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Have you got a good idea for a film script but don’t know where to begin? Through our practical screenwriting short course, you are equipped with the skills for producing scripts, understanding structure, understanding of the professional and industry aspects of filmmaking and much more.
Led by screenwriting experts, in a top-rated London institution, the Screenwriting evening course offers high quality teaching and enables you to work and study at the same time.
Studying at City is an investment in the future – you will be taught by an award winning writer and film director who will help unleash potential and enable students to step into the filmmaking industry.
Screenwriting can seem like a dauntingly technical form. This introduction to our Screenwriting short course teaches you how to write a film script, with plenty of writing exercises and analysis of scripts and films.
On completion of the course, you will have a set of tools for writing your 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.
“ the screenwriting course really motivated me and inspired me” Christopher Bennett spring term 2018 ”
Christopher Bennet
Former student
“ I loved the course – and I am planning to do it again. It was inspirational and I am convinced that anyone who is interested in writing a screenplay would benefit hugely from taking it. It was so helpful for me personally. ”
Robert Johnston
Former student
“ A very good course and I learnt lots – only wish there was a follow up course or second term! ”
Ross R.
Former student
“ Fantastic learning experience for film lovers and writers, regardless of experience. ”
Gemma
Alumni
“ Great introduction. Tutor's enthusiasm was equally marked by her knowledge. Thoroughly enjoyed the course and felt I got a very thorough introduction to screenwriting. ”
Byron Garside
Alumni
“ This course is engaging, fun and challenging. Dictynna is a great tutor. Highly recommended! ”
Anon
Alumni
“ Dictynna's seminars at City are a perfect combination of critical theory and creative practice. Her vast experience as a writer and director (most recently as the writer of the critically acclaimed "Wreckers"), together with her endless enthusiasm, provide an invaluable benefit to her students." ”
Anon
Former student
Week 1 - What is a screenplay? Writing a visual world
Week 2 - Elements of a screenplay (continued)
Week 3 - Character and conflict – with clips
Week 4 - The 3 Act 8 Sequence structure
Week 5 - Review and Regroup
Week 6 - Focusing your idea
Week 7 - Writing dialogue and creating ‘space’
Week 8 - Sculpting in Time
Week 9 - Symbolism and iconography
Week 10 - Industry
Some knowledge of films and/or filmmaking.
Tutor observation of the students' contribution to group discussions and exercises and an ability to develop critical analysis of scripts and films.
Presentation of a treatment and sample scene for a feature film as a work in progress
A feature film proposal with sample scene
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
Maeve Murphy
Maeve Murphy is an award-winning screen writer and film director. Her film BEYOND THE FIRE won Best UK Feature at the London Independent Film Festival and was selected for New British Cinema at the ICA and received a UK/Ireland cinema release.
It was broadcast on BBC 2, where it was made "pick of the day" in the Daily Mail.
Maeve's new feature TAKING STOCK, a romantic caper starring Kelly Brook premiered at the Raindance Film Festival in October 2015. Taking Stock then won 4 awards at the Monaco International Film Festival and was released in cinemas across the UK on 5th February 2016. Taking Stock was bought and released by Netflix.
SILENT GRACE a film Maeve wrote and directed had its broadcast Premier on TV3 2017. " films of the week" Sunday Times.
See more from Maeve at www.maevemurphy.net
