Teacher & Speaker

Jill Chamberlain breaks down the challenges of crafting a feature film screenplay in a way that you can actually see, understand, and use in your own story. She's brought her celebrated lessons from her Austin-based classroom to schools and groups across the country.

 
 
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The Screenplay Workshop with Jill Chamberlain

The Screenplay Workshop is a long-running 10-week master course for new and experienced screenwriters alike. More than a weekly course, it's a launchpad for new talent, a community of diehard creatives, and a sounding board for seasoned writers.

The classes are available to at the Austin, Texas location or online via videoconference.

Student & Client Testimonials

“Jill is incredible with story. She understands it so well and is super quick to tap into writers' work. I was really impressed!”

– Kat Candler
Showrunner, Queen Sugar

“Best money I’ve ever spent! I’ve taken Jill’s workshop six times and each time, I’ve written a feature-length screenplay by the end. Excellent techniques – they work!”

– Hannah Feller
Screenwriter represented by Hollywood legend Marion Rosenberg

“I went to film school and have been writing for over 10 years, yet Jill Chamberlain was able to improve on every aspect of my screenwriting.”

– Andrew Olson
Filmmaker/Screenwriter & Academy Nicholl quarterfinalist

“I couldn’t wait to come to class each day! Every bit of information was interesting to me. I feel I have greatly improved during this workshop which is due to Jill’s direction and critiques.”

– Lisa Belcher
Videographer/Mom, Screenwriter: Fixed

“Jill's Master Class was life changing! When I completed my screenplay, I felt a huge sense of confidence and accomplishment. Hands down, her workshop has been the most important thing I’ve ever done for myself and my writing.”

– Nichole Abshire

”I loved Jill as an instructor. She was very invested in our work and made the craft of screenwriting clear and accessible. The Screenplay Workshop with Jill Chamberlain was WAY more informative than any book on screenwriting.”

– Ivan Torres

“Jill rocks! Her knowledge of screenwriting and the business astound me. I learned more than I ever thought possible. I improved by leaps and bounds.”

– Zooey Greif

“I learned soooooooo much! Jill is the most amazing teacher ever! Her Master Class is packed full of essential info and great advice.”

– Anne Wolfe Andersen

“A fantastic experience! I learned TONS. Books I’ve read weren’t nearly as practical. And Jill's workshop environment was supportive and unbiased. Participants were open-minded and aiming to learn and improve, and I felt comfortable sharing and giving critique.”

– Katie Matlack, Writer

“Unlike other classes I’ve taken, The Screenplay Workshop with Jill Chamberlain was so much more specific, and I could see and feel my progress. The Nutshell Technique is a writer’s lifeline – it will get you to a solid story.”

– Kris Niblett, Advertising Creative Director

Speaking Engagements

Jill Chamberlain is available to speak to organizations and tailor workshops specifically for groups, as she has done for others including Maryland Institute College of Art, Austin Film Society, Writers’ League of Texas,  Austin School of Film, Austin Screenwriters Group, Reel Women, and The Writers Garret.

She has been a featured speaker/presenter at ScriptFest/the Great American Pitchfest, The Writers Store in L.A., Austin Film Festival's screenwriters conference, Parsons School of Design, the University of Texas at Austin, University of Houston's Jack J. Valenti School of Communication, and BookPeople.

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“The Nutshell Technique aims to pinpoint the heart of the story and eliminate glitches and gaps, and judging from my experience in the three-hour intensive, it does exactly that…The clarity achieved in only three hours was remarkable. Weeks later, my ideas continue to churn, and I have already referred back to my Nutshell worksheet. I ought to laminate this thing.”
— Jessi Cape, The Austin Chronicle