Factory News
Upcoming Writers' Factory events

Opportunities
Screen writing competitions and other opportunities

Events
Screen writing events and classes

E-BULLETIN: June 2010

Welcome to the Writers' Factory's E-Bulletin for June 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
Scottish Screen at the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2010
Edinburgh International Television Festival
Online Feature Film Writing Course
Screenwriting Secrets
The Oxford Screenwriters' Network
Write for Animation with Ian Fenton
Television Drama - The Writers Debate 2010
Sources 2 - Script Development Workshop
Euroscript - Screenwriting Courses and Events
Read more

Factory News

Playwrights' Studio, Scotland and Scottish Screen have teamed up to launch the second phase of The Writers' Factory, an innovative screenwriting programme providing workshop-based training and support across Scotland for writers at all stages of their career.

The new programme includes the much anticipated 22-week Feature Film Course. Devised by UK Screenwriting guru, Phil Parker, it is designed to give writers the creative and technical tools they need to write a feature length screenplay.

Key to the success of The Writers' Factory are the tutors, and this new programme boasts an expanded pool of trainers to widen the reach of the courses across Scotland. All the trainers are experienced screen industry professionals who have been taught how to deliver the workshops by the course designer, Phil Parker.

To find out more about this exciting new programme, visit our newly updated website http://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

This 20 week evening class (2 hours per week) will run at Stirling University. Devised by UK screenwriting guru Phil Parker and intended for new screenwriters, the course is workshop based and includes new thinking on the craft of writing a short film, particularly relating to the central importance of genre and theme.

The workload for participants is not hugely time consuming throughout the 20 weeks, the aim being to move from idea to completed short film screenplay within a supportive developmental environment. Ideally, participants will begin the course with a new idea rather than reworking old material.

The course will be taught by writer/director Mikey Murray.
 
If you have any queries or would like to participate, please contact Mikey Murray by email at middlemanproductions@hotmail.com or telephone 07720 865717.

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.

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

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 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

Scottish Screen at EIFF 2010
Edinburgh International Film Festival
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Dates: 16-27 June 2010

The full programme for the 2010 edition of Edinburgh International Film Festival has been announced and it's set to be a special year for Scottish Screen supported projects.

Highlights include the world premiere of Donkeys, Morag McKinnon's much anticipated debut feature, and the second film to emerge from the Scottish-Danish Advance Party project - after Andrea Arnold's worldwide sensation Red Road. Skeletons, Outcast, and The Edge of Dreaming are also further examples of home-grown talent

A number of Scottish Screen supported short films have also been accepted into the festival. I'll be Right Here (Gregor Johnstone), Paris/ Sexy (Ruth Paxton), Ever Here I Be (Kate Burton), Labour (Michael Keillor), The Tannery (Iain Gardner) and Battenberg (Stewart Comrie) will screen during the festival.

For more information and tickets for all films, visit http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk/

The essential annual event for everyone working in television, the Edinburgh International Television Festival is committed to the development of new talent.

The wide ranging programme involves keynote lectures, preview screenings, masterclasses, interviews and networking parties which make for a stimulating Festival weekend.

For further details, visit http://www.mgeitf.co.uk/home/mgeitf.aspx

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

This group is for professional screenwriters who want to share the lonely burden of writing in an atmosphere of encouragement and mutual support. The group is not for beginners nor is it a substitute for training.

The requirements for membership of the Oxford Screen Writers Network is one or more of the following:

    * Attended OFVM ADVANCED screenwriting course
    * Working as a screenwriter/script editor in paid capacity
    * Writer credits on Funded short (Screen South, Film Council etc)
    * Writer Credit on a low or micro budget feature
    * Screening writing degree or postgraduate qualification

The group will meet fortnightly on a Sunday night at OFVM and serve as a form of support to local screenwriters by helping them develop their work and ideas. Members will be asked to pitch ideas to the group and submit work (either synopsis, treatment, outline or script draft) to the group for mutual feedback.

If you are interested please send an email with your CV and covering letter to
Austin Rowlands at austinrowlands_@hotmail.com

Teesside University’s School of Arts & Media is offering Writing for Animation, a one-day workshop hosted by award-winning scriptwriter Ian Fenton, who also directs the Story Engine conference

In this highly practical workshop, Ian will look at the skills required to write for animation compared to live action film. He’ll focus on the dynamics of developing an animation screenplay – how you go about writing a script for it, what the process is and how you create a ‘story bible’.

For more information, or to book, contact James McDermott by email samwfd@tees.ac.uk or telephone 01642 738 089.

Television Drama - The Writers Debate 2010
BBC Writersroom
Location: Leeds
Date : 30 June - 1 July 2010

Be part of the first Television Writers Debate, covering topics including the politics of notes, the balancing act of running a show, the challenges of making the transition from writer-for-hire to getting original work onscreen, and the place for political drama today.

With seminars headed up by the country's best writing, producing, and commissioning talent, it will be an opportunity to be inspired, challenged, and to have your say.

To register your interest, email writersroom.events@bbc.co.uk with the subject Writers Debate, and they will let you know as soon as tickets are available.

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

Screenwriting Courses and Events
Euroscript
Location: London
Dates: Ongoing

Euroscript’s goal is to facilitate the production of highest-quality marketable screenplays for film and television. Euroscript comprises a team of experienced and diverse industry professionals including producers, working screenwriters, script consultants and film-makers

Training is at the heart of the Euroscript programme. They offer a wide range of courses and events to help develop your screenwriting, marketing and networking skills no matter your level, using experienced industry practitioners giving personal feedback on your work.

Euroscript offer a diverse range of: Day and Weekend Courses, Evening Courses, Project Development Workshops and Free Events

For all upcoming courses and events, please view the Euroscript monthly calendar http://www.euroscript.co.uk/calendar.html

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