Advanced Skills in Screenwriting workshops with Simon McCallum
September 12, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - February 13, 2025 @ 9:30 pm
£30.00
If you don’t have a screenplay yet these sessions will give you the tools to assist you in getting your vision onto the page. If you already have written a script these sessions will help to make sure it’s the best version you can deliver, and how to get it into the world.
A series of 6 monthly scriptwriting sessions hosted by Simon McCallum. Monthly on Thursdays 7-9.30pm at Refractive Production Hub, 3rd Floor Witherspoon Building, Storie Street, Paisley PA1 2AR.
WHAT WE WILL COVER IN THESE SIX SESSIONS
How to use intention and obstacle to create exciting scenes. The importance of the first ten pages of your screenplay. What is it like working in continuing drama? How do you collaborate with Producers and Script editors to create a good script? How to receive notes properly that will help improve your script. How to pitch your project and what you need to do in general meetings. Most importantly how to create a good spec script that can be used as your calling card for agents, producers, and film and TV companies. Throughout the sessions you will be doing short practical writing exercises.
(Please note: fluency in English is required for this course)
ABOUT THE TUTOR – SIMON McCALLUM
Simon’s first play ‘Shadowboxing’ was nominated for Meyer Whitworth award, second play ‘Timewatching’ was shortlisted for Verity Bargate award. He was selected for the Royal Court/BBC Writers room ‘50 scheme’ The Traverse Emerging Writers project and Channel 4’s Pilot Scheme. He has been commissioned by Dundee Rep, Oran Mor, Raindog and Birds of Paradise and written plays for Radio 4 and Radio Scotland. He began working on the continuing drama River City in 2020 and has written several episodes. He has two feature films in development The Gorbals Postie and The Falkirk Cowboys, which he originally produced as a documentary for BBC Scotland. The short film he adapted Caught in this moment of Time is out later this year. Simon has run workshops for The Playwrights Studio, for young writers in Ayrshire and a single mother’s group in Falkirk, he currently teaches screenwriting for the BSL course at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.
Month one – 12th Sept: What makes a good story? How do we use content, form and structure? How to find your voice. How to write a scene using intention and obstacle. Practical writing exercises including writing a short scene.
Month two – 17th Oct: Character development. Character voice. Six types of conflict. How to use conflict in your script. Practical exercises: Developing complex characters, writing conflict.
Month three- 14th Nov: The first ten pages. How to hook the reader with your script opening. How to create the perfect ending to your script. How to write action.
Month four – 5th Dec: Working in continuing Drama. Insider tips on the development process in TV and film. Notes from Script editors and producer, how to tell what is ‘behind’ the note.
Month Five – 16th Jan: Script surgery the first ten pages. One to one feedback on the first ten pages of participants work.
Month six – 13th Feb: Pitching your script. Examples of good pitches. General meetings with producers and agents. What is expected? How can you make a living from scriptwriting?
