Author, Director, Producer, Teacher Speaks to SFW

Writer, director, producer and film teacher Anthony J. Lenzo spoke at the August 2 meeting of the Sarasota Fiction Writers. Lenzo presented “Stop Making Excuses! The Six (and Only Six) Things You Need to Write a Great Story.” Too many writing gurus and books can complicate the writing process so much that a writer can get lost. Lenzo promised to deliver the last seminar you’ll need if you want to be published or have your screenplay produced. Lenzo has been making films since the days of bell-bottoms, when his dad first put an 8mm camera in his hand. He has written and directed several short films and served as director of photography for an independent feature film. After living in the Chicago area for 17 years, Lenzo moved back to Sarasota to produce and teach film. He has taught public speaking, film and mass communication at Ringling College of Art + Design; State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota; Purdue University; Moraine Valley Community College and The Chicago Wisdom Project. Lenzo has a bachelor’s degree from New College of Florida in philosophy and physics and a master’s degree in communication from Purdue University. He’s received additional master’s-level film production training at Governors State University. He’s also trained in improvisational performance at Chicago’s Second City and trained in writing at The Writers’ Loft. He is a past member of Chicago Filmmakers and the Chicago Screenwriting Network, and he currently serves as a member of the Sarasota Film Commissioners Council. Lenzo is developing South Shore Story Productions, a company that produces high-end autobiographical documentaries.