Screen Writing Foundation Course

Screen Writing Foundation Course

* Date 17th – 23rd November 2008
* Tutor Charles Liburd, CL Films
* Location To be confirmed

All parties interested in attending this course should submit sign up by sending an email to Kwani Trust’s Managing Editor, Angela Wachuka (a.wachuka@kwani.org) for review by Friday 14th November. Please include your contact details (phone number/s & email address). This course is FREE, and lunch & refreshments will be provided to participants at no cost.

Introduction

The goal of this intensive 7-day Screenwriting Foundation course is to provide screen writers with a clear overview of the details involved in developing a script. Participants will be introduced to the basic elements of storytelling and the screenplay, and will be expected to produce a well written treatment that can stand up as a blue print for their scripts. The course will involve lectures and interactive discussions and is designed by Charles Liburd and Ian Sellar of the London Film School with the participation of Marten Rabarts of the Amsterdam based Binger Film Lab.

There will be an opportunity to workshop writing and the course tutor, Charles Liburd, will also select two scripts to be showcased at the monthly Sunday Salon Nairobi session on 23rd November, hosted by Kwani Trust.

Workshop Structure

Participants will be introduced to the basic elements of storytelling and screenwriting through lectures on: inspiration, how to write a logline, synopsis, theme, premise, setting, atmosphere, genre, acts, scenes, plot points, structure, format, dramatic arc, creating interesting characters, beginnings, endings, dialogue and finally creating a treatment which incorporates all of these elements. The course will also incorporate interactive sessions.

Day 1: Monday, 17th November: Course Introduction

0900-1000: Brief introduction by Charles Liburd on the fundamentals of the course with an overview of what participants will be involved in over the coming days, including commentary on the Kenyan film industry as a whole

1000-1030: Tea Break

1030-1230: Participants introduce their stories, followed by an interactive discussion on storytelling including elements of theme, premise, inspiration, and genre, and story vs plot

1230-1330: Lunch Break

1330-1530: Workshop on the basics of writing a good logline and synopsis. This element will involve examining a selected film, with participants thereafter writing a synopsis of it. Each participant will then be asked to revaluate their synopsis with this in mind.

1530-1600: Q & A session on the lessons of the day

Day 2: Tuesday, 18th November: Examining Plot Points in Drama & Comedy

0900- 1000: Examination of plot points in drama (with a selected film).

1000-1030: Tea Break

1030-1230: Examination of plot points in comedy (with a selected film)

1230-1330: Lunch break

1330-1530: Group workshop and discussion of plot points. Discuss whether participants should rework current pieces or write new pieces. Participants will re-write / re-work their pieces that evening.

1530-1600: Q&A Session on the lessons of the day

Day 3: Wednesday 19th November: Character, Sub-plots and Plots

0900-1000: How does one introduce main characters in a film, and how do they affect the plot and storyline?

1000-1030: Tea Break

1030-1230: Sub-plots and plots, and how these affect the development of a storyOne on one sessions on character, sub-plots and plot re-writes and development

1230-1330: Lunch Break

1330-1530: Interactive sessions with participants presenting the various plot points in their story (re-writes to be done that evening)

1530-1600: Q& A session

Day 4: Thursday 20th November: Synopsis Re-writes

0900-1000: One on one session on character, sub-plots and plot re-writes and development

1000-1030: Tea Break

1030-1230: Formation of groups: each participant will monitor the development of 2 scripts other than their own, and offer feedback

1230-1330: Lunch Break

1330-1530: Presentations by each group summarising synopses , with a critique on developments required, etc

1530-1600: Q & A Session

Day 5: Friday 21st November: Screen Writing, Dialogue & Character Development

0900-1000: Writing Exercise: All participants write a scene based on individual synopsis

1000-1030: Tea Break

1030-1230: Interactive discussion on scene writing. Participants play role in each other’s scenes

1230-1330: Lunch Break

1330-1530: ‘From the page to the screen’: session on the translation of the written word to the screen

1530-1600: Q & A Session

Day 6: Saturday 22nd November: From Synopsis to Treatment

0900-1030: Learning Exercise: What elements of the synopsis and scene craft can be incorporated into a treatment?

1000-1030: Tea Break

1030-1230: Treatment Writing

1230-1330: Lunch Break

1330-1530: Treatment Writing

1530-1600: Q & A Session

Day 7: Sunday 23rd November: Treatment Assessment

0900-1000: Treatment Writing Assessment

1000-1030: Tea Break

1030-1230: Treatment Writing Assessment

1230-1330: Lunch Break

1330-1530: Treatment Writing Assessment

1530-1600: Presentation of Certificates by Kenya Film Commission CEO, David Maingi & and Kwani? Managing Editor, Angela Wachuka

1900-2100: Showcase of two scripts at Kwani?’s monthly Sunday Salon Session, held at Kengeles, Lavington