Arvon Foundation Courses

I have to recommend these highly - I've been on two (one tutored and one untutored) both helped me onto the next level with my writing.They are pricy but have incredibly generous bursaries for students and low income people.

more info here

Book as soon as possible as they fill fast.

So You Want to be a Producer?

I actually picked this book up at my local library its written by Lawrence Turman who produced The Graduate and is now director of the Peter Stark Producing Program at the University of Southern Califrornia. Its a great wee read - obviously all about feature film productions. And when I return it to the Edinburgh Public Library system you can borrow it for free.

The Script Factory

They are just launching their 9 month Practical Screenwriting Programme.

Which looks interesting but most of the programme will be taught in London.

Two interesting but US based writing blogs I've found.

The Screenwriting Life

Andy Coughan

and one in the UK

Danny Stack

Arvon Foundation

They run 4 1/2 day courses across the UK at the various centres they run. All in gorgeous locations. The courses are intense but a great way to get into writing over a concentrated time with likeminded people. Normally a small group and two tutors. Here is a list of the screenwriting courses they run this year. They are pricy but they have a very generous bursary scheme for students, low income, and on benefits.

The Script Factory

The Script Factory was set up to help develop writers and to this end they hold a series of master classes and seminars across the UK and Europe. Its worth surfing over if you are a writer or director/writer to see if there is anything coming which could provide inspiration or help. For example they have pitching sessions coming up to hone your skills.

Paul Abbott's Writers Studio

"The talent base needs to grow," said Paul.

Which is why he's set up his own Writers' Studio, taking up to five new writers at a time, and teaching them how to hone their craft.

"The Writers' Studio is an obscenely expensive experiment that I've put together, a building where people are trained. They don't go home at the end of the day but they stay there for five or six days, so everyone is talking about the project all the time. It's a completely different, unique experiment. I almost staple people into the building, and bring out the best in them!" he explains.

"Writers don't talk to each other, which I don't think is right," adds Paul. "Writing is a really weird job to take on. I work an average of 10 hours a day and usually I'm on my own, although you have to learn to be on your own with 500 voices in your head. And it's one of the toughest jobs in the world.

"You have got to learn to sit on your own and put your heart on paper. You really do have to give a lot of yourself every time you write a script, so you have to be tough with yourself," he explains.

Asked by Lynne McCadden how would-be writers could get involved in the Writers' Studio, Paul's reply was simple. "Write a top-notch script and get it to us," he says. "The ones who are determined to get through, get through."

More at Netribution.

Screen writing courses

Adrian Meade occasionally holds them in Scotland and London. I've done Adrian's course before and so have several of my friends. He's inspirational and motivational. More about making a living as a screenwriter and writing TV more than just short films though.

"These classes give an insight into the business side of things (which I think a lot of writers tend to ignore or not think about). Adrian shares his industry knowledge and expertise, and while giving an honest overview of current trends / demands still manages to encourage his audience. His passion for the industry shines through and is deeply infectious. As such, these events not only provide you with loads of insider knowledge, but inspire and encourage. Even if you decide against trying your hand as a writer for TV, many of the tips are equally applicable to other career aspects! Having done both of these classes I came away fired up and probably bored my friends rigid as I couldn't stop raving about it for weeks! I can't recommend this enough!"Jane Walker, Edinburgh

More info at the MeadeKerr website.

Getting down to write that short script

I tend to get myself madly scribbling down stuff by hand at first. I try and use a cheap cartridge pen from woolies. They write fast and your thoughts aren't slowed down by the slowness of getting the words out.

Then when I've got a few pages down and an idea of where I'm going I hit the computer. As I copy type it up I edit as I go - usually loosing verbiage - cutting down speeches. Try not to as one US director said write 'Talkies' they are supposed to be 'Movies' ie there should be action rather than static globs of people standing around talking (or perhaps you should be writing for the theatre?). Then I just carry on writing the first draft at the computer. When its finished I some times put it away for a few weeks come back to it fresh and then rewrite. Or I take it to someone who has a good eye for scripts and get their feedback and rewrite.

A short film script can go through many drafts and changes working with a producer/script editor. The aim is to get out the best version of the story as possible. This means removing assumptions about how the story will pan out. The aim for a first or second draft is to write something good enough to get someone else on board to get your film made.

My first script I wrote at 6am each morning before going to work - it wasn't discipline but enthusiasm which got me up so early writing.

I used a screenwriting template which I downloaded free from the web. Go and get one for your self. Google screenwriting template shareware. Its essential to use some kind of screenwriting template / screenwriting programme as without it you will have no idea the length of the screenplay you are writing. Knowing the length accurately is important because it affects what kind of budget you will need, whether it is eligible for certain competitions. Also after a while you can scan a script without reading it 'properly' and see if its any good. Seriously pick up a script and if you flick through and see vast chunks of half page dialogue it will not be a goer. I once read 120 short scripts over a long weekend and I can attest to this.

Script smart

Found this link at the BBC to free downloadable screenwriting template software.

There is also a blog at the Writers Room which has some info about the open submission process at the BBC if you are interested in writing for TV.

Screenplay format

Article from Netribution with links to free downloadable templates to take the pain out of setting out the script.

SCREENWRITING COURSES AT SCREEN ACADEMY SCOTLAND

Intermediate Screen Writing
Dates: 19 April - 21 JuneTime: 6.00-8.00pm
Cost: £195 (full) £150 (concessions)Maximum 18 students
This highly anticipated 10-week intermediate level screenwriting course debuts at Screen Academy Scotland in spring 2007. The course was devised by The Writers’ Factory tutors after much demand from emerging professionals. It is designed for those who have already written short film scripts and wish to write longer format screenplays (and/or develop their ten minute screen works more fully). The course is heavily workshop based and uses peer-to-peer review and one-to-one sessions with experienced industry professionals.

Introduction to Screen Writing Course - Express!
Dates: 26, 27 May – 2, 3 June
Time: 10.00-4.00pmCost: £150
Maximum 30 Students
This course is run over two consecutive weekends and is an express version of the introduction to screen writing course (above). The content was devised by the Writers Factory tutors after much demand from new writers unable to attend the full version and needing a rigorous overview of the craft from industry professionals. Students attending the course develop a premise and outline for a five to ten minute screenplay, ideal for those interested in writing films for distribution online.
For further information on both courses please visit: http://www.screenacademyscotland.ac.uk/, e-mail: screen@napier.ac.uk orcall 0131 455 2572.

Crash Course in Screenwriting

I've just skimmed through it but it has an overview of writing for the screen and discusses the implications of various short film lengths. But best of all as a bonus to show a short film script it has Inside an Uncle by David Carins one of the best short filmmakers/writers in Scotland. Available as a pdf at the Scottish Screen website.