Basic Screenwriting

This workshop is eligible for SkillsFuture Credit and support from IMDA’s Talent Assistance grant.

6 sessions / 2.5 hours per session

A good story and script are the foundation of all successful films. Designed for the beginner screenwriter with little or no film or television experience, this workshop aims to build a solid foundation in screenwriting through a blend of lectures and writing exercises.

Taking the short film as a starting point, participants will learn about crafting their stories and ideas into screenplays with interesting characters and compelling plots. Participants will learn the fundamentals of the 3-act narrative structure, visual storytelling, and how to craft dialogue and characters for the screen. The learning experience is enhanced by online critique and discussion of writing exercises, in between class sessions. At the end of the workshop, each participant will have a completed first draft for a short film (up to 10 pages).

COURSE OVERVIEW

Session 1: Introduction
• What makes a good script
• Structure and elements of a screenplay
• Beats, outlines, treatments, synopses and loglines
• Reviewing short film clips
• Pitching exercise
Session 2: Focus on Act One
• Set-up, exposition and backstory
• Themes • Visual storytelling
• Setting and character
• Reviewing films
Session 3: Focus on Act Two
• Plot developments, escalating conflict, stakes
• Writing compelling characters, dialogue and subtext
• Story and character arcs
Session 4: Focus on Scenes
• Set ups/pay offs, causality
• Sequences
• Pacing, rhythm
Session 5 : Focus on Act Three
• Climax
• Resolution, denouement, deus ex machina
Session 6
• How to rewrite, generate new ideas and receive critique
• Exercises to improve writing

Workshop fee:  S$360

This workshop is eligible for SkillsFuture Credit and support from IMDA’s Talent Assistance grant.

SCHEDULE

GROUP B - 10 Aug to 14 Sept 2017
Dates:
10 Aug to 14 Sept 2017 (6 sessions)

Instructor: Ric Aw (View Profile)

Sessions:
#1  10 Aug, Thur, 7.30pm – 10pm
#2  17 Aug, Thur, 7.30pm – 10pm
#3  24 Aug, Thur, 7.30pm – 10pm
#4  31 Aug, Thur, 7.30pm – 10pm
#5  7 Sep, Thur, 7.30pm – 10pm
#6  14 Sep, Thur, 7.30pm – 10pm

GROUP C - 12 Aug to 16 Sept 2017
Dates:
12 Aug to 16 Sept 2017 (6 sessions)

Instructor: Jaclyn Chan (View Profile)

Sessions:
#1  12 Aug, Sat, 4pm – 6.30pm
#2  19 Aug, Sat, 4pm – 6.30pm
#3  26 Aug, Sat, 4pm – 6.30pm
#4  2 Sep, Sat, 4pm – 6.30pm
#5  9 Sep, Sat, 4pm – 6.30pm
#6  16 Sep, Sat, 4pm – 6.30pm

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