Screenwriting: stage 1

An introduction to the skills and techniques necessary to write a screenplay. Includes writing exercises, readings and screenings, with the aim of completing a ten-minute short and a feature film outline.

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Key course information

Dates
13/01/12 - 23/03/12

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
11 weeks

Time
17:30 - 19:30

Fees
Full fee: £124
Senior fee: £124

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW193

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol. Please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some of the course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover this with you.

Course outline

What is the course about?

This is a practical course aimed at providing a basic grounding in the craft and terminology of screenwriting and leading to the writing of a short script.

What topics will we cover?

Telling and selling stories
Theme, genre and originality
Character
Three act structure
Visual storytelling
Dialogue and subtext
Plot development, pacing, set ups and payoffs
Editing your own work and other peoples
Formatting, presentation, accepted norms
Differences in writing between different media
An introduction into how the industry works.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles and jargon of screenwriting.
- Appreciate the differences between writing for different media.
- Present a script in standard industry format.
- Write an outline for a feature film
- Write a ten minute film script.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

An interest in film and screenwriting. An ability to write and speak fluent English is vital.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Through discussion, presentations and viewing of film. Also exercises both during and outside the class evaluated by tutor and peers.

The Tutor
Phil O’Shea is an established screenwriter with TV and film credits as well as six international awards to his name. He has a degree from Essex University, a diploma in Film and TV from Middlesex University and a teaching qualification. His screenwriting tutors have included iconic names such as Sam Fuller and Karel Reisz. His credits include BBH series ‘Oscar Charlie’, ‘Stig of the Dump’, ‘Dream Team’, ‘Wycliffe’ etc and last year he won an award for his scary film, ‘Vampire Diaries.

City lit reserves the right to change course tutors or venues from those advertised in this outline. In line with our refund policy we are unable to grant a refund on the grounds of a change of tutor/venue.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Pen and paper

Suggested reading:
On Writing by Stephen King
The Writers Journey by Christopher Vogler.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. Oral and written feedback is given by the tutor; feedback from class members while developing your screenplay and sharing ideas.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
09/01/12 to 19/03/12	Mon	19:40 - 21:40	11 weeks	£124	£124	N/A	HW019	Full	» Select
12/01/12 to 22/03/12	Thu	19:40 - 21:40	11 weeks	£124	£124	N/A	HW086	Full	» Select
13/01/12 to 23/03/12	Fri	17:30 - 19:30	11 weeks	£124	£124	N/A	HW193	Started	» Select
19/04/12 to 21/06/12	Thu	19:40 - 21:40	10 weeks	£113	£113	£33	HW093	Available	» Select
20/04/12 to 22/06/12	Fri	17:30 - 19:30	10 weeks	£113	£113	£30	HW267	Available	» Select
19/09/11 to 12/12/11	Mon	19:40 - 21:40	12 weeks	£136	£136	N/A	HW018	Finished	» Select
20/09/11 to 06/12/11	Tue	17:30 - 19:30	12 weeks	£136	£136	£39	HW281	Finished	» Select
22/09/11 to 15/12/11	Thu	14:45 - 16:45	12 weeks	£129	£73	N/A	HW090	Finished	» Select