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Creative Writing, Screenwriting, Cartooning, Video Production
Steven F.

54 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $100

About Steven


Bio

I believe that anyone with a genuine interest in storytelling can effectively express and communicate their ideas, regardless of their drawing, creative writing, screenwriting, and video production/editing skill level. My lessons show you how. I have worked as a published cartoonist, writer, and film producer since 1989. My work has been published by HarperCollins, 9-1-1 Magazine, the Directors Guild of America, the International Television Association, and AmeriCorps in addition to two...

I believe that anyone with a genuine interest in storytelling can effectively express and communicate their ideas, regardless of their drawing, creative writing, screenwriting, and video production/editing skill level. My lessons show you how. I have worked as a published cartoonist, writer, and film producer since 1989. My work has been published by HarperCollins, 9-1-1 Magazine, the Directors Guild of America, the International Television Association, and AmeriCorps in addition to two published collections of original cartoons. I studied at the London Cartoon Centre and have taught or spoken about cartoon storytelling at The University of Tokyo, University of Debrecen (Hungary), Harvard Medical School, and Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in addition to many other venues worldwide. As an Artist-in-Residence at Smith Farm for the Healing Arts in Washington, DC, I introduced cancer patients to the cathartic power of autobiographical storytelling in the comics, helping them tell their story and express their feelings.


Education

University of Maryland, Baltimore County
undergrad

Policies


Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Acting

Acting

I have 30-years of experience as voice artist (animation characters), on-camera (The Mob Doctor; Underemployed; The FBI Files) along with commercials and corporate video. Additionally, at the university level I teach acting for the business professional.
Adobe Premiere

Adobe Premiere

I am a two-time Emmy nominated filmmaker with with 30-years of filmmaking and editing experience, plus 20 years of Premiere Pro experience.
Animation

Animation

I was mentored by the folks at Bill Melendez Productions / Melendez Films (creators of the classic Peanuts films). My work as storyboard artist, key animator, and animation director includes films such as Freedom Dance (with Golden Globe winner Mariska Hargitay); television such as the Boston Red Sox / JCS New England Television, and many commercials; plus corporate videos and independent cartoons for TCI Communications.
Creative Writing

Creative Writing

I have 30-years of experience writing fiction, non-fiction, live action and animation. As author or contributing author, my book credits include: Budget Europe Access (HarperCollins), Art Education (The University of Tokyo Press), and many articles on creativity, cartoons, and animation. I am the author of two young reader books plus multiple screenplays (theatrical feature length, short, television, and corporate video) for PBS, Oprah Winfrey Network, and McGraw Hill among many other patrons.
Drawing

Drawing

Steven F. is a published cartoonist and animator with credits for the Boston Red Sox, JCS New England Television Network, Directors Guild of America, and more. His instruction in drawing and cartooning focuses on storytelling and effective communication.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

Using my 30-years of experience writing for television, cinema, and literature, I help writers from the unique perspective of creative non-fiction (and fiction) writing. My tutelage positions writers to understand the basics of how to organize ideas, draw in a reader, build to a climax, strengthen vocabulary, edit effectively, and develop a unique voice. I have worked with essay writers (ages 12 - 20) through private education companies in Australia, Asia, and North America in addition to students at the graduate and undergrad levels.
Fiction Writing

Fiction Writing

I have 30-years of experience writing fiction, non-fiction, live action and animation. As author or contributing author, my fiction credits include the books: There's a Blue Dog Under My Bed; The Wonderful, Happy, Cartoony World of Steve & Bluey; and many articles on creativity, cartoons, and animation. I am the author of multiple screenplays (theatrical feature length, short, television). Additionally, I teach creative writing at Northwestern University, The University of Tokyo, and at workshops worldwide to audience ranging from ages 6 - 90.
Film

Film

Steven F. is a two-time Emmy nominated filmmaker. His credits include fiction, non-fiction, short, feature film, animation and live action stories for Maryland Public Television/PBS, Canal+ France, OWN, and more. His instruction in film and video production focuses on storytelling, character development, and effective communication.
Interview Prep

Interview Prep

Working primarily in the arts as a writer/director, my approach to interview prep comes from an art-based perspective: using my expertise as a film director and storyteller to help students define their voice, strengthen communication skills, and engage an audience. Recently, I worked with a lawyer preparing for job interviews and a photographer preparing for a graduate school entrance interview. In both cases, I took the approach I use with actors and non-actors and applied them to mock interview rehearsals until the students felt comfortable and confident with their presence, answers to standard questions, and delivery.
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

Working primarily in the arts as a writer/producer/director and cartoonist, my approach to writing a personal statement comes from an art-based perspective: using my expertise as a film director and storyteller to help students define their voice, strengthen communication skills, define what they want to say, explore who they are, and engage an audience.
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

I am a two-time Emmy nominated filmmaker who has received invitations to speak about creativity throughout the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and North America for clients including Cunard, SeaDream, Harvard Medical School, LYNX National Media & Arts Camp, Amity Dubai, Mind Camp Canada, and many universities.
Theater

Theater

I have been a professional actor, director and writer for over 15 years. My acting credits include: Chicago Fire (NBC), The Mob Doctor (FOX), Shameless (Showtime), The FBI Files (Discovery Networks), and Hollow Man (Columbia Pictures). I have taught acting and storytelling at Northwestern University, St. John's College, The Second City, and Waubonsee Community College.
Video Production

Video Production

Steven F. is a two-time Emmy nominated filmmaker. His credits include fiction, non-fiction, short, feature film, animation and live action stories for Maryland Public Television/PBS, Canal+ France, OWN, and more. His instruction in film and video production focuses on storytelling, character development, and effective communication.
Writing
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Ratings and Reviews


Rating

5.0 (22 ratings)
5 star
(21)
4 star
(1)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Knowledgable. Friendly. Responsible. Professional.

Steven solved a number of editing issues I was experiencing and offered numerous tips on how to improve all aspects of my movie projects. Friendly, responsible, knowledgable, creative, reliable, supportive, professional. I look forward to working with him again in the future.

Susan, 2 lessons with Steven

Story to WebToon

I am working on a web comic/ WebToon and I reached the point in my story creation journey where I needed help pulling it all together into a structure that had a beginning, middle, and end. In our first conversation Steven asked very intentional questions that challenged the way I thought about the characters and why I chose specific scenes to draw. He would ask what is the character seeking, longing for, etc. I thought I had these answers at first, yet I had no scenes that supported or communicated this, which is kind of a big deal in a web comic. Throughout our sessions, his questions were really helpful in identifying gaps in my character development. We also walked through visuals aids to story telling, specifically timelines. The timelines enabled me to see the progression of different story elements, such as violence or other key themes that support the climax of the episode. He walked me through how to use these tools to add plot layers into the story, identify where to put foreshadowing, add symbolism, and identify storytelling gaps. I highly recommend Steven. Here are the key factors in my recommendation; He was open to reviewing my work before prior to our session to ensure we had an effective lesson. He asked for a goal for our time in working together and we backwards planned from there. He asks very good questions. Sometimes I'm not sure what he's getting at with his question and then he will provide me with an example that drives his point home completely changing my perspective.

Catalyst, 3 lessons with Steven

Very patient and sincere

Steven F. has been very consistent and professional. He has never canceled an appt. even in bad weather and also followed up to confirm all appointments; giving up to date contact information. His work with my son has encouraged him to view life differently and consider competing narratives. This has made more insightful and curious.

Elizabeth, 5 lessons with Steven
Hourly Rate: $100
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