Screenwriting: First Steps Short Courses
Have you got a good idea for a film script but don't know where to begin? Screenwriting can seem like a dauntingly technical form. This course teaches how to write a film script, with plenty of writing exercises and analysis of scripts and films. On completion of the course, students will have a set of tools needed to write their own scripts: learning to write visually, working with character and conflict, and building narrative. The main focus is on screenwriting for the UK market but the US and European markets are also explored.
Past screenwriting course participants have formed a Facebook group and guest lecturer Dictynna Hood also runs ongoing workshops with peer group reading sessions.
Course Information
| Start Date | Start Time | Duration | Cost | Course Code | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday 4 October 2012 | 18:30 - 20:30 | 10 weekly classes | £350.00 | CE2383 | Enrollment Closed |
| Thursday 24 January 2013 | 18:30 - 20:30 | 10 weekly classes | £350.00 | CE2383 | Apply Now |
| Thursday 2 May 2013 | 18:30 - 20:30 | 10 weekly classes | £350.00 | CE2383 | Apply Now |
Tutor Info
Maeve Murphy is a screen writer and director. Her second feature "Beyond The Fire" starring Cara Seymour and Scot Williams was selected for the New British Cinema season at the ICA in 2009 and then had a small UK/Ireland cinema release.
Maeve was awarded Best Film (UK) for Beyond The Fire at the London Independent film Festival 2009. It is to be broadcast on BBC 2 soon.
Eligibility
Some knowledge of films and/or filmmaking.
What will I learn?
Many filmmakers, actors and writers have ideas for a film script but lack the technical skills to develop the idea into the appropriate format for pitching or presenting to potential agents, collaborators or investors. This module will balance creative elements such as screenplay structure and screenwriting technique with industry insight into the place of script development in the filmmaking process.
Recommended Reading
While we encourage you to read the books on the reading list for your course, we recommend that you speak to the tutor before investing in the purchase of any essential text.
A detailed web resource list will also be provided by the tutor.
Goldman, W. (1985) Adventures in the Screen Trade, Futura.
Jung, C.G. (1990) Man and his Symbols, Arcana Penguin.
Mehring, M. (1990) The Screenplay: a blending of form and content.
Rabiger, M. (2006) Developing Story Ideas, Oxford, Focal.
Volger, C. (1996) The Writers Journey. Boxtree.