FAST Screenplay Charter Group Quotes

An Open Letter from Anthony Giunta

When asked if we could have his permission to reprint his quote for the quotes page, one of the FAST Screenplay Charter Group members asked if he could write a longer note. Here is what he wished to say:

To Whom It May Concern:

There are many wonderful aspects to the FAST course; I'll focus on three of my favorites.

Firstly, it's constructed so that each day's lesson builds upon everything that has come before it. It almost feels like you're watching a great film, where each scene raises the stakes that much more, and just when you think you're sure of what's coming next -- WHAM! -- there's something you didn't see coming that ties everything you've seen up to that point together, in a way you hadn't fully realized until that moment. The lessons are all very intelligently crafted, and designed to get the students' wheels turning -- and they sure do! There's no need to wonder "What do I need to do first/next to prepare myself to write a screenplay?" -- FAST is a no-stone-unturned, highly effective roadmap for any screenwriter to follow, from the novice to the most seasoned vet.

Secondly, the course is a perfect chance to recapture one of the greatest things about early childhood: the sense of wonder and excitement that each day brings. I am constantly doing a mental countdown of the hours left until the next lesson is available for viewing online. It's like getting five Christmas mornings a week for ten months straight!

Finally, there's Jeff -- who has produced this amazing course, and masterfully guides us through it. His vast knowledge of the screenwriting world -- and business of filmmaking -- is perfectly matched with his infinite generosity of spirit, unqualified investment in his students and their progress, unbelievably high level of dedication to the day-to-day running of the course, professionalism, integrity -- and good humor. Jeff is the guy you wish was your best friend in grade school; you'd probably never change best friends. Anytime you consider studying with a new teacher, part of you wonders if you're making the right choice... you ask yourself, "Is this person genuine, or could their promotional materials be lots of well-written hype?" I can assure you that Jeff is one hundred percent "the real deal"; he's everything you could hope to have in a teacher.

Okay, I know I said I'd focus on three things -- but I really do need to mention a terrific by-product of this course: the community of writers that it forms. Writing can be a very solitary endeavor, but just knowing that your friends and colleagues in the group are going through the same things you are with their own scriptwriting process makes you feel connected. In a short time, I've made friends with some great people here. Jeff's truly forming a wonderful community of artists.

I have only three words of advice for anyone considering taking this course: Sign up... now!

—Anthony Giunta, New York City, USA

We are very pleased that the FAST Screenplay Charter Group members have responded so enthusiastically to the content in FAST Screenplay. And thank-you to Anthony — for this note is humbly appreciated.