— Laura Salisbury, student 2003, 2005 Graudaute of UCLA University

“I’ve been a student of Chris’s for over a year, and continue to grow as writer. He constantly finds news ways to approach my material, forcing me to look at so many different aspects of my story and my writing. I feel that I have discovered so much under his tutelage, and yet I know I still have so much more to learn. I look forward to my next workshop with him, for I know my work will be viewed in a safe environment, with a critical, but fair eye, and for the sole purpose of making me a better writer.”

— Donna Sozio, 2003, Graduate of San Diego State

“Chris has a unique way of shaping your story as he culls the elements that are essential to the core of good screenwriting. His combination of emotional fervor and structural expertise were invaluable. And… his classes are a whole lot of fun. I have not met another teacher so truly committed in his students development as writers.”

— Wesley Harris, UCLA Extension Student 2003, MFA Candidate University of New Orleans

“Chris Canaan, while reminding us of the classical elements of drama, insisted that a screenplay, no matter how well-structured, must come from the writer’s heart. By sharing his own experience of writing successful scripts, Chris created a safe environment in which screenplays grew from vague ideas to vivid, credible scripts. I can’t wait to take his class again.”

— Melissa Nowak, UCLA Extension student, 2004 Graduate University of Kansas, MFA Candidate AFI

“Everything I know about screenwriting, I know because of Chris Canaan. He broke down the barriers and demystified the myths of screenwriting by applying his “real world” knowledge and years of experience in the business in his teaching. He makes screenplay structure understandable, and taught me how to apply structure to the story I want to tell. He has taught me to probe the depths of character, making me see and create characters that are unique and compelling. My characters now have a beating heart, all because of Chris. Also, Chris has given me the tools to change my destiny. I am now a student at the American Film Institute, getting my Masters i n Screenwriting. I attribute my success at the AFI because of what Chris has taught me. His knowledge was a foundation that has made me competitively light years ahead of my classmates. I thank him so much for everything I have achieved.”

— Jason Ancona, UCLA Extension student, 2004, Graduate Bradley University

“Chris Canaan is a phenomenal instructor who possesses unmatched passion for teaching and sharing his love for movies, screenwriting, and life. He taught me to dig deep into myself and into the story I want to tell. His class is educational and his charm and wit make it entertaining as well. My writing has improved considerably since taking his class.”

— Carla R. Johnson, UCLA Extension student, 1997

“Chris, your class turned out to be above and beyond my expectations and your personal style of teaching suite me well. Not only did I walk away from you class feeling as though I got my feet wet in screenwriting, but your comical personality kept me amused the whole time. I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun in class. Thank you.”

ChrisCanaan.com coming soon

Stay tuned.