From Peter’s Students

”I’ve had the privilege of assisting in Peter’s classes several times, and what consistently stands out is his uniquely approachable teaching style. His deep knowledge of both screenwriting and the industry is impeccable, and his interdisciplinary approach breaks down complex concepts into clear, practical tools. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced filmmaker, Peter makes writing feel achievable—less like an abstract ambition and more like a concrete craft. If you're looking for a course that truly demystifies the writing process, I can’t recommend his classes enough.”

Yingqiao Fan, filmmaker

“Taking Peter's screenwriting class was an absolute game-changer! His deep industry knowledge and expertise were evident in every session, making complex concepts easy to grasp. What truly sets Peter apart is his unwavering patience and commitment to each student's growth. He took the time to provide detailed, constructive feedback on every script, offering insightful suggestions that elevated our writing. Thanks to his guidance, I've not only become a better writer but also gained invaluable confidence in my storytelling abilities. I'm incredibly grateful for this enriching experience!“

Lily吴海燕, playwright/director

“Peter Walters is literally one of the best lecturers I have met personally. I’m still impressed by the very first lecture about pitching that I was lucky to attend many years ago. There was a lot of practical knowledge delivered in such a concise, clear and seamless way, accurately packed in one single lecture. Honestly for me to this day, that was the best lecture I ever attended! Also the series of online lectures about scriptwriting and storytelling that I’ve attended helped me a lot in understanding the structure of a good story. If there is any lecture on ANY topic from Peter, please let me know! I would gladly join, and recommend to anyone else!” 

Vladimir Ershov, actor/filmmaker

“Peter’s lectures are a game changer for their focus on the importance of the collision and collaboration between different types of characters to light the fuse of that all important ingredient—conflict—which ignites the magic in your story and keeps those pages turning. Peter understands the craft of screenwriting on the page like no other and will help you become the best writer you can be so that you can infuse your storytelling with the propulsion that it deserves. Movie magic made easy.”

Thomas Oliver Hand, writer/director

“If someone asked me to recommend a screenwriting course, I would not hesitate to suggest Peter's course. Peter is not only an excellent screenwriter but an outstanding instructor. Over the years, out of all the writing courses I have read and attended, Peter's course stands out the most due to the unique, clear and easy-to-understand insights he provides into the Hollywood paradigm. Peter doesn't just focus on the mechanics of writing; he also delves into the underlying human aspects, supported by a wealth of film examples, making his course exceptionally practical.”

Olivia

"Peter Walters’ screenwriting course is a must for both aspiring and experienced screenwriters. His unique approach to the craft provides invaluable insights into the mechanics of storytelling, offering fresh perspectives that challenge conventional thinking. For anyone looking to sharpen their narrative skills and deepen their understanding of screenwriting, this course is an essential resource. Screenwriting is often taught with a rigid set of structural principles—three-act formulas, hero’s journey arcs, ticking clocks, but the reality is, audiences respond to stories differently depending on cultural context. What Peter Walters’ course does so well is highlight how screenwriting isn’t just about mastering structure, but about understanding the emotional and thematic needs of an audience.”

Austin Hunza, writer/director

“Peter isn’t just a master of structure and dialogue, he’s a mentor who ignites passion while demanding excellence. He meets students where they are but refuses to let them stay there. Peter is not just an accomplished screenwriter, but a visionary teacher who shapes the next generation of storytellers. I’m forever grateful for his guidance.”

David Quzhang

“I highly recommend Peter’s learning materials, in-person seminars and online trainings. If you ever have the chance to catch him live, don’t miss it. You’ll walk away seeing story and communication in a whole new light. Peter didn’t just teach me how to write. He taught me how to think like a storyteller. How to frame an idea, shape emotion and speak to the soul of an audience. His methods are the blueprint behind everything I now create. Peter has a neverending will to develop, improve and pursue excellence in regards to this ancient craft. I have never read a book that teaches as well as Peter, and I have read all of the notable scriptwriting books. Peter changed my life. He taught me how to pitch not only stories, but vision. Peter is selfless, loving, caring, brave, honest, critical with purpose and direct when necessary. He has the rare gift of turning complexity into clarity. Peter is not just a teacher. He is a master. One whose work, in my eyes, belongs among the greats of our time. It gives me great pride and strength to call the man my master and mentor.”

Troy Sandford, actor/director/martial arts coach

troysteamonline.com

“I was lucky enough to attend Peter Walters’ last seminar, and I can honestly say it was life-changing. It changed how I write scripts, how I tell stories—even how I do action. So the value was just insane. I highly recommend you go to his next seminar. If you’re not going, big mistake. You are seriously missing out! I’ll be there, and I hope to see you there too.”

John Shang, action actor/filmmaker, Troy’s Team

“I was invited to teach a production course as part of a seminar organized by the 48 Hour Film Festival team in China, where Peter Walters was one of the instructors specializing in scriptwriting. I didn’t expect to learn much—coming from a production background and having written scripts that were produced—but Peter’s take on story structure and narrative clarity was unlike anything I’d encountered. His insights have stayed with me and have since become a foundation for how I help others understand story, even though it’s not my primary field. It’s definitely his.”

Keith Collea

“Stuck with nothing to write? Peter teaches a story pattern that helps you generate endless story ideas. Struggling with characters? Peter introduces you to the Semiotic Character System—a fast and accurate way to build characters and organize relationships. Still confused about structure? Peter not only gives you the authentic American 3-act, 8-sequence model—he shows you what it really means. There are many books introducing Hollywood screenwriting techniques, but most of them feel hard to understand, impractical, or disconnected from real writing. Peter explains theory in a way that Chinese writers can truly understand and apply."

Wei Congming, writer/director

"Peter has rich experience in screenwriting and story presentation. He understands what young creators need and will do whatever it takes to help you learn."

Richard Trombly, writer/director

“I really enjoyed your lesson in person and your feedback on my comic book was the most useful I’ve ever received.”

Sumo Mike, writer/actor

"This was not only the best film lecture I've attended, but maybe the best lecture of any kind I've attended. Peter's preparation and explanations made me understand exactly what I need to do to share my ideas with others. Peter knows how to keep people's attention."

Georg Warga, Founder/Creative Director, GOODSTEIN

“Peter’s was the first class I ever took on screenwriting. I came in curious. I left with a lifelong passion for the craft, for which I will always be grateful.”

Gabe Bloch, media executive 

“I first met Peter Walters in Los Angeles in 2013 when he pitched me at a film event. We connected right away—both personally and professionally—and we’ve been each other’s trusted feedback loop ever since. As a writer, director, producer and filmmaking instructor myself, with over 20 years of international experience, I don’t say this lightly: Peter’s insight is world-class. His guidance has been invaluable to my own work. Peter has created a truly original and revolutionary system for analyzing and developing story. Having seen a preview of his latest course materials, I can honestly say that anyone who takes his courses is in for something transformative. His approach gives writers and filmmakers real tools to level up every aspect of their craft.”

Brendan Davis, writer/director/producer

“Peter was one of my earliest writing mentors. He helped me grasp the intricacies of crafting strong stories and compelling characters. Not only do I admire his deep understanding of the art of writing, but I also respect him as a teacher and mentor as well.”

Kent S. Leung, actor/filmmaker

CEO/Founder www.cozmikk.com

"Peter lives, breathes, and thinks in story. It’s part of his operating system, and it’s infectious. When I attended Peter’s first lecture in Shanghai, it was out of curiosity and a desire to get a sense of the writing talent here. At the time, I was working in freelance development and had been optioned and commissioned as a screenwriter. I was, frankly, blown away by that first session. Since then, I’ve recommended Peter wholeheartedly to other creatives, drawn on elements of his teaching within both creator-owned and work-for-hire projects, and introduced his work to other professionals across the industry. Peter does what all great educators do: he creates the conditions for his students to succeed. He has the rare ability to distill complex concepts and reconcile them within his own distinct approach. If you see story as a living organism, Peter is a true story whisperer. Over the years, we’ve had several conversations that explored narrative on multiple levels — structural, emotional, philosophical. As a seasoned writer himself, he brings lived experience and authenticity to his teaching. He understands the realities of production and the demands placed on writers. Both within the industry and outside it, he’s committed to helping writers develop their talent and refine their voice — always guiding them toward the best version of their story, never forcing it into a shape that betrays their intent or vision. From my own industry perspective, Peter is exactly the kind of story specialist you bring in to troubleshoot a project or speak to a room when it really matters. I don’t give praise lightly, but I’ve been consistently impressed by Peter. I’m genuinely excited to see what he builds next. Once again, he’s tapped into the heart of story, and he’s returned to the village with something essential to share."

Andrew Jonathon Ord, writer/producer

“Peter taught screenwriting in a way I had never experienced before. His method broke the process down into clear, practical parts that made sense and stayed with me. Every class was focused and purposeful. He made complex ideas accessible without oversimplifying them, and his passion for the craft was always evident. What stood out most was how deeply he cared—both about the material and about us as writers. I left each session with a stronger understanding and a genuine excitement to write.”

Francis Mok, Beijing Film Academy, Class of 2018

“I’ve come to learn the most valuable lessons come when you find yourself in a space of constant encouraged curiosity—and Peter does just that. As a teacher, Peter’s approach to the ever-intimidating medium of screenwriting turns what would be nerves, into excitement. His pacing, and patient guidance towards truly understanding every element to a script, and how each organ of the story fits into place, allows you to develop a genuine fundamental understanding of how to tell the story you need to tell. I often find myself remembering certain lessons from Peter’s classes when reviewing a new idea or script, and find myself often referring back to old notes in moments of question, no matter the genre or context. But beyond his technical expertise, I believe what I have come to appreciate the most about being able to have called Peter a mentor, is within genuine and earnest discussion. His passion in wanting to truly know and develop an idea, not for you, but alongside you, is what makes Peter truly unique. It was truly a privilege to have participated in honest conversation with Peter, where he not only encourages curiosity around your work, but explores those questions with you. ‘What ifs’ and ‘how cans’ are often echoed, always finding ways to go further. When reflecting on my final years of schooling and the work produced amidst so much limitation and challenge, I often look back on my discussions with Peter as true cornerstone moments in that journey—encouragement in the form of camaraderie and compassion. All this is to say that Peter is a fantastic, truly one-of-a-kind teacher. I hold his lessons, time, and empathy in appreciation, and I trust that my experience with Peter as a mentor is shared amongst others. Cannot recommend him enough. 10/10.”

Abey Lin

“Peter’s experience in screenwriting and story presentation has helped me build a strong foundation for storytelling. This has enabled me to not only apply this knowledge to my writing but also to my decision making when working in other filmmaking roles. It helped me become a better all-round filmmaker who understands storytelling. This is one of the best screenwriting lectures you can attend.”

Ng Wen Jun, Beijing Film Academy, Class of 2017

“Peter’s class is essential for anyone looking to grow as a storyteller or understand narrative media on a deeper level. The way he approaches story, structure, pitch, characters, themes, acts, empathy—and so much more—has genuinely changed the way I view any form of storytelling. Cinema hasn’t been the same since.” 

Gergana Nikolova

“Peter’s classes gave me a lot of useful tools, tips and insights that I still use in my screenwriting today. I also appreciate how he prepared us for the business side of things with pitch sessions and script coverage. I encourage anyone no matter what level you’re at to take his classes. You will definitely benefit from them and make great improvements in your screenwriting!”

Toluwani O

“Peter is a patient and thoughtful professor. His screenwriting courses are expertly analytical and have been a true asset to my film journey.”

Jason Ren, Beijing Film Academy

"I am fortunate to be one of Peter’s students. The workload is challenging, but creative thinking is the result."

Dean Wei, Beijing Film Academy

"Just very proud to be one of your students. The class was so useful and practical that it benefits me in everything I do."

Tony, Beijing Film Academy

“Before having Peter as my teacher, I tried many screenwriting books and courses, each more confusing than the last. Peter is an excellent teacher. He doesn't sugarcoat things, but it’s that honesty that helps you understand what screenwriting is all about. I'm fortunate to have been one of his students.”

Cristian Diaz Cruz 

“Peter is not only experienced and industry-savvy, but also incredibly thoughtful in the way he supports his students. His generous feedback—detailed and deeply encouraging—has helped me grow as a screenwriter. His teaching is practical, passionate and truly dedicated to helping each student find their voice.”

Sin Ru

“Scrolling through my feed, I noticed a poster announcing that Peter Walters is back to China for an exclusive screenwriting workshop, right on my doorstep in Guangdong. Peter was my writing instructor at Beijing Film Academy. I leapt to my feet with glee. His classes gave me the foundation for how stories work, how to create emotions on the page and sculpt characters that make viewers feel something. That for me was a total game-changer. As a director, it trained my story sense to shoot better movies. I have seen many a talented filmmakers struggle to sharpen those skills. Peter's classes are the kind that you refer back to when you're lost, or need to animate a wooden character. The knowledge helps me think of stories as high-performance emotional engines that I craft, tweak and modify. Writing is often a solo mission, but having a small oasis like this where we can refine and raincheck our writing and level-up makes all the difference.”

Gianluca Infante