Elstree Film School - An Introduction to Film and TV Scriptwriting

If you've ever wanted to write film and TV screenplays that sizzle but don't know where to start then our Film and TV scriptwriting introduction course will show you the way.

We will provide the springboard you need to put your ideas into reality, creating film and TV 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 believable dialogue. You will also learn how to format your script like a professional, a vital skill in such a competitive arena. Let the Elstree Film School show you how to avoid the pitfalls and make your scripts stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Led by a professional film and TV writer you will gain a valuable insight into the world of film and television writing from someone with real world experience.

Whether you've already written for other media and want to find your voice in the world of Film and TV or are bursting to get your ideas on paper for the first time, this course provides you with the solid foundations you need to get your work into the marketplace. Using a combination of tutor examples, script analysis, clip screenings and writing exercises, you'll be armed with the tools you need to give your work the chance it deserves.

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 or TV 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.

This course is designed for people new to film and TV screenwriting, offering a solid grounding in how to create compelling, professionally formatted scripts.


Duration: 2 days.

Prerequisites: A keen interest in screenwriting.

Location: Elstree Film School, 21st Century New Media Ltd, Elstree Film Studios, Shenley Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JG. [Click here for a map]

Times: 10.00am to 4.30pm. For security reasons, further details are only provided upon booking.

Software Versions: All of our Adobe courses include lessons generic to both CS3 and CS4 versions of the Adobe suite: whichever version you use is covered in our courses. In addition, we also now preview the functionality of the new Adobe CS5 software. Our Apple training courses utilise the latest versions of Final Cut Studio HD (also known of as version 3 or FCS 2009).

Equipment: Our fully featured training room includes six top-of-the-range iMac computers configured to work in both Macintosh (OSX) and PC (Windows) modes, ensuring you the maximum familiarity with your chosen operating system.

Accommodation: Details of local accomodation can be found here.

Further assistance: Our FAQ help page contains the answers to many popular questions. Alternatively please call 0844 844 2428 to arrange to speak to our training manager.

COURSE CONTENT

Introduction

• Telling and selling stories
• Film writing versus TV writing - writing shorter form dramatic structures

Formats

• Writing for popular TV - knowing the series bible

The Audience

• Demographics - knowing your audience and your genre

The Script

• Script structure
• Writing effective dialogue
• Writing effective scene action

Content

• Story beats
• Scene action and description - making your intentions clear and succinct
• Rhythm - pacing your script
• Hooks - creating a draw for you audience
• Set-ups and Payoffs
• Foreshadowing
• Theme
• Heroic structure
• Endings
• Subplots
• Counterpoint

Characters

• Character voice
• Dialogue - creating convincing dialogue
• Back-story - fleshing out your characters' pasts

The Business

• The business and market place
• How to get work
• Next steps in submitting your scripts and ideas

Film and TV Scriptwriting Intro Training Courses
We are currently scheduling dates for this course. If you would like to be notified when this course is next due to be run, please enter your details below. All of our courses cost £250 + VAT per day which includes lunch, coffee/tea and training materials.
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