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Host: Aaron Leong
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CFAA FILMMAKER FORUM IS HOSTED BY AARON LEONG
Aaron Leong is a board member of the CFAA who is an accomplished cinematographer and director. He went to SF State University’s Theatre Dept for a double emphasis in Performance and Directing. After working for several years as an actor for Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre Programs, he started a production company. During that time, he started to do more commercial filmmaking and went back to school for film at The Art Institute in Sacramento, focusing more on Directing and Cinematography. He continued his cinematography training at the Global Cinematography Institute in Los Angeles where he was taught by renowned ASC members such as Vilmos Zsigmond, Dean Cundey and Russell Carpenter among others. After 20 years in various areas in the industry, Aaron has directed features, shorts and commercials and has DP’d for features, shorts, documentaries, reality TV, commercials, and corporate work just to name a few. Aaron also has 18+ years of experience flying Steadicams and is an M2 Volt owner/operator. He also rents out a lot of gear to productions. You can check it out at www.4thwallfilmworks.com.
Admission is FREE to CFAA members, and $10 for non-members.
Membership info at www.capitalfilmarts.org/membership
MEETINGS AT THE NEW CFAA LOCATION:
Futures Explored
2533 R St.,
Sacramento CA 95816
Every 4th Tuesday @ 7pm
Monthly
CFAA Screenwriters Lab
featuring:
Author, Screenwriter, Filmmaker, Creative Director, Speaker
DAVID FLANAGAN
Tues., June 23rd, 2026
@ 7pm-9pm
AT THE NEW CFAA LOCATION:
Futures Explored
2533 R St.,
Sacramento CA 95816
Join the CFAA Screenwriter’s Workshop as we review
The First 10 Pages
In screenwriting, "The First 10 Pages" is a legendary threshold. It is widely considered the most critical stretch of a script because, in the professional world, a reader, producer, or executive will often decide whether to buy your script—or toss it in the trash—by page 10. For a screenwriter, mastering these first ten pages is a foundational milestone in their creative journey. Here is a breakdown of what that phase represents, what must be accomplished within it, and why it matters so much.
Why It Matters on the Writer's Journey On a practical level, practicing the discipline of the first 10 pages teaches a writer how to cut the fluff. It forces you to: Enter scenes late and leave early. Show, don't tell (introducing character through action rather than heavy exposition). Write crisp, engaging description. Many writers suffer from "world-builder disease," spending 30 pages explaining the history of their setting. Perfecting the first 10 pages teaches a writer how to trust the audience and get the story moving efficiently.
Looking for peer feedback? > If you are currently refining your script's opening, organizations like the Capital Film Arts Alliance regularly host dedicated Screenwriters Labs—such as sessions focusing directly on "The First 10 Pages" and narrative craft—where local writers workshop their openings with industry professionals to ensure their hook is flawless.
Your CFAA Screenwriter Lab Hosts: David Flanagan is a Sacramento-based author, screenwriter, filmmaker, and creative director with a passion for visual storytelling and narrative craft across all media. He has been creating his whole life, in almost every type of media that can be imagined. His background lends itself to a level of quality work that has been his calling card.
Assisting David is Paul Newton, a familiar faced to the CFAA. As someone who truly loves screenwriting and filmmaking, Paul is an awesome addition to the team.
Topics coming up:
February 24 - Annual Workshop Plan
March 24 - Log Lines & Pitching
April 28 - Independent Producer R. Scott Reid Q&A
May 26 - Killer Pitch Decks
June 23 - The First 10 Pages
July 28 - Story Structure - Formula vs Freedom
August 25 - Creating Better Character - Voices & Arcs
September 22 - The Professional Writer
October 27 - Festivals, Contests, and Agents
November 24 - The 2nd and 3rd Acts
December 22 - TBD
CFAA Screenwriter Lab Hosts:
David Flanagan is a Sacramento-based author, screenwriter, filmmaker, and creative director with a passion for visual storytelling and narrative craft across all media. He has been creating his whole life, in almost every type of media that can be imagined. His background lends itself to a level of quality work that has been his calling card.
Assisting David is Paul Newton, a familiar faced to the CFAA. As someone who truly loves screenwriting and filmmaking, Paul is an awesome addition to the team.
Membership info at www.capitalfilmarts.org/membership. If you wish to attend readings or be added to the Screenwriters list, receive Zoom links meeting notifications, and to and have scripts sent to you for review in advance of meetings, email: [email protected]
HOW MUCH?
FREE for CFAA members. $10 for Non-members.
Annual membership donation is $50 and this yearly fee provides entry to ALL CFAA meetings and workshops. Info at www.capitalfilmarts.org/membership
SIGN UP HERE
TO RECEIVE THE CFAA'S
FREE NEWSLETTER!
Stay informed and
stay connected.
[email protected]
SIGN UP HERE
TO RECEIVE THE CFAA'S
FREE NEWSLETTER!
Stay informed and
stay connected.
[email protected]
FEES: (for public events)
Admission is free to CFAA members and $10 per meeting for non-members and guests.
All ages, skills and experiences are welcome!
MEMBERSHIP:
Only $50 per year.
Click HERE to sign up today with Paypal
Admission is free to CFAA members and $10 per meeting for non-members and guests.
All ages, skills and experiences are welcome!
MEMBERSHIP:
Only $50 per year.
Click HERE to sign up today with Paypal
What did you miss?
Catch up with the CFAA's schedule of guest speakers and instructors
who share their experience and expertise with our members.
Catch up with the CFAA's schedule of guest speakers and instructors
who share their experience and expertise with our members.
CFAA PHOTO GALLERY
CFAA Film Friends and Speakers
MORE PHOTOS HERE
Here's a clip from one of our Speed Networking events.
Tons's of fun with the CFAA!
We appreciate our sponsors and members - Join today and support local film!
