Screenwriting Courses & Film Production
GothicZen® Studios
Master Screenplay Formatting and Tell Impactful Stories
Save the Format, Kill the Errors
A compelling film begins with a screenplay that’s not just powerful—but professionally formatted. At GothicZen.com, we focus on giving indie filmmakers and storytellers the clearest path to creating standout scripts.
Whether you’re just starting or polishing your next production-ready draft, our resources are built to guide you:
The Best Screenplay Formatting Book: Save the Format, Kill the Errors
Your go-to manual for modern screenplay formatting—clear, practical, and made for the evolving world of indie film, streaming, and TV.
The Best Screenplay Formatting Course: Save the Format, Kill the Errors
Taught by veteran screenwriting instructor Goran Zivanovic, this course simplifies industry standards with step-by-step lessons on scene headings, action blocks, dialogue, and adaptive formatting across platforms.
CO-FOUNDERS
Founded by Clare and Goran Zivanovic, our studio blends the daring exploration of the Gothic with the grounded balance of Zen. Goran brings his extensive experience as a film educator and indie filmmaker, drawing inspiration from a life-changing near-death experience to create impactful films and train the next generation of creatives. Clare complements this vision with her expertise in holistic wellness and Human Design for Health, ensuring every project flows with purpose and clarity.
At GothicZen® Studios, we believe storytelling is a journey to the extraordinary. Let us help you share yours.
Our Filmmaking Philosophy
The name GothicZen® reflects our unique approach to filmmaking—a harmony of bold exploration and thoughtful introspection. We seek out the profound in both the extraordinary and the everyday, crafting stories that challenge boundaries and stir the soul. Our style is rooted in creativity, honesty, and the belief that storytelling has the power to connect us to something greater.
Documentaries
Our documentaries explore the hidden layers of the human experience—where emotion, myth, and modern reality collide. From psychological deep dives to cultural curiosities, we tell stories that stir something deeper.
Octopus Heart — an experimental, interview-driven exploration of Broken Heart Syndrome — unveils a raw, personal journey into the mind-body connection, where medical mystery meets emotional truth.
Whether it’s the haunting folklore of the Australian Yowie or the quiet resilience of indie filmmakers navigating today’s creative chaos, our films confront the uncanny, the overlooked, and the unforgettable.
Fictional
Our narrative films are intimate journeys through human struggle, transformation, and truth. At GothicZen, we craft character-driven stories that don’t just entertain—they provoke reflection and stir the soul.
These are passion projects rooted in lived experience—our own, or those shared with us—woven into narratives that seek meaning in the margins. Every script is shaped with intention, created not for the masses, but for those willing to confront the uncomfortable, the beautiful, and the quietly profound.
We believe fiction is a vessel for truth—and in telling these stories, we aim to reveal something real beneath the surface.
Animation
Our animated projects span worlds—some bold and satirical, others tender and whimsical—but all grounded in strong storytelling and original vision. At GothicZen, we create animation that resonates across generations, without watering down complexity or edge.
From sharp, thought-provoking humor for adults to imaginative, emotionally rich tales for younger audiences, we craft stories that spark curiosity and stay with you. Our characters are flawed, funny, fearless—and always uniquely alive.
We believe in creativity without compromise—mindful storytelling that values substance over slogans, and meaning over message.
Music Videos
At GothicZen Studios, music videos are more than visuals—they’re moving stories that echo the soul of the song. We collaborate with artists who value authenticity, emotional depth, and bold visual storytelling to create work that resonates far beyond the screen.
From international performers with major TV appearances to rising voices with something real to say, we bring each track to life through carefully crafted imagery, narrative richness, and cinematic production values.
Every frame is intentional. Every beat has a story. This is music filmmaking with purpose.
Lifestyle Series
We bring expertise to life through visually rich, story-driven content designed to teach, inspire, and engage. From hands-on craft shows to instructional pilot episodes, GothicZen Studios transforms client knowledge into captivating series with cinematic polish.
Whether showcasing creative techniques, DIY projects, or professional skills, we tailor each production to highlight your unique voice and value. It’s more than just how-to—it’s high-quality storytelling that turns teaching into an experience audiences want to return to.
True Life Series
At GothicZen Studios, we bring real-life journeys to the screen with emotional depth and cinematic flair. Whether documenting health transformations, lifestyle shifts, or deeply personal challenges, we craft each story with care, creativity, and authenticity.
These aren’t typical reality shows—they’re intimate portraits of human experience. One standout project follows a client’s powerful weight loss journey, capturing not just the physical change, but the emotional landscape behind it.
With a director’s eye and a storyteller’s heart, we turn everyday courage into something unforgettable.
“…GothicZen Studios go that extra step in customer service. They really listen to the importance of what is being said so that the best message can be tailored and conveyed. They are passionate in their delivery, professional and meticulous in all aspects. I highly recommend them to anyone who wants to reach a broad audience and who wants to stand out from the rest to get noticed!”
“I have never written a script before but was always curious because I write short stories and poetry. My friend made a short film with her friends so I wanted to learn to write one. This is a simple to follow course and I will now try and write a screenplay version of a short story I wrote. There is a lot to unpack and he makes it easier with good examples too. Very good for a beginner like me.”
★★★★★
Film Production
Dr. Kay Danes, OAM
★★★★★
Screenwriting Course
Sally M.
Please note: GothicZen® Studios does not fund film projects or act as Executive Producers for unsolicited pitching material.