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About Barry Pearson
Expertise
I`m a credited writer on nine feature films. My latest movie, IRON ROAD, which stars Peter O'Toole and Sam Neill,is being offered to festivals. Sun Li, the Chinese star, won the best actress award at the Roma Fiction Fest recently. www.ironroadthemovie.com) I`m also the writer of over 40 hours of television drama for major networks in North America, and I`m a producer of three feature films and over 50 hours of television prime time drama. I've received Best Screenplay, Best Picture awards at international film festivals around the world. I've been coaching screen and television writers in person, and on the internet, for over ten years, and I've answered over 1000 All Experts questions!

Experience
I've been in the business of writing and producing feature films, television series, and MOW's for over 20 years. You can check me out at this URL http://www.createyourscreenplay.com/aboutbp.htm

Education/Credentials
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You are here:  Experts > Arts/Humanities > Writing > Writing Plays/Screenwriting > Graduate School - Screenwriting

Writing Plays/Screenwriting - Graduate School - Screenwriting


Expert: Barry Pearson - 6/22/2009

Question
Hey Barry (I hope this is going to Barry!)
I read one of your answers to someone considering graduate school for screenwriting, and thought I'd ask one of my own.
I am coming up on possible graduation, double majoring in Communication and Philosophy. This would be two degrees in three years, but I may have to extend my studies to four if I can't make a decision soon.
Anyway, I have always been interested in film, just like every other male in my generation. The writing side particularly appeals to me. I have written two short screenplays, only one of which has been filmed, but editing was not finished. My scripts have received very positive reviews.
My question is not whether to go to a professional course or graduate school, however, but whether or not going to a MFA program in screenwriting would pigeonhole me to the point where I could not apply what I learned there to other fields, within or outside of the film industry.
I know that this is probably a difficult hypothetical question to answer, but perhaps you or someone you know is familiar with graduate school curriculum.
Thanks,
Marcus

Answer
Hi Marcus,

I understand that you are proceeding with caution.  Post-graduate options are serious decisions.

Given your undergraduate degree, I don't see pigeonholing in your future.

More importantly where are you going to take this screenwriting degree?
I have strong opinions on this topic, and I have a number of archival q and a's on it.

E-mail me at createyourscreenplay@rogers.com, repeating your question, and I'll send you a bundle of information that could help you make the right decision.

All the best,
Barry

My Website Create Your Screenplay
www.createyourscreenplay.com

My Book  It's All About The Story
http://www.createyourscreenplay.com/iaatspaypalorder.htm

My Latest Project Iron Road
http://www.ironroadthemovie.com

Pic: That's me on the set of Iron Road (yes with Peter O'Toole in the
background) at Hengdian Studios in China.  

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