Writing low-budget feature films

The course will give participants an overview on how to create the type of feature films currently in demand by the UK industry. Topics include choosing a genre, finding a theme, developing characters and working on story structure.

» Be the first to write a review.

» View full course outline

Key course information

Date
18/03/12

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £47^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

» View location

Course code
HW204

Availability
This course has finished

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

This course has finished

» Find another course in Humanities » Search all courses

Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course will give participants an overview on how to create the type of feature films currently in demand by the UK industry.

What topics will we cover?

- Choosing a genre
- Finding a theme
- Developing characters
- From plot to story
- How to trim the budget
- Where can I take my script?

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

- Understand how a feature film is put together, from initial idea to pre-production
- Develop your own ideas into story form
- Understand film structure and scene breakdown
- Appreciate the balance between character and plot
- See how dialogue and visual storytelling function.

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

Previous writing experience is an advantage but not essential. Most important is a desire to write specifically for film. An interest in and relatively broad knowledge of films is vital, as is a good level of written and spoken English.

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

Teaching is by instruction, by film examples, by discussion and by written and spoken exercises.

The Tutor
Guy Meredith is a scriptwriter, story consultant and teacher with 25 years' experience in the business. He has taught scriptwriting at a number of universities and professional bodies both in this country and abroad. His writing credits include Ruth Rendell Mysteries for ITV and Einstein for the BBC, as well as The Bill and Heartbeat. His radio play, 'The Surprise Symphony' was the UK entry for the Prix Italia.

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 will be required at all classes.

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.

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.