Pitching your screenplay treatment
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: HW212
Duration: 1 session
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
In this fun, interactive short course, you are encouraged to select the right words and phrases to pitch your project. You will learn how to edit your own work for presentation and describe your project with precision. Students work together in group exercises to learn about giving positive feedback.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
- The power of Brevity.
- Writing a compelling “slug line”.
- Editing your Treatment.
- Powerful Presentation
- The only script sample you really need.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify how to edit your own Treatment for maximum impact.
Produce a powerful title, “slug-line”, and synopsis for your work.
Modify the contents of your writing for the greatest effect.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an intermediate course suitable for those who have some screenwriting experience and want to learn more about treatments and pitching. Bring your idea or details of your screenplay-in-progress to class. Fluency in English is essential.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Students will analyse examples of Screenplay Treatments and other pitching documents. There will be group and individual exercises to recognise the skills of editing and to produce powerful pitches. There are individual and group writing exercises plus formal instruction from the tutor.
All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which is discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, so all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no associated costs. Please bring writing materials and your ideas.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offers a range of courses for aspiring screenwriters. If you are a beginner you can enrol on Ways into screenwriting. For those with some experience, you can enrol in Developing your screenwriting. Browse the writing section of our website to find the perfect course for you.
All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter.
Alan Nixon is one of Britain’s top independent media professionals. His recent productions include directing the award-winning R4 sitcom Reluctant Persuaders. He has been Creative Consultant to broadcasters and renowned independents, including Aardman Animations (Wallace & Gromit), Grant Naylor (Red Dwarf), and Absolutely Productions (Armstrong & Miller / Trigger Happy TV). He was one of the founding controllers of Channel Five, has worked with Alexei Sayle, Victoria Wood, Caroline Aherne and Simon Day, and teaches courses at the BFI, the National Television and Film School, and the London School of Film, Media and Performance.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
