Elstree Film School - An Introduction to Film Scriptwriting - Scheduled Courses
If you've ever wanted to write screenplays that sizzle but don't know where to start then our film scriptwriting introduction course will show you the way.
We will provide the springboard you need to put your ideas into reality, creating film scripts that will really work on screen. This course shows you how to create compelling, believable characters that leap off the page, effective, engaging story structures and naturalistic dialogue. You will also learn how to format your script like a professional, a vital skill in such a competitive arena.
Through a combination of lecture and discussion, you will gain an understanding of the basic building blocks necessary for translating your vision into a dramatic, page-turning film script. From three-act structures to character conflict, developing interesting back stories to dealing with criticism of your work, This course provides you with the valuable tools you will need to give your screenplay the very best chance in the marketplace.
Please note: this course has now been updated and integrated into the new Film & TV Scriptwriting Introduction Training Course.
Duration: 2 days.
Location: 21st Century New Media (Production Offices), Elstree Film Studios, Shenley Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 1JG. [MAP]
Prerequisites: A keen interest in learning how to write a feature film screenplay.
Why Take This Course? This course is designed for people new to screenwriting, offering a solid grounding in how to create compelling, professionally formatted film scripts.
About the Tutor: Ellin Stein teaches screenwriting at Roehampton University and operates her own script consultancy providing script reports directly to writers and to production companies which have included DNA Films, Tiger Aspect, and Crowfoot Films. She is also a consulting script editor for Inktip and has been a story analyst for leading companies in the US and UK, among them Miramax, New Line, and Zoetrope. Her own projects have won awards from festivals in Toronto, Chicago, and Hiroshima and from the American Film Institute. She has also written extensively on films and the film industry for publications including The Independent, The Telegraph, The Times, Variety and The New York Times.
COURSE CONTENT
Getting Started
- What is a dramatic narrative?
- Finding ideas.
- What makes a story cinematic? Is it more suited to film or TV?
- The writers voice.
- Story versus plot.
- Genres - knowing your audience.
Structure
- The three act structure - the foundations of screenplay structure.
- Other structures - beyond the basics.
- Plotting elements: set up, inciting incident, turning points, crisis, climax and resolution.
- Scenes.
Images
- Visual context putting the visual into words.
- Repeating images.
Creating Character
- Creating your characters past (biography, back story).
- Making your character dramatically interesting (goals and motivations).
- Developing your character (conflict, overcoming obstacles, growth and change).
Dialogue
- How is film dialogue different from natural speech? Or from dialogue in books?
- Information versus emotion.
- What (and what not) to reveal - exposition v. subtext.
- Other ways of conveying information.
Formatting
- Writing action paragraphs.
- Template sources - making your script comply to professional standards.
Re-Writing
- Finding feedback.
- Analysis versus opinion.
- Constructive criticism.
Please note: this course has now been updated and integrated into the new Film & TV Scriptwriting Introduction Training Course.
5-20% discount if you book for more than one delegate!
Further discounts are available when booking multiple courses,
Please call our training secretary on 0844 844 2428.
Further discounts are available when booking multiple courses,
Please call our training secretary on 0844 844 2428.
