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Training
SCRIPT READING TRAINING FOR AGENTS
In Bruges
New sessions for Literary, Directors' and Actors' Agents, designed to help you assess projects at script stage, in Central London during Spring 2009.
"The Script Factory course transformed the way I read scripts!"
Julian Friedmann, Blake Friedmann Agency
(NB. If you like the sound of this programme but are not an agent we also offer general Script Reading Training and Script Reading Training for Film Distributors, supported by the FDA.)
We're delighted to be collaborating with Skillset for a second year to provide subsidised industry-standard training exclusively for Agents, in the art and business of reading scripts.
As an Agent, are you as confident in debating a good or bad script submitted by your clients, as you are on seeing a good or bad film? Could you have identified the potential future fortunes of a film like In Bruges, London To Brighton or American Beauty, or of Billy Elliot, Juno or Trainspotting, by simply reading the screenplay cold? 
London To BrightonThis programme offers a structured approach to reading and assessing feature film projects, which aims to channel your instinctive response to a script into a thorough analysis of what works, what doesn’t, and why.
Over a single informal training day, we break down and explain screenwriting principles, creating a positive method of script analysis that leads to good practice when considering the potential of scripts and screenwriters.
COURSE OUTLINE
Session One: What’s the story and is it worth telling?
An introduction to analysing screenplays and the methods of assessing their potential for the big screen. This session focuses on defining the premise, identifying the main conflict, the controlling theme, and the structure of the story to consider what makes a screenplay work.
Session Two: Genre
Aiming to give participants confidence in assessing why stories work (or more often, why they don’t), this session focuses on how genre conventions affect the way an audience responds to a film, and how this understanding is a useful tool in story development.
Session Three: Character
A consideration of what makes an effective and engaging screen character asking, how do you decide if the characters are working?
Session Four: Dialogue, Visual Grammar & Pace
Assessing the technical skills required to make the most of the language of cinema, and questioning whether film is the right medium for a client writer’s story.
Prior to the course participants will be required to read a screenplay which will serve as a working example throughout the course. A full training pack accompanies the programme.
HOW TO BOOK
Script Reading Training for Agents is generously supported by Skillset through the Film Skills Fund. As a result of this support, course fees are at the reduced rate of £50 (+VAT - total £57.50) for anyone currently working at an Agency in any capacity.
To secure a place please email jeni@scriptfactory.co.uk
2009 DATES:
30 March
6 May
All sessions take place at Soho Theatre, Dean Street, Central London, and run from 10am–5pm.
This is a hugely popular course which has been taught for the benefit of writers and people who work with writers (producers, directors etc) before being adapted to suit specific sections of the film industry such as Distributors, commissioners etc. With support from Skillset, we are delighted to be able to target Agents.
What previous participants on Script Factory Script Reading Training programmes have said:
"Thanks for a really useful day - found it very helpful - certainly feel much more confident about script reading now"
"A very user-friendly day with lots of practical advice. I will definitely read scripts with a different perspective from here on in."
"The areas covered will benefit my work now and even more so in the future as we enter into more UK-developed projects... I needed guidance in how I structure my feedback and would certainly like to look at other members of my team attending a similar course."
"Thanks! It was excellent - a really worthwhile day."
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