Factory News
Upcoming Writers' Factory events

Opportunities
Screen writing competitions and other opportunities

Events
Screen writing events and classes

E-BULLETIN: April 2010

Welcome to the Writers' Factory's E-Bulletin for April 2010.

These monthly bulletins contain information about future Writers' Factory courses as well as information relevant to screen writers across the UK and internationally. The Writers' Factory E-Bulletin is divided into three sections: Factory News, Opportunities and Events.

We would appreciate any feedback you have on our
E-bulletin and if you have any information that you would like circulated to our subscribers, please email this to info@writersfactory.co.uk by the end of the first week of each month.

Events
Write, Camera, Action
GFT - Contemporary Cinema Course
Caught Short Competition - Shortlist Screening
Online Feature Film Writing Course
Screenwriting Secrets
The Story Engine Annual Conference
Write A 10-Minute Short In One Day
Comedy Writing - Beyond A Joke
ScreenLab: Unlock Your Creativity
Script Factory - Serious Screenwriting
Stories For Screen
Sources 2 - Script D
Writers' Lab
Read more...

Factory News

The Writers’ Factory is funded by Scottish Screen and the Scottish Arts Council and is coordinated by the Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland. For more information about The Writers' Factory, please visit the website
www.writersfactory.co.uk

This long-awaited 22 week intensive evening class will have its first run at the CCA in Glasgow in Spring 2010.

Devised by UK screenwriting guru Phil Parker and intended for committed screenwriters, the course is heavily workshop based and includes new thinking on the craft, particularly relating to the central importance of genre and theme.

The workload for participants will be significant throughout the 22 weeks, the aim being to move from idea to completed rough draft feature film screenplay within a supportive developmental environment. Ideally, participants will begin the course with a new idea rather than reworking extant material.

The course will be taught by writer, director Eleanor Yule in collaboration with Scottish Screenwriters.

Cost: £550

Scottish Screenwriters are administering this course and if you have any query about eligibility, or would like to enquire about participation please contact Jerry Brannigan jerry@passengerproductions.co.uk or John McShane mcshane.john@gmail.com

Writers' Factory Feature Film Course

This long-awaited 22 week intensive evening class will have its first run at ESSAMA in early autumn 2010. The aim of this course is to move from idea to completed Rough Draft feature film screenplay within a supportive developmental environment.

You must either have completed the Writers’ Factory Introduction to Screenwriting course or the Edinburgh Skillset Screen & Media Academy PGCert or Masters screenwriting programmes. A short sample of your screenwriting will also be required.

Cost: To Be Confirmed

For further information, please email info@screenacademyscotland.ac.uk or visit http://www.essama.org/content/oct-2010-coming-soon-feature-film-screenwriting-courses

Opportunities

The 5th Leith Short Film Festival is now open for submissions. The festival is scheduled to take place in June 2010, during the Leith Festival (11-20 June). Films of all genres and budgets will be considered. In addition, there will be a screenplay competition forthe best short and feature screenplay. The winner will be awarded The Edinburgh Screenwriters’ Official Award for Best Short or Feature Screenplay. The winning entries will also be broadcast or performed by a professional cast on local radio.

For application guidelines and entry forms, please visit www.leithshortfilms.co.uk

It focuses both on writing and analysis, as these are essential skills for a career in the television industry. Successful students will graduate with both a masters degree and at least one project or script ready to take to market. Competitive, industry-sponsored scholarships are available.

To find out more, visit http://www.gcal.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/television-fiction-writing-8997.php

An opportunity has arisen at the country's premier film school, The National Film and Television School to study on the two year Screenwriting MA. One place has become available after Easter this year, and NFTS are seeking a highly talented individual with some existing experience of writing for drama either stage or screen, to join the current first year group of 7 writers. It is not necessary to have a university degree to be eligible to apply.

The school seeks the highest standard applicants from all over the world, and offers an international standard training in a real film and tv studio environment. Screenwriters receive individualised attention and have their unique voice nurtured, and are taught by industry practitioners- writers, producers, directors and actors. Writers graduate with at least one fully developed feature screenplay and a selection of shorter pieces, such as tv episodes, short plays, short film and animations.

The NFTS has an unrivalled access to introductions to the industry for its students on graduation. During the course, a continuous stream of masterclasses by practitioners of international standing, and weekly previews of the best of films from all over the world, provide total immersion in the world of film-making .

For further information about the school, and for how to apply visit http://www.nfts.co.uk/courses/screenwriting

For enquiries about the one place for Screenwriting 2010, please email Corinne Cartier, Head of Screenwriting at apply@nfts.co.uk

BBC Drama Writers Academy
BBC Writersroom
Location: UK-wide
Deadline: 5 May 2010

The BBC Drama Writers Academy 2010 is now open for applications.
 
To be eligible for this scheme, writers must have already had at least one professional (paid) drama commission in film, television, radio or theatre.

The 2010 Academy will train up to eight writers over a period of 12 months. The first three months will consist of a paid training course in writing for Continuing Drama Series, consisting of a number of workshops and lectures accompanied by intensive writing exercises and analysis.  During this period each writer will write a broadcast episode of Doctors.

To find out more and apply, http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/academy/

For the fourth year running the Muslim Writers Awards is calling out for creative, interesting, and exciting submissions from writers across the country. All entrants must be Muslim and work should be submitted in the English Language. Submissions do not need to be centred on topics of Islam or Muslim identity, however this is equally welcome.

The screenplay category accepts short films (10-20 pages), feature-length scripts (over 60 pages), and TV episodes (30 pages).

To find out more and apply, visit http://muslimwritersawards.org.uk/submit-work/unpublished-categories

The John Brabourne Awards are a stepping stone for up and coming talent driven to further their experiences and careers in all aspects of film and television. The awards also seek to help those disadvantaged in some way, either through lack of funds or set-backs due to illness or accident.

There are two types of award, the CTBF Awards and the Sponsored Awards.

For more information and application forms, please visit http://www.ctbf.co.uk/johnbrabourneawards/aboutawards.html

Events

Write Camera Action
Location: CCA, Glasgow
Dates: 18 January - 17 May 2010, 6pm - 9:30pm

Write Camera Action is a series of unique workshops bringing together writers, directors and actors in an informal environment to enhance their skills and learn from each other.

Running on the third Monday of the month in 2010, anyone with a passion for film is welcome. Come along, be inspired, get practical hands on experience and have FUN!

Adult: £5.00, Students / Consc / GMAC Members: £3.00

Venue: CCA 1 / CCA 4 (cinema) / CCA 5 / Cafe/Bar / Clubroom

Ages: 18 and over

To find out more, visit http://cca-glasgow.com/index.cfm?page=236B7D10-868E-4F86-A306909B378E5655&eventid=13F23A5E-7576-1045-AD6912B7FF189280

Suitable for beginners, this course is ideal for those wishing to broaden their critical understanding of contemporary cinema and to engage in discussion about a range of topics. Led by David Archibald, journalist and lecturer at the University of Glasgow, the course comprises of 5 films and 5 seminars.

Cost:£70/£62

To book a place call the GFT Box Office on 0141 332 6535, or email boxoffice@gft.org.uk

Caught Short is a short film competiton that aims to champion and showcase emerging talent from filmmakers with a Scottish connection. Caught Short is curated by MFA Advanced Film Practice (MFA AFP) students from the Edinburgh Skillset Screen and Media Academy in association with Filmhouse and features a guest industry panellist.

On May 10th they will be screening the latest short list of films and choosing a winner from the competition.

For information or to book, visit www.filmhousecinema.com

This online feature film writing course is aimed at scriptwriters who would prefer to work online rather in a classroom situation.

The course focuses on rigorous, tutor-based script consultation from idea to draft screenplay. There will also be an opportunity at Edinburgh International Film Festival in June 2011 for students to pitch their scripts to industry professionals.

The aim of the course is to provide concrete, practical feedback at six crucial milestones of script development and to anchor that feedback through the use of course literature, online lessons and exercises and peer support.

Cost: To Be Confirmed

For further information, please email info@screenacademyscotland.ac.uk or visit http://www.essama.org/content/oct-2010-coming-soon-feature-film-screenwriting-courses

Ever wondered how stories are created for your favourite films or TV dramas? Maybe you're interested in turning a story idea of your own into a short film script? Then screenwriter and creative writing teacher David Bishop's inspiring workshop is for you. It offers insight into how films and TV dramas tell stories, and reveals a few secret tricks of the trade. You will also create an idea for a short film and get feedback on it.

For further information, visit http://www.biggar-little-festival.com/html/index.php

The Story Engine returns for its fourth annual conference. The essential Northern event for screenwriters, The Story Engine offers case studies, practical workshops, panel discussions on emerging trends, transmedia experiences, storylining and a focus on the relationships between writers, directors and producers in film, web and TV.

The full line-up of speakers, along with the confirmed programme for the two-day conference, will be announced on Monday 19 April.

Cost: £110 for two days of events, lunch included.

For more information, visit www.thestoryengine.com

To book, visit www.tynesidecinema.co.uk or by calling the Tyneside Cinema box office on 0845 217 9909.

Write A 10-Minute Short In One Day
Euroscript
Location : London
Date: 16 May 2010

Intensive, concentrated and hard work, this workshop will drive your characters and plot through brainstorms, exercises and rigorous feedback so that you'll leave with the first draft of a fully-tested idea.

If you are currently stuck on your short film script, please bring it along to the workshop. If you aren't working on anything at present, you will brainstorm new ideas for a script.

Cost: £85 (£75 concessions)

For more information, visit http://www.euroscript.co.uk/ten_minute_short.html

Focusing on developing exciting new approaches to the classic sitcom format, this course will encourage writers to cultivate a strong, individual comic voice. Tutored by Graham Duff and James Payne, along with guest David Nobbs. There will be practical sessions involving brainstorming, table readings of students’ work and polishing of scripts. It will also focus on the key stages of getting your script from raw idea to final draft.

Cost: single room - £595, shared room - £545

For more information telephone 01422 843714 or email lumbbank@arvonfoundation.org

ScreenLab: Unblock Your Creativity
Euroscript
Location : London, UK
Dates : 29 May 2010

This day-long workshop will give you powerful exercises and psychological tools to break through any fears and blockages and write with enjoyment.

Book now as places are limited to ensure personal feedback. 

For further information, visit http://www.euroscript.co.uk/creativity.html

To book, please email course tutor Charles Harris at charles.harris@euroscript.co.uk

Beginners and more experienced screenwriters alike will benefit from this course which will take students through the development process from first idea to complete script. The cpurse is led by Jez Butterworth and Allegra Huston, with guest Patrick Marber. You will explore all aspects of storytelling on screen with workshops, discussions and screenings of films to help students develop their original scripts or adaptations.

Please note, this course is fully booked. Please contact the Arvon Foundation if you would like to be put on the waiting list or to discuss other courses.

For more information, please call 01409 231338, or email totleighbarton@arvonfoundation.org

SOURCES 2 is advanced training for European Film professionals working in the field of script and story development. Workshops last for seven days, followed up by either a small group session or an individual consultation of one day. The focus is on feature-length film projects for both cinema and television.

The next workshop commences in November 2010.

Fee: €1,800 per writer/project and €900 for each additional person committed to the project (co-writer, director, producer). Fees include accommodation and meals during seven-day residential workshop

For information please contact info@sources2.de or visit www.sources2.de

The University of Bolton is developing a writer's programme in association with a number of production companies in the North West (AbbottVision, Red Productions, Lime Pictures,  BBC writersroom, LA Productions, Made In Manchester, R.S.J. Productions). This is a scheme for writers that want to develop their skills working in an industry context.  Writers will develop an original script as well as learn about team writing and producing.

In order to develop the scheme effectively we are offering free places to 16 new writers from the North West.  This pilot scheme will put writers into direct contact with the best TV, radio and web producers in the region. 

Who can apply for this scheme?

The scheme is open to writers based within the North West region who have already had a script commissioned or had a professional reading of their work (for any platform, film, radio, stage, TV or the web) or had material published.  You will be expected to be able to work effectively on scripted material from the start of the project.  This is not a scheme for beginners.

Applicants must be over 18 and not in full-time education.

If you wish to discuss the project further, please contact the University of Bolton on infowriterslab@bolton.ac.uk  Alternatively,  you can speak to Jane Stuart on 01204 903331 or Anna Zaluckzkowska on 01204 903237.

Playwrights' Studio, Scotland
CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JD
Telephone: 0141-332-4403 Textphone: 0141-332-3208
info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk www.playwrightsstudio.co.uk
Charity No: SC036767