Day 1: Starting the Screenplay
Sat. 22 Aug. – 17:00 – 20:00
● Media Analysis: Breaking down the linear story structure of a piece of media to introduce the basic steps of telling a compelling story.
● Screenplay Analysis: Analysing the exposition in the first 10 pages of a screenplay, identifying the introduction of characters, settings, themes, and stakes of a story.
● Screenplay Analysis: Comparing the first 10 minutes of a feature film to the first 10 pages of the screenplay, focusing on the reasons for the omitted scenes in favour of the pacing of the story.
● Exercise: Write the first page of a screenplay – introduce a protagonist while establishing the setting, themes, and stakes of the story.
Day 2: Structuring the Screenplay
Son. 23 Aug. – 17:00 – 20:00
● Screenplay Analysis: Analysing the five-act structure of a screenplay, establishing the structure of a compelling linear story from the beginning, middle, and end.
● Screenplay Analysis: Comparing the effective and ineffective structure of a non-linear story, focusing on the method of withholding key information.
● Media Analysis: Breaking down the non-linear story structure of a piece of media to explore the various methods of connecting a non-linear story.
● Exercise: Write the second page of a screenplay – introduce a supporting character and antagonist while expanding on the setting, themes, and stakes of the story.
Day 3: Writing the Screenplay
Sat. 29 Aug. – 17:00 – 20:00
● Media Analysis: Breaking down the use of iconography and symbolism in a piece of media as a way to communicate the subtext and core themes of a story.
● Screenplay Analysis: Examining the use of poetic writing that can be used to enhance the core themes and subtext in a written story, specifically in relation.
● Screenplay Analysis: Learning how to structure a compelling scene while teaching the industry standard practices of screenplay formatting.
● Exercise: Revise the first and second pages of a screenplay – complete a new draft.
Day 4: Realising the ScreenplaySon. 30 Aug. – 17:00 – 20:00
● Pitching the Screenplay: the supporting documents for a screenplay i.e. one-page summary, treatment, series bible, and pitch deck.
● Rules for a Screenwriter: Exploring the more obscure aspects of screenplay formatting and the etiquette of catering to the other departments of film production.
● Pathways for a Screenwriter: Exploring the best opportunities for a screenwriter depending on their level of experience and/or desired career path.
● Exercise: Write a one-page summary of an existing screenplay – write the logline and summary of a chosen feature film, adapting it to an industry standard document.
