Introduction to Screenwriting

0207 377 6060

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Fully funded and partially funded places available

Have a passion for writing? Want to learn the key concepts and techniques to get you started in the world of screenwriting? Not enough time to go full-time? Then look no further! This is the course for you.

One evening per week, for six weeks online, over this course you gain an understanding of essential screenwriting skills, from the process of developing an initial concept all the way to the final draft of your short film script.

Programme Overview

The course combines lectures, tutorials, examples and exercises to support you in writing a short film. Through weekly assignments, you develop your writing skills following accepted industry practices. You receive feedback on your writing, to help you create a script that is dynamic, engaging and producible. You produce multiple drafts and polish your correctly formatted script in line with industry norms.

Week One:

The essentials of short form writing. Genre, structure and scenes. Where do we find ideas and how do we develop them? Loglines, outlines, treatments and synopses as writing tools.

Week Two:

Writing visually. Setting up the story world. Scene types and writing an opening scene.

Week Three:

How do narrative and character arcs evolve? Dialogue, subtext and action. How to show, not tell, your story in a screenplay. Script formatting.

Week Four:

Script development through multiple drafts. Receiving feedback and revising your work.

Week Five:

How to conduct a table read and act on the result.

Week Six:

Final scripts and feedback. Next steps and industry routes.

Programme Facts

DURATION:
6 weeks – Online, Part-time

DAY AND TIME:
Every Tuesday from 18:00 – 20:30

START DATES:

10th January 2023

18th April 2023

FEES:
£270

£0 with full funding*

£135 with partial funding*

*Funded and partially funded places are available for London residents who are 19 years old or older. We will confirm your funding status after an application is received.

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Course Outline

Short form story

WEEK1

What makes a good short film experience? What are the essential elements? Brainstorming Ideas. Outlines and Treatments as writing aids. Script Formatting – How and why we format a screenplay. Using purpose built software packages such as Final Draft or Celtx.

Writing visually

WEEK2

Setting up the world and rules of the story.

Writing Character

WEEK3

Dialogue as Action.

Script Development

WEEK4

Why the first draft is never enough. Who is involved in developing a script? Keeping your vision intact through development and being flexible.

Table Reads

WEEK5

The benefit of table reads using actors. You will work with actors to read three of the class scripts . How to solicit and take on feedback from a table read. What to do with the feedback.

Final Draft

WEEK6

How and why we lock a script. What happens to the script in production. What to do next with your script?

Entry Requirements

Minimum age: 18

Minimum English Language level: Upper-Intermediate

Do you have a question about this course?

We’re here to help every step of the way. If you would like to book a call with a member of our Admissions Team please fill out the form linked.

Our Tutors

Stéphanie began her career in story development at TF1 International and Canal Plus, worked as a story editor and screenwriter for French TV for several years, creating among others a Sci-Fi animated series for Luc Besson’s Europa Corp: VALERIAN & LAURELINE. Her first feature ﬁlm, THE QUIET HOUR, a sci-fi thriller starring Dakota Blue Richards (The Golden Compass, Skins, Endeavour), premiered at Galway Film Fleadh, was nominated Best British Film at Raindance Film Festival, won Best Film at Kansas City Film Fest, sold to Sky Cinema and UK Amazon Prime in the U.S. and was distributed around the world. She is now producing THE LAST MOON, an elevated suspense horror film by Sean McConville (DEADLINE starring Brittany Murphy and Thora Birch).

Stéphanie Joalland,

Writing and Directing Tutor

Are you ready to Tell Your Story?

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