2.Main Content
Training
International Script Development Workshop
Photo: Clare Muller
The development sector across the globe is generally the least well-funded aspect of the film industry, with poor understanding of the job required, even though development is arguably the most important role in building a successful industry. Whoever is responsible for talking to the writer and working on the script is the Developer and our guiding principle is that the Developer's task is to help writers tell their stories as best as they possibly can.
By bringing together screenwriters with readers, developers and creative producers our development workshops not only provide new opportunities for collaboration but also create a group of people within the industry with a shared language of story. Each workshop takes participants through a structured course which begins with storytelling theory and progresses through methods of practical work with scripts and with writers.
As well as the structured teaching individual consultations can be incorporated and sessions suitable for both producers and writers combined with more specific sessions on each discipline. Time for project specific guidance can also be carved into any bespoke programme.
These are some of the organisations where we have designed and held development programmes: British Council and Whistling Woods Institute for Film, Television and Media Arts in Mumbai, India, Australian Film Corporation in Adelaide and the Writers Guild of Australia in Melbourne. The British Council have also invited us to train in Macedonia, Lativa and Warsaw.
Please email lucy@scriptfactory.co.uk if you would like to discuss staging a workshop in your country.
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SAMPLE PROGRAMME: THE WORKSHOPS
Storytelling
This introductory session considers how audiences recognise and respond to story types and rather than offering a set of rigid conventions this session explores how an understanding of genre can help to develop stories that satisfy and surpass audience expectation.
Analysing Scripts and Writing Reports
Over four sessions the programme provides a methodical process through which to analysis scripts and to turn participants� instinctive response to material into a constructive and useful script report that will form the foundation of script development work.
Working with writers and the development process
The final sessions explore in detail how to negotiate development meetings to make them most productive for the developer, the producer, the writer and the script. Sessions include those focused on establishing the creative boundaries between writer and developer, practical screenwriting exercises specially designed for writers to help generate material and fruitful story discussion
Pitching the Project
The programme closes with sessions dedicated to preparing effective treatments and pitches. Practical sessions take participants through the creative processes involved in preparing these necessary written and verbal sales tools in order that they can go on to effectively present their projects in front of an industry audience.