2.Main Content
Digi Shorts
TRAINING 2010 - DEVELOPMENT
Script Factory Director Lucy Scher
A day devoted to story development with a focus on short film, led by an experienced developer.
Dates:
Tuesday 9 February 2010
Tuesday 16 February 2010
Wednesday 21 April 2010
Time
Registration - 10.30am
Sessions run - 11am-6pm
Venue
Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE
Places:
25 trainee places at each session
What to bring:
Shortlisted/Commissioned script (1 copy)
(If you do not have a draft of your script ready in time for the training, one will be supplied for exercises).
What to prepare:
Filmmakers should be prepared to pitch and discuss their projects to the group
Trainer & Guest Speakers:
The Script Factory's co-director, Lucy Scher
Freelance developer, Ludo Smolski
**** Please note ****
The Digi Shorts Training Programme is exclusively for participants on the nationwide DS scheme - eligible participants will be notified by their national or regional agency.
Session 1 - 11am-1pm
WHAT IS A GOOD SHORT FILM STORY?
The development process is about getting the script right so you make the right film. And it also means understanding and embracing the need for the kind of input that is most likely to elicit a filmable script. The process should focus on ensuring that you have all the right building blocks in place. If you ask yourself the right questions, you will be constructing your script on solid foundations.
This session covers:
THEME What is my film really about?
CHARACTER Is my main character a recognisable type?
IMAGE How do I tell my story visually?
Session 2 - 2–3.30pm
COMMIT YOURSELF TO DEVELOPMENT
You may have no experience to date of developing a script, but perhaps you imagine, given its short length, it can’t be that hard. Short films have a very particular structure, which must be understood. The script must tell the story and clearly show the journey – however tiny or insignificant – of the main character.
This session covers:
• Developing a clear approach to redrafting the script
• Strategies to help define the spine of the story
• Unity of plot, character and theme
• Knowing when to stop
• The development process – understanding how to ‘own’ your film but still accept help/criticism
PRACTICAL EXERCISE - The Step Outline
Participants will be asked to prepare a step outline of their own script or can be given one as an exercise if they don’t yet have a full draft.
Session 3 - 3.45–5.30pm
PITCHING
A session bringing the ‘how to pitch’ guidelines to life. The session will begin with a ‘how to pitch’ presentation, after which filmmakers will have the chance to prepare and refine their pitches, which they will then present to their peers in groups of five. Filmmakers will be encouraged by group leaders to respond to and give constructive feedback on the pitch itself as opposed to the film idea.
Session 4 - 5.30–6pm
WRAP UP
Questions, thoughts and feedback