting than anything I learned at Writer's Boot Camp. It's only $21.95. read more

Below is an email exchange I had with Writer's Boot Camp back in 2011. As you will see, I never joined the program, but I think the exchange illustrates the sort of high-pressure, make-you-feel-bad-about-yourself tactics that Writers Boot Camp uses to manipulate potential students into forking over their money. From: XXXXX@hotmail.com To: rXXXXX@writersbootcamp.com Subject: RE: Free Class Tuesday, June 28th -- RSVP Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:32:24 -0400 Please remove me from your mailing list. You guys are like a cult. ________________________________________ From: rXXXXX@writersbootcamp.com To: rXXXXX@writersbootcamp.com Subject: Free Class Tuesday, June 28th -- RSVP Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:08:46 -0700 If you've already RSVP'd to this - I apologize. But this is something rarely do: open up a Tools Review for our Membership to a few, select, bright inspired people like yourself. It's something we call a Mini-Camp. Read the invitation below and hit the RSVP link if you plan to attend. Afterwards, we'll touch base to see what you've been up to lately and answer any questions. Or feel free to contact me beforehand. Looking forward, Robert Robert XXXXXX Writers Boot Camp __________________________________________________________________________ From: XXXXX@hotmail.com To: rXXXXX@writersbootcamp.com Subject: RE: Professional Membership paperwork Date: Thu, 19 May 2011 13:25:14 -0400 And I'll be interested to hear what new things you've accomplished in those 6 months with the help of your program. ;) ________________________________________ From: rXXXXX@writersbootcamp.com To: XXXXX@hotmail.com Subject: RE: Professional Membership paperwork Date: Thu, 19 May 2011 09:47:44 -0700 Okay. Let's check in on you in 6 months and see what you've accomplished on your own. All the best, Robert Robert XXXXX Writers Boot Camp Membership Coordinator ________________________________________ From: XXXXX [mailto:XXXXX@hotmail.com] Sent: Thursday, May 19, 2011 9:39 AM To: rXXXXX@writersbootcamp.com Subject: RE: Professional Membership paperwork Hi Robert: Thanks for your response. I am going to pass on Writers Boot Camp for now. Yours sincerely, XXXXX ________________________________________ From: rXXXXX@writersbootcamp.com To: XXXXX@hotmail.com Subject: RE: Professional Membership paperwork Date: Thu, 19 May 2011 09:24:12 -0700 Hi Mark, Certainly. There's a link on our site, but you can click HERE and it'll take you to the bios of several of our instructors. All our instructors have been with us many years, they are experts in teaching the Tools of Full Development and have a lot of experience working with writers in all formats. They are facilitators that deliver the process to you and guide you as you apply it. Let me know if you have any further questions. Looking forward, Robert Robert XXXXX Writers Boot Camp ________________________________________ From: XXXXX [mailto:XXXXX@hotmail.com] Sent: Thursday, May 19, 2011 6:26 AM To: rXXXXX@writersbootcamp.com Subject: RE: Professional Membership paperwork Hi Robert: Do you have a list of current instructors which I could review before making my decision? Thanks, XXXX ________________________________________ From: rXXXXX@writersbootcamp.com To: XXXXX@hotmail.com Subject: Professional Membership paperwork Date: Wed, 18 May 2011 16:30:34 -0700 Hi XXXX, Great talking with you. You have a healthy sense of skepticism - which I respect. Hopefully you'll be open to getting the support you need. As you can see from our Alumni Successes below, there are a lot of credited TV writers among our alums. If you decided this isn't for you, that's fine - but we'll check back in a year and see how you're doing. Re: paperwork, etc. As you've probably figured out, this is not a high-pressure enrollment process, but we do have deadlines for writers to make a decision as that is one sure way to gauge the quality of one's professional commitment. So let's say your personal deadline is Monday, okay? If you need time beyond that just communicate the details to me, but please include within that your timetable for getting started. (SNIP - details of program) You may be "considering other options too," and that's fine. But you should visit these two links to understand why, regardless of WBC, if you don't make certain changes to your process, you're not going to achieve your stated goals. Make sure those other options add up to a Full Development approach as outlined in The 29 Distinctions of Writers Boot Camp (they won't - but it's always good to compare ;-) and also study the common misconceptions that many people, including professionals in the industry, often have about the screenwriting business. Fill out and fax in the attached paperwork so we can get you started in coursework and/or pre-class creative support without delay. Your material is going to improve radically as soon as we start working together. read more

Jeff Gordon's a gold mine. I came to the table ready to work and learned more than I could have imagined! If you're interested in learning from someone who understands how stories really work, then I suggest you sign up. I walked away from every session with a new tool to use on my own and know that I'll refer to the WB process regularly moving forward. I'm still amazed by the support I received from the entire team throughout my Basic Training and am currently sitting on 6 pages of brilliantly helpful notes from my final conference! read more

I've been with Writer's Boot Camp for three amazing years. When I started, I had a lot of ambition, ideas, and random work that didn't reflect MY GENIUS. Now I have complete and vetted work that I feel good about. Also, and maybe my experience is unique, but I have been connected to opportunities through the Boot Camp, directly and indirectly (through fellow students). Legit money opportunities. If my experience is unique, it's because I have really worked hard and taken every note as a challenge to prove my worth as a human being. I regarded the WBC as a Hollywood internship. If you can get some time with Jeff Gordon the founder, and don't mind being put on the spot, you can really grow in terms of pitching your work, defining and defending your whole deal. He has this trademark way of giving very intense, individual feedback that might make you wonder if you're an asshole and try to fix it, if you are open to it, and also make you feel like a special flower. He's almost always right, in my opinion. But if you disagree and can defend yourself, then I do believe you can handle anyone. I have liked all the other teachers too. I vibe better with some than others, but everyone gives good notes. Now... could I have bought a book on screenplays and worked alone in the dark for a few years and achieved the same thing? No, not me. Maybe you. I can't say. I like their tools. To me, they're very helpful, especially together with mentoring. Cool, and they also have a lot of events with a variety of speakers, all year. Some of them are very accomplished showrunners, filmmakers, actors, who went to WBC. And they''ve worked with me in terms of what I can afford. That's just my experience. Yeah, it's been really good to me. Like a gift. No complaints. read more

I joined WBC after attending a short screenwriting seminar at their Santa Monica offices, back in October of last year. Their sales tactics were definitely not anything remotely strong armed, but it was implied that it would be a good move for a struggling artist, due to their industry connections. As a salesman myself, I was willing to be closed. I contacted Robert, via e-mail, and then the process of joining WBC began, which took several weeks. I also came to LA without a clue of how to achieve my writerly goals, so I was definitely looking for a school type situation, which are one's where I seem to do well. I've read many a screenwriting book and have written many a lame screenplay, so I wanted 'nuts and bolts' guidance, and I was attracted to their initial philosophy, which is 'write for ten hours a week and you can become a writer.' Just makes sense, and I was certainly not doing that. Their development tools are great and FORCE you to have developed your material to a place where it will be better and more original than other similar pieces in that genre. If you painstakingly use their tools, it will save you time in rewriting, and I was certainly the king of putting out bland material and then not touching again because I had no idea how to get rid of the inherent weaknesses. Back in January, they gave me a free 5 week boot camp with the owner of the school, Jeff Gordon, totally free of charge, just to get me acquainted with their methodology and tool box. This was really great. I mean, tools are tools, every screenwriting course or book has their own, but WBC's really make sense, and made me think outside the box. My experience with their tactics for getting their money has been incredible! I was unemployed for several stretches, and as long as you were in communication with them, they always worked with me. I knew damn well that this course of action was about the cost of a nice used car, and I was willing to do the work. I know of a few people, myself included that suspended their membership while other things were going on, or kindly asked for reduced payments for a few months, they totally understand that stability for the writer is very important. During the first six months, before live classes I was writing alone, under the tutelage of an instructor. This was my bleakest period, due to money concerns and I wasn't able to produce much of anything. I wish the instructor would have been more on me, but ultimately I can't play the 'blame game' here, I'm an adult, and this teacher has tons of students. During the live classes part, I feel that I really started to get into a groove, my instructor, Jason, pushed me to develop my material, in their framework to the best of my ability, while my instinct was to start writing pages. I'm glad he pushed me, because I finally got to a place where I feel like I have a strong piece, now I can push this idea into multiple platforms, and its a great idea that I've had since the 90's! Now, I've moved back to NY and, again, they have helped me, by setting me up with NY Think tank classes, by offering support, and they gave me the best advice that I could have asked for: knowing that I was floundering financially in LA, they told me that until I have several really good projects to take meetings on, there was really no reason to physically be situated in LA. Its not like writers are actors or camera men, writers can live and work anywhere. If you're a 'Joe Lunchbox/paycheck to paycheck' guy like me, you have to really think a school like this through! It is the price of a used car, but if you're a person who has a pretty decent amount of disposable income, doing this program for the full two years is a heck of a lot better than writing alone in some room and hoping against hope that you are doing some good stuff. They also understand the temperature of the industry right now, and told us in no uncertain terms, 'the speculative market in features may not be the best way to go, its the golden age of television, so you should probably be working towards that, if you want to work in the industry...' Hey, everyone may know that already, but I didn't until I was told that. It made me see that I have to think of all my ideas as ones that can exist in multiple platforms, TV, novels, film, web series, comic book, etc. Whatever it takes! read more

Wow, I had to respond when I read the reviews of the pissed off people because I personally had a completely different experience with Writers Bootcamp. I originally signed up for the online course because I live in Sacramento. There is nothing I would consider that comes close to Writers Bootcamp as far as there teaching, mentoring, and camaraderie. Not even in San Francisco. After a few months I decided that I would do better by actually being in the Think Tank classroom. I knew not only would this be a time sacrifice but also a financial sacrifice since the 2 Year program is not cheap, but I wasn't looking for cheap I was looking for the top mentoring that would give me the technique and formula that I lacked in my screenwriting. I liked the interaction and the live feedback that you get in the classroom but I also loved the relationships and friendships I made. It's all about the people and network you build in any new business. I happen to be a wedding photographer who depends on long term relationships in my industry to help grow my business. In any case I ended up having the most traumatic life changes 6 months after I joined like taking care of my terminally Ill dad and divorce. Life sucked and I reached out to Mike Brennan who was amazing. I still had to pay but I did sign a contract. He worked with my financial situation and it all worked out. As a matter of fact I just googled Writers Bootcamp because I thought I might give the online class another try and somehow ended up here on yelp. They are awesome and my only regret is that they don't have one up here in Sacramento. read more

I'm in the two-year Think Tank program at WBC, and I've loved it thus far. The instructors are available for feedback as you need it and the system of tools laid out in the coursework has been helpful for me as a veteran writer but a novice screenwriter. It is very expensive, but has been worth every penny thus far. read more

I studied at WBC (2-year program), taught at WBC, and worked as a Program Coordinator at WBC. After having read the reviews here, I felt I needed to add my own. Like most businesses, there are positives and negatives about Writers Boot Camp. I'll start with the positives: -- I was skeptical about Writers Boot Camp at first because I believed most writing programs were a waste of time (that had certainly been my experience) and I never would have attended if a successful writer friend hadn't convinced me it was worth it. As time went by, however, I realized that something very different was going on. "Olin H." states in his review that WBC's method is "based on timeless principles of storytelling." He is correct, but he leaves out something essential to understanding why WBC is different than any other writing program I've encountered -- simply put, WBC goes beyond simply expressing certain "principles" and saying whether a piece of writing is "good" or "bad" to actually providing writers with a PROCESS that they can use to develop and evaluate their work, a process that is definable and repeatable without being a "formula," as well as with an effective vocabulary that writers can use to critique the work of other writers. When Stanislavski developed what later became known in the U.S. as "The Method," he, too, was relying on "timeless principles," in this case those of acting. What made Stanislavski's work so revolutionary that it still permeates most acting technique and theory today is that he was able to come up with a technique that actors could use to consistently harness a process that, up until that point, had seemed utterly ineffable. While I'm not making any judgements about the efficacy of WBC's techniques versus Stanislavski's, WBC has done essentially the same thing for writing that Stanislavski did for acting. Now for the negatives: -- Writers Boot Camp is a business. As such, they work hard to make money. Yes, they hard sell; yes, they make you sign a contract; yes, they expect you to pay them the money you promised to pay them and will use any legal means at their disposal to get that money from you, if need be. But if you read that last paragraph again and replace "Writers Boot Camp" with the name of ANY other business, it'll still be a true statement. -- Beyond this, yes, from time to time teachers and students just don't gel, so you might get stuck with a teacher whose style doesn't work best for you personally. But, again, this is going to be true anywhere. When I taught at WBC, I had students who loved me and a few who got relatively little out of my style of teaching. It's just the way it goes sometimes. read more

Have been a pro member for 5 months now and am finally getting (some amazing!) movement on writing projects I haven't touched in years. Cannot say enough good stuff about this co/program. If you're serious about your writing project(s) & career, this is the place to be. read more

Jeff Gordon and WBC have been a consistent and positive force in my development as a writer. The promise that you will learn a time-told and thoroughly thought out method of screenwriting is absolutely fulfilled...to the extent that each writer brings their dedication and level of talent. I left the program with confidence in my writing, a much better knowledge of the industry, and excellent connections to potential opportunities. This business can be a killer, and you have to have the stamina and skill to navigate it. Jeff and his instructors make the process real and attainable. At the end of the day it's up to the writer to make it or break it! read more

My experience with Writers Boot Camp was terrible. 1. It's $5,000 for the program. 2. The program materials are a convoluted mess of 30-plus lessons of photocopied low-concept, little substance instruction that lacks examples in action of its principles. 3. The mentors have not sold any scripts. The first mentor I was matched with writes travel articles, the second claimed to have written horror scripts and both mentors lacked the promise of a name like "Writers Boot Camp". Both were friendly but clinical and hands-off. They both moved through the lessons as if "checking the box" (think Ben Stein type energy), eager to move on to the next aspiring writer with the hopes that the workday would seemingly end sooner than usual. 4. My first consult with a reader in the program revealed he had only written stage plays. He had told me "not to write screenplays"and "I'm wasting my time with the project". This experience, by far, was the most disheartening. I fell into a slump and have second-guessed any screenplay writing since then. It's been two years. The company may comment on this post and say it's difficult to receieve criticism. I agree. It is. However, the philosophy and approach to coaching, encouragement, and leadership by example are bitter and contemptous. 5. My work in the nonprofit industry picked up as a result of the last election cycle; causing me to focus a substantial amount of my time fighting for medical research funding. I only made it through about a quarter of the program and couldn't make the time to participate. As a result, I requested a refund. The response was "no". Not even a dime. Instead, I was accused of holding up a spot for someone else (even though I wasn't taking time on anyone's calendar) and given a deadline to trudge through the disorientating material. I struggle with the gut-wrenching shame of spending the money. We learn from our mistakes and I'm trying to put the experience in perspective. Instructors are like movies, sometimes they don't deliver on the promise of the premise. Go to the Writer's Store, Save the Cat, Aaron Sorkin, or just watch YouTube videos. read more

Save your money. Read books (McKee's, Martell's, any of 'em that don't try to tell you it's "easy" to write a screenplay.) Attend seminars, read screenplays (often you learn more from reading bad screenplays than good ones; "Where did they go wrong?" "Where are the plot holes?" Et cetera....) WBC teaches a formula that hasn't changed in over a decade. When is the last time you've seen a film with a 30-minute first act? WBC's system basically teaches you how to paint by numbers. Their numbers. Stick with it and they'll dangle a "production deal" in front of you, but demand (against WGA rules) countless unpaid rewrites. Again, their numbers. read more

I had a horrible experience with these people. I completely agree with Olin. Big waste of time and money. Recieved a lot of empty promises from some of the heads of the school. I felt it was very 'cult' like the way they 'fawn' all over the head of the school. After they told me my outrageous payments were finally complete, they STILL took money out and still to this day have not given me reciepts of money paid, balances, etc...They said it was a 'clerical' error after they told me "I was free and clear" they just bent me over and screwed me some more. Go to UCLA...this place is a money pit with very few results...They also told me I would have a 'reading' of my script and then 'danced' around it for almost a YEAR until I was no longer a student... Run, do walk away from these people. It's all about the money and not about the education. D read more

I felt the program tools and fellow writers were good. An association with Jeff Gordon was NOT. He got in the way of potential film deals by playing "middle man" to keep himself in the loop. His contracts to represent writers are filled with "double-dip". He cuts the price of a class if a writer will do unpaid office or teaching work. Many of the teachers are just teaching to get a financial break. If writers contacted a guest speaker who invited them to do so, Gordon often got mad. Several writers complained that he took their money in "advanced programs" but provided nothing except a "promise" to represent writers and their work. In the end, nothing happened for any writers Jeff represented. Alums from his program make it on their own steam. Several writers in one class found they all had the same negative experience and the WBC had told them "you are the only one who has a problem . . " Gordon brags about being in business 20 and has yet to produce a movie at even a nominal budget. People dont want to say negative things because they fear getting in trouble. But this program should be looked at by the better business bureau. I got good feedback from my teacher, but even that teacher came to hate WBC. I would be very careful about aligning my reputation with this guy. I have many friends in Hollywood, some work for producers and agents. Most have they won't look at a project if it or the writer is "represented" by Gordon. But that's just my personal experience. Take it or leave it. read more

I took both the 6 week course and the 2 year Think Tank program. Some of the development tools are useful, and that's about it. After taking classes at UCLA and with several other consultants, I now feel strongly that Writers Boot Camp is obscenely overpriced, and even worse, they make a myriad of false claims and promises. Script readings which never happen. In depth script reviews which are actually pretty superficial. I wouldn't believe much of what the "hard sell" sales people tell you when they're getting you to fork over 8 grand to sign up. The egomaniacal founder does NOT utilize his alleged industry contacts as promised (does he really have any?), in fact he seems to make an effort to BLOCK his alumni from having success in the industry. I've kept in touch with dozens of classmates, and the experiences are the same -- overall: disappointment. read more

I recently took the boot camp and was not impressed. Like others have stated, I didn't find it worth the price. As a novice writer, I would have preferred a more structured program. The workbook, classes and teleconferences seemed all over the place and individual attention was lacking. read more

When the dust settles and you look at the money you spent and what you got for it, you will feel a certain feeling. Know what it is? I'VE BEEN HAD. The two year program costs almost eight thousand dollars. I can't write emphatically enough what a waste if time and money it is. I am a disciplined person who has been working professionally in entertainment for several years. I have not encountered any other writing/development program which represents such a catastrophic destruction of personal resources in return for a book of xerox copies and the constant reminder that my writing is my problem. Add the therapy aspect of classmates who don't write but often discuss blocks or rhapsodize about movies and you lament that day you signed up for what surely must be one of those big adult mistakes. Spend your money on class at a real accredited school. I am a reasonable person and as I write this I find myself getting quite upset. This is your final warning. read more

outstanding program. i recommend this to everybody. i wish i had done few years ago. this is the best way to start writing professionally or to improve your writing with their professional membership. read more

WBC is by far the best writing school in Hollywood. I just completed the 2-year Professional program, and completed four scripts. At WBC they focus not only on creative development but commercial viability, with a comprehensive set of tools and techniques for every stage of development that is unique and valuable. But it's the long-term membership in the WBC community that is equally valuable - the free script-reading service and wonderful speaking programs with industry professionals. This expands significantly one's understanding of the industry and how it works. I highly recommend this program to anybody serious about developing a Hollywood writing career. read more

Writers Boot Camp is another Hollywood educational system that is just another company that preys on the fears and aspirations of working and wanna be screenwriters. They try and sell you on their two year course regardless which costs $8000. The "writer" who signed me and the teacher who taught the course have combined imdb credits that would make Rin Tin Tin easily scoff and during the class my teacher asked us for ideas for his paid writing job which was writing fortunes for the fortune cookies at Panda Express. If you're too busy or dont like the class, too bad, its your fault, you signed a contract and you owe them $8000 regardless. If you dont pay, they'll send your account to a collection agency that has an F rating with the BBB of LA who calls and harrasses you for the rest of the money and threatens your credit rating. Try and work something out with administration, they send you back to try and work it out with the salesman who sold you on the course who doesnt return your phone calls. Red flag. Should be called Writers Concentration Camp. Once you're in, they wont let you out. Of course you get what you put into it, but do you really need to spend that much money to do so? To eaches own and financial abilities. Also, on their website, they have alumni with show credits underneath. I worked on one show and they had put a person as a writer of that show and they did not write on that show, I think thats considered false advertising. read more

I took the professional class in 2006-2007 after retiring early from an unrelated career. I was old enough to be the mother of nearly all the other students. I had some luck and sold a few projects, but would not have been able to support myself on those sales although this was during a tough time for writers. I decided to retire again - to Florida. And then, amazingly due to an uptick in the demand for streaming, the market turned again and the feature script I wrote as a WBC class project was picked up by a top television producer in 2015 and is in at a major studio. I'm coming out of retirement (again) to produce this project. See the thing about this or any other business is it can be very cyclical. The people who have written negative reviews may not have the creativity, the stamina, or the staying power to get to the finish line. Or maybe it's just a matter of timing. It takes talent to write great stories, and that can't be taught, but THEY CAN and do teach you the CRAFT of screenwriting. Even with talent AND craft, you still need discipline. Screenwriting is tough, but if what you lack is a working knowledge of the craft, if you need some discipline and some connections, this is the place to acquire them. My experience with WBC was rewarding on so many levels. Go in with your eyes open, they can't make you into a working writer if you don't do the work. It's not easy, but that's what separates the winners from the whiners. read more