When: Oct. 17 and 18, 9am-5pm
Where: Roosevelt Hotel, Cinegrill  7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood CA
Cost: $125 for both days

For more info, go to ActOneProgram.com or check out our conference page on Facebook

If we're talking about storytelling, who better to talk with than one of the masters of the screenplay?

Joe Eszterhas, one of Hollywood's most notorious screenwriters, has agreed to speak at Act One's Storytelling Conference. Perhaps best known for writing the 1992 smash hit Basic Instinct--for which he collected a then record $3 million payday--Eszterhas has seen 17 of his screenplays produced, and has sold more than 20 additional scripts.

Eszterhas cut his teeth as a daily newspaper reporter and later a senior editor with Rolling Stone. But when the magazine decided to move its offices from San Francisco to New York, Eszterhas decided to stay in California and try his hand at screenwriting. That decision quickly led to a long and celebrated career in Hollywood. Eszterhas' conversion to Catholicism a few years ago directed a 180-degree turn away from Hollywood and hard living. His story is detailed in his latest book, "Crossbearer: A Memoir of Faith".

Who better to talk about the human condition powerfully portrayed in film than a man who has created some of the most memorable characters of our time," says Vicki Peterson, director of the Act One Writing Program and conference coordinator. "We are grateful to Joe for returning to Hollywood and hope he sees it through new eyes."

Joining Eszterhas as speakers are:

• World renowned lecturer and University of Southern California film professor Bobette Buster.
• Television writer and producer Karen Hall, who's credits include critically acclaimed shows "Judging Amy," "Northern Exposure" and the final episode of "M*A*S*H".
• Dr. Peter Kreeft, philosopher and author of over 50 books, including Socrates Meets Jesus.
• Screenwriter, founder of Act One and VP of Creative Development at Origin Entertainment Barbara Nicolosi.
• Screenwriter, author of "The Hollywood Standard" and the leading authority on script formatting standards Christopher Riley.
• And more!

"This is a groundbreaking event which will be talked about for years to come", says Vicki Peterson. "Our speakers offer a wealth of knowledge about story and are some of the most innovative thinkers of our time."

Act One's Storytelling Conference will focus on high level discussions about the nature of story, its effects on the masses and just why people love stories in the first place. Each speaker will present a 20 minute lecture followed by a round table discussion that will challenge the audience to deepen their thinking about just what it means exactly to tell a story.

Whether you're a writer brooding over a script or a student of life thirsting for truth in story, Act One's Storytelling Conference will help you hone your craft and possibly see the world differently.

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Act One, Inc., is a nonprofit organization that has trained Christians of all denominations for careers in mainstream film and television for the past ten years. Stressing artistry, excellence, professionalism, and Christian spirituality, Act One prepares students to pursue careers marked by personal integrity and professional excellence, in writers rooms, on sets, and in studio and network offices. The end goal is not to produce explicitly religious entertainment, but movie and TV projects that respect and serve the global audience, combining mastery of craft with great depth and meaning. Over ten years, Act One has amassed a vast alumni network of writers, producers, directors and entertainment executives who are dedicated to producing excellent work for a global audience.

A community of Christians who are writers and emerging executives for films and/or television. The two programs, Act One: Writing for Hollywood and Act One: Executives for Hollywood, equip the next generation of screenwriters and executives through month-long intensive writing programs, week-end seminars, Executive internships and mentorships, and has an active alumni organization in order to maintain accountability, training and fellowship. They reach out to WRITERS and EXECUTIVES primarily.

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