2.Main Content
Training
Screenwriting UK
Red Road - quality writing to learn lessons from
TWO-DAY TRAINING COURSE FOR NEW SCREENWRITERS
Now booking for:
Wednesday 1 & Thursday 2 February 2012
Soho Theatre
THIS IS THE LAST TIME SCREENWRITING UK WILL RUN - DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO BOOK!
A screenplay-writing course designed specifically for writers who are working on a first draft film script but have yet to break into the film industry.
It's a long way from the computer screen to the big screen, and it takes talent, determination and more than a decent break to get there. The Script Factory has devoted over a decade to working in the gap between new writers and the film industry, supporting writers through the early stages of their career and helping the industry identify and nurture new talent. Screenwriting is, of course, an artistic endeavour but a screenplay is also a product for an industry. Essential to success is an understanding of how the UK film industry works, how a script reader or producer determines the potential of a film idea and an awareness of the script development process.
This two-day screenwriting course combines in-depth teaching on the principles of good screenwriting and invaluable insider knowledge from working writers and producers. It's designed to provide participants with the understanding they need to turn a strong idea into a well-crafted screenplay that has the potential to attract interest from producers, developers and funders.
Day One
10-11.30 Stories & Genre
This first session considers the universal function of storytelling and examines how cinema audiences recognise and respond to different story types. Confusion over story type or genre is often cited as one of the key reasons why screenplays are rejected. A pile-up in a thriller may add to the excitement, yet a car-crash in a drama might be devastating. An understanding of the subtle (and not so subtle!) distinctions between genres is critical to managing the audience's emotional response to the events on the screen. By considering the expectations inherent to each genre, we will begin to consider how to develop a screenplay that offers the reader a meaningful and satisfying story experience.
11.30-11.45 Break
11.45- 1 Premise & Conflict
Whether it's about saving the world or growing up, the success of every screenplay depends on the clarity and strength of the dramatic conflict. This session explores the kinds of problems that a screen character might face and considers how to ensure that the story is invested with enough potential conflict to sustain the tension for the duration of a feature film.
1- 2 Lunch Break
2-3.30 Screenplay Structure
A brilliant screenplay is one that keeps a reader turning the pages from beginning to end and tells that reader that the audience will be glued to the screen for every moment of the film that follows. This session explores the basic principles of structuring a screen story from getting the audience hooked to delivering a satisfying ending.
3.30-3.45 Break
3.45-5 Low Budget Screenwriting
The predominant finance model of UK independent feature films is 'Microbudget'. If you're a screenwriter early in your career your next film is likely to be one. What does this mean for the writer? Can you ever really 'write to budget'? This session from guest tutor Ludo Smolski looks at the current film finance landscape from a screenwriter's perspective and considers some ways this can help your career.
Day Two
Jane Eyre adapted by Moira Buffini10-11 Guest Writer: Moira Buffini
The second day begins with the chance to hear from a working screenwriter. We are delighted that Moira Buffini (Jane Eyre, Tamara Drewe) will talk about her career to date and share her experience of working within the UK industry.
11-11.15 Break
11.15-12.15 Character Journeys
Whether you start off with a dramatic concept and then find characters to dramatise it through or you start with characters and build a story around them, it is ultimately the journey your characters take which defines what your story is. However, different story types require different character arcs - some characters will be forever transformed, some will learn a lesson, others will get their chance to show what they are really made off and a few will simply grow up. This session interrogates what we mean by character change and how you can build convincing character change into your story.
12.15-1.15 The Controlling Idea
Take a lesson from Shaun of the Dead
Films, like all stories, have a cultural function: to communicate something to an audience that helps them to understand themselves better, or to make sense of the world. The meaning we take away from watching the film is called the Controlling Idea. This session explores how to identify or determine the controlling idea of a story and how to use this a tool when developing the screenplay.
1.15-2.15 Lunch Break
2.15-3.15 Guest Producer: Robyn Slovo
We kick off the afternoon with an essential overview of film production in the UK from one of the UK's most experienced producers, Robyn Slovo (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, To Catch A Fire). We will ask how a new screenwriter can get their work in front of the right decision-makers; and consider the development opportunities available.
3.15-3.30 Break
3.30-5 The Development Process
This final session explores the development process from sending out the first draft to receiving feedback and planning a rewrite. We will also offer helpful approaches to preparing treatments and a simple guide to preparing a pitch.
Course Tutors
The course is taught by two of The Script Factory's directors Lucy Scher and Justine Hart.
BOOKING INFORMATION
We are now booking for:
Wednesday 1 & Thursday 2 February 2012, 10.00am - 5.00pm
The fee for Screenwriting UK is £195.00 plus VAT (Total £234.00).
Script Factory and Shooting People Members are entitled to an extra discount, making the fee £175.50 plus VAT (Total £210.60).
To secure your place book now via Paypal by choosing from the following options:
Screenwriting UK - 1 & 2 February 2012 - Full price
Screenwriting UK - 1 & 2 February 2012 - Script Factory Member's price
Screenwriting UK - 1 & 2 February 2012 - Shooting People Member's price
If you would prefer to pay by credit card please email us with a contact number and we will call to arrange payment.
Please note that once paid, Script Factory course fees are non-refundable.
The course takes place at:
Soho Theatre
21 Dean Street
London
W1D 3NE
Teaching will run from 10am-5pm each day. All trainees should come prepared to participate actively in group discussions and practical writing exercises.
Notes on a Scandal
Preparatory Viewing
We will be referring to a wide range of films over the two-day course, some of which you will inevitably be more familiar with than others. To ensure that we have shared references to consider in more detail we would ask all course attendees to watch the following British Films:
Shaun of the Dead (dir. Edgar Wright scr. Edgar Wright & Simon Pegg, 2004)
Notes on a Scandal (dir. Richard Eyre scr. Patrick Marber, 2007)
Red Road (dir/sc. Andrea Arnold, 2007)
Back to Training