UK FILM COURSES

The London Screenwriters’ Festival is an annual three day conference for screenwriters.

In 2021, the LSF will be held at Regent's University

The London Screenwriters’ Festival is an annual three day conference for screenwriters.

In 2021, the LSF will be held at Regent's University London, in Regent's Park, from the
10th to 12th of April.

When:10th to 12th of April. (with party on 9th)
Where: Regent’s University London, Regent’s Park, NW1 4NS
How much: £348
www.LondonSWF.com

For the three days, over 1,000 screenwriters, filmmakers, producers, practitioners, actors and executives congregate to share ideas, build powerful relationships, hear pitches and get a creative shot in the arm.

Most delegates report massive breakthroughs in their understanding of the business and craft, as well as huge acceleration toward their career goals. However, perhaps the most vital part of the festival is the inspiration and sense of belonging you will experience when you attend. Year on year, delegates report that the community at the festival is one of the main reasons they return.

The Main Events

During the three days of the festival there are around 130 structured seminars, lessons and workshops. e have filmed most sessions from the last eight years and you get access to that online archive right away. That's litteraly hundreds of sessions.

There are five separate strands so that at any one moment, you can choose from up to five different sessions.

You do not need to book a place for any of these sessions, they are all on a first come, first seated basis. Occasionally, some sessions are so popular, seating will run out. We will try and give you advance warning about these sessions so you can get there early if you want to attend.

Between sessions there are half hour breaks, with a 90 minute break for lunch. Onsite, there is breakfast, lunch and dinner available, plus drinks, tea and barista coffee. The breaks are a great opportunity to network with delegates and speakers.

In the evenings (Friday and Saturday of the festival) we host networking drinks which most delegates and many speakers attend. It’s a chance to unwind, consolidate old relationships and create new relationships.

Additionally, on the Thursday night before the official opening of the festival, there is a networking party where you can pick up your pass early. Over half the delegates usually attend this Thursday event.

The Speakers

Every year we have around 150 industry professionals who come and speak. In the past we have played host the worlds biggest screenwriters, producers, agents and directors.

These industry experts have included…

• Christopher McQuarrie (Writer – Usual Suspects, Valkyrie, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation)
• Stephen Frears (Director & Writer –The Grifters, The Queen, High Fidelity, Philomena)
• Jim Uhls (Writer – Fight Club, The Destroyer, Jumper)
• Peter Iliff (Director & Writer – Point Break, Patriot Games, Varsity Blues)
• Nick Hornby (Writer – About a Boy, Brooklyn, An Education, Fever Pitch, High Fidelity)
• Charles Dance (Actor – Game of Thrones, The Imitation Game, Gosford Park)
• Julian Fellowes (Writer – Downton Abbey, The Young Victoria, Gosford Park)
• Carl Gottlieb (Writer – Jaws)
• Nicole Perlman (Writer – Guardians of the Galaxy)
• Duncan Heath (Agent)
• Joel Schumacher (Director & Writer – The Lost Boys, The Client, Falling Down)
• Ted Tally (Writer – Silence Of The Lambs, Red Dragon, The Juror)
• Lynda La Plante (Writer – Prime Suspect, Above Suspicion)
• Phil Redmond (Creator of Brookside, Grange Hill and Hollyoaks)
• William Nicholson (Writer – Gladiator, Les Miserables, Shadowlands)
• Charlie Brooker (Writer – Black Mirror, A Touch Of Cloth)
• Joe Eszterhas (Writer – Basic Instinct, Jagged Edge)
• Mike Leigh (Director & Writer – Secrets & Lies, Naked, Life Is Sweet)
• David Hare (Writer – The Reader, The Hours)
• Dan Mazer (Writer – Borat, Ali G)
• Lisa Albert (Writer & Producer – Mad Men)
• Olivia Williams (Actor – The Sixth Sense, An Education)

Over 700 industry professionals have now presented at the LSF including execs and producers from the broadcasters, Hollywood studios, UK productions (large and small and everything in between).

Alongside the industry professionals, world class screenwriting tutors and practitioners from the UK and Hollywood also attend, providing what are often the most widely attended sessions of the festival. They have included…

• Linda Aronson (non linear expert)
• Karl Iglesias (Screenwriter & Educator)
• Christopher Vogler (Heroes Journey expert)
• Linda Pogieter (Negotiation expert)
• Luke Ryan (Producing expert and active producer)
• Kate Leys (Script expert and also active script editor)

Additional Events

During the festival there are also separate events that are included as part of your ticket. You must apply for each of these events ahead of the festival and the process for application differs slightly for each.

THE ADVANCED MENTORING SCRIPT LABS
The objective of the Labs is to assist writers who have a fully developed screenplay in a specific genre, to move their work to the next level. There are six three hour Labs at the festival, covering a variety of disciplines and topics. Within each Lab there is space for up to six writers. Each year the labs are different.

Past Labs have included ‘Writing For Disney with Finding Nemo writer Dave Reynolds, Writing The Hollywood Thriller with Basic Instinct writer Joe Eszterhas and Writing For Channel Four with former Channel Four Commissioner Gub Neal.

THE ACTORS TABLE READS
The actors table read is an opportunity for you to get your screenplay worked on by professional actors and a director. This has proven to be our most successful initiative to date with 99.8% positive feedback from the 200 people involved last year. Previous Actors Table Read delegates have been fortunate enough to have their scripts workshopped and directed by the likes of Hollywood heavy hitters Joel Schumacher (The Lost Boys, Falling Down) and Peter Iliff (Point Break, Patriot Games).
If you submit a script to the process and you are selected, you will attend a one hour session where you, the director and the actors will work on one sequence (between 3 and 5 pages) of your script.

SCRIPT CHATS
After each session, speakers are invited to meet delegates in round table sessions that we call ‘Script Chats’. These informal and intimate chats can often run for an hour or more. It’s our way of giving direct access to specific experts so that if you want to, you can take the conversation to the next level. We have found that even the biggest names are happy to spend time coaching and sharing in Script Chats.

THE SCRIPT SURGERY
Submit a two page outline and the first ten pages of your script and we will offer expert feedback in a fifty minute one on one session. We also operate a drop in desk over the three days of the festival. So if you want to just rock up with your script, get some feedback or ask for career advice, head over to the Script Surgery and book yourself a slot in one of the drop in sessions.

THE LEGAL CLINIC
Do you have legal issues you need a lawyer to help you with? All delegates at the festival have the option to apply for the legal clinic. You can ask any question you like and their legal team will do their best to answer your concerns.

MEET THE EXPERTS
Get 45 minutes with seasoned film producers, distributors and executives. Have your project grilled by a team of heavyweights. Meet The Experts is not for the feint hearted and you can be certain of a very tough conversation. Think Dragons Den but for writers concepts and projects.

SCRIPT TO SCREEN - LIVE!
Read the script, watch the film or TV show, then meet the writers, filmmakers, producers at the festival. This is a rare opportunity to get access to the script that was taken to set, then follow it through the journey of production, examining changes which can be discussed during the session at the festival. In the past we have run Script to Screens with Jim Uhls and 'Fight Club', Peter Iliff and 'Point Break', Joe Eazterhas and ‘Basic Instinct’, Ted Tally and ‘Silence Of The Lambs’, Dave Reynolds and ‘Finding Nemo’ and Carl Gottlieb with ‘Jaws’.

When:10th to 12th of April. (with party on 9th)
Where: Regent’s University London, Regent’s Park, NW1 4NS
How much: £348
www.LondonSWF.com

Sign up now at http://www.londonscreenwritersfestival.com/tickets/

Buckle up, it's going to be life changing!

Love Team LSFx

Advanced Structure with John Yorke
From Procedural to Longform, terrestrial to Netflix and beyond…
Two-day screenwriting masterclass and workshop<

Advanced Structure with John Yorke
From Procedural to Longform, terrestrial to Netflix and beyond…
Two-day screenwriting masterclass and workshop

The primary reason why great ideas (and even developed scripts) written for longform television fail at the final hurdle is poor structuring.

John Yorke should know. He wrote one of the greatest books on story structure ever written – ‘Into The Woods’ – and as the Golden Globe-winning, former head of Ch4 Drama, BBC Drama, Company Pictures, Eastenders showrunner… his resume clearly speaks for itself.

Join him for this two-day longform structure masterclass.
When: November 21st and 22nd 2020 (weekend)
Where: ONLINE (replay for two weeks)
Tickets: £179
https://www.advancedstructure.co.uk
Get £40 off with code SHOOTERS.

What can you expect?

Part lecture, part practical workshop, this two-day immersive weekend will elevate your career and project through deep industry insight.

It will offer hyper focused structuring for your narrative, and you will revisit character, theme and genre for your stories, as well as explore industry production formats – who offers the best home for your project and why?

Expect to learn new pitching skills too, as getting industry to lean forward and into your project is the first half of the challenge.

The weekend will break down into three focused areas:

The Structure
* Master the single structure that is present in all great stories
* Understand how all other story models fit within this single structure
* Address how structure and character can be successfully integrated into pilots and extended over entire seasons
* Learn to see the DNA beneath your story, characters, premise, situation, action and dialogue
* Learn how that DNA works, how to modify it, and how you can better use it in all your stories moving forward
* Practice rapidly developing stories within this structure

The Business
* Understand the needs of the business, beyond your story and script
* Analysis of the current market place – identifying current and popular trends and how to avoid guaranteed failure
* Learn how your story must adhere to strict industry structure needs and why
* Learn to think like a story development executive or producer in order to meet the needs of the business
* Learn how to remove the road blocks that can cause your deal and project to falter even if it is great writing
* Practice rapid story development and pitching
* Targeting the networks – what they do, what they’re looking for and why you may be better suited to some more than others

Practical Application
* Pitch development – solo and in groups
* Rapid fire pitching – of your own and other people’s projects
* Devising a new TV series from scratch inc. character creation/development, pilot outline, story arc, series arc, story bible

After selling out his one day seminar for the past two years, John is expanding the class and introducing more practical exercises exclusively for this weekend now fully online. Expect breakthrough after breakthrough, clearing a path for you to fulfill your greatest potential.

Here’s what previous delegates had to say about John...

'For me, being online meant that this course was more intensive, so I did more and learnt more.'
Eveline Powell, Screenwriter

‘John Yorke gave the best explanation and POV on story structure I’ve ever heard!’
Mike O’Reilly, Screenwriter

‘John Yorke was amazing, the cave/forest/wood concept was a real ‘unlock’ moment for me.’
Matt Harlock, Screenwriter & Director

‘John Yorke’s session was fantastic – I learned loads and he simplified everything into easily digested stuff.’
Sarah Cassidy, Screenwriter

Join him for this two-day longform structure masterclass.
When: November 21st and 22nd 2020 (weekend)
Where: ONLINE (replay for two weeks)
Tickets: £179
https://www.advancedstructure.co.uk
Get £40 off with code SHOOTERS.

Want to get your script read, optioned and produced?


Mastering the fundamentals of pitching has become more crucial, now we are in a new wor

Want to get your script read, optioned and produced?


Mastering the fundamentals of pitching has become more crucial, now we are in a new world where people are more accessible than ever.

• When: Saturday October 3rd, 10am to 2pm
• Where: Online
• How much: £37
• On Demand: Re-watch for six months
• Get you pass here...www.screenwritersfestival.online/pitch-perfect

More than ever, a focused and engaging pitch is the key to hearing those magic words, ‘send it to me’ or ‘let’s have a longer meeting over zoom’.

While they may present themselves a little differently now, the fundamentals of creating that killer pitch remain the same.

What are they? In as little time as possible (as with each second passing, interest turns to disinterest), how can you…

• Get them interested so they lean into you and your idea?
• Get them to request your script, even if they don’t like this specific story but DO recognise you as talent to watch?
• Build that relationship so pitching becomes a career long conversation?

The bottom line? No matter how good your script and story, if you cannot effectively, dynamically and succinctly engage the listener, your script will collect dust in a shelf.

The good news is that pitching is way more craft than it is art. You are can learn and master the techniques rapidly. Once learned, you will be able to see the essence, heart or central idea in any story, so you can clearly communicate that with a producer, exec, actor, director, agent… It REALLY works too, you will see results immediately.

‘Bob knows everything there is to know on this subject and the industry but he is so approachable, patient and encouraging, and honest too. I gained so much from attending this workshop’
Bridie Hanifee, Screenwriter

‘Bob is a genius at understanding a complex topic quickly. He swiftly sussed out my story's themes and helped me crystallize the logline into brilliant form!’
Rebecca Robinson, Screenwriter

‘This was really a fantastic class. I have been to many pitching classes but none has been so complete, interactive and given so much importance to every single member of the class. It was so great! Every class should be like this one.’
Stephanie Melega, Screenwriter

‘Everything I learned about pitching to people in the room has to change to work in our socially distanced world. Now we writers are putting ourselves on the screen. Taking part in the workshop gave me the ability to finesse the production values of Zoom’
Angela Jameson, Screenwriter

This is a unique and absurdly affordable opportunity to spend time with Bob, someone who has been training pitching for 20 years, and gain that almost Jedi skill of being able to refine years of hard work into a single comment that gets people to say ‘wait, what? Tell me more… can I read it?’

• When: Saturday October 3rd, 10am to 2pm
• Where: Online
• How much: £37
• On Demand: Re-watch for six months
• Get you pass here...www.screenwritersfestival.online/pitch-perfect

What will you take away?

• The confidence to pitch brilliantly.
• The skills to identify an irresistible hook.
• The awareness to avoid the traps that kill interest.
• The practice to boil a story down into one delicious phrase.
• The restraint to tantalize your audience.
• The nuance to guide someone toward a script request.
• The strategies to follow up and keep the door open.
• The best way to present yourself online.
Day-2 08-Point-Break 062-1

About Bob Shultz: For more than 20 years, Bob Schultz has been training writers on how to pitch, then providing opportunities through pitchfests. He has helped thousands of writers clarify their stories, reorganise their ideas into pitchable ‘hooks’, and built confidence to bring the very best version of any writer, to the opportunities they create.

Breaking Into Script Reading, 2 day workshop with Lucy V Hay (Sat 7th and Sun 8th of November 2020 £99 with code SHOOTERS)

An intensive two-day wo

Breaking Into Script Reading, 2 day workshop with Lucy V Hay (Sat 7th and Sun 8th of November 2020 £99 with code SHOOTERS)

An intensive two-day workshop that breaks down the art and craft of reading scripts to help improve your own writing, to also improve your feedback for other writers and most importantly, to earn you money as a professional reader.

GET £40 off with code SHOOTERS
When: Sat 7th and Sun 8th of November 2020
Where: Ealing Studios, Ealing W5 5EP
How much: £139 GET £40 off with code SHOOTERS making it £99

LINK http://www.londonscreenwritersfestival.com/whats-on/sessions/breaking-into-script-reading-2-day-workshop-with-lucy-v-hay

Learn how to produce industry standard analysis for agents, producers, production companies and broadcasters - all of whom have mountainous ‘read’ piles. The ability to distinguish a ‘Pass’ from a ‘Consider’, or even a ‘Recommend’ will make you a valuable asset to the biggest and most prolific production companies. Key elements covered include:

* WHO uses script readers
* WHAT the key components of a script report are
* WHERE to source those elusive script reading jobs (even ones not advertised)
* WHEN to walk away and avoid conflict with writers
* WHY reading as a job can improve your writing AND most importantly, your understanding of the business.

What is included?

* Writing a fully professional report
* How to negotiate pay for your work and where to find it
* Techniques for constructive criticism and avoiding conflict
* What constitutes ‘marketability’
* Identifying strong concepts
* Why context matters: how sample scripts and sold scripts differ
* Tips for helping writers improve their craft
* Understanding how logistics affect filmmaking
* How to write positive script reports that get results for writers and execs and gets you re-hired for the next job

Optional homework both before and after the workshop

Through pre and post course assignments, you will also learn how to analyse film and TV scripts and pinpoint why some work - and some simply don’t!

Why become a script reader?

* You can work freelance, on your own terms, wherever you like and fit it around your existing commitments
* It’s challenging, interesting work in an industry that never stays still, keeping you on your toes!
* You can make money AND work in the film, TV or literary industry, no more day job to distract you
* It’s a great way to make useful and interesting contacts
* There is professional development: script readers often move into script editing and some become development executives, literary agents, producers and filmmakers
* Reading other people’s scripts is a sure fire way to improve the quality of your own work. Get paid to do it.

In other words: script reading is a PERFECT job for the creatively minded!

BREAKING INTO SCRIPT READING is tailored for those who want to gain understanding of how the marketplace works, as well as how to analyse screenplays professionally.

Your Tutor: The course is taught by Lucy V Hay, author, script editor, producer and blogger behind Bang2write, one of the UK’s top sites for screenwriters. Lucy has been a script reader for agents, production companies, screen agencies, investment initiatives, screenwriting competitions and individual writers and directors for over ten years. www.Bang2write.com

Feedback from past Script Reading Course

“Absolutely recommend this course if you’re looking for insight from a professional who clearly knows the business.”
Hugo Alves, Writer/Director

“This course not only helped me understand how to be a script reader, it showed me how to be a script writer who can connect to an audience. Great atmosphere, great knowledge and great contacts.”
Daemian Greaves, Filmmaker/Writer

“The event allowed for real networking which led to potential career opportunities. Well worth the time, truly explores the nitty gritty of the job while preparing you to try it for yourself.”
Michael Jennings, Director/Filmmaker

“This workshop has renewed my focus and motivation. I can’t imagine not having attended it – it’s that good!”
Rapinder Kaur, Screenwriter/Reader

“I didn’t dare hope for this level of insight and support, I couldn’t be more psyched about my script reading career! I’ll be back!”
Lydia Palmese, Novelist

“Lucy is AMAZING!”
Neil Elton, Filmmaker

“Lucy is a total rock star, down to earth, fun but highly knowledgeable.”
Philip Lawrence, Writer

“This course was amazing! Not only did I gain valuable insights but I left feeling motivated and inspired. I felt like Wonder Woman!”
Gannesh Rajah, Creative/Producer

“Lucy is a driving force for improving script reading, and therefore script writing, in the UK.”
Andrew Williamson, Writer

“Potential Script Readers can’t afford to not attend this course. Lucy gives a great but realistic view of the script reading/editing world whilst providing useful screenwriting advice. 2 for the price of 1. Thank you!”
Bren Sanders, Writer

“The course has gone over and above my expectations. It has been a real shot in the arm for my creativity.”
Dan Cassell, Screenwriter

“I have found my USP - thanks. You will see the results on screen!”
Beverley Cooper-Chambers, Writer/Producer

“You have given me the tools to go on another adventure, alongside the writing and filmmaking adventures I am also undertaking and enjoying. Great value for money!”
Penny O’Shaughnessy, Writer/Script Reader

“I wish I had half of Lucy’s energy and knowledge of films - fantastic!”
Dee Sidlo, Writer

“Lucy is an exceptional presenter, and has shared her passion with clarity and fizz. Bravo!”
Paul Draper, Writer

“Kickstarted my confidence and provided impetus to stop ‘hi-jacking’ my own scripts.”
Peter Barker, Writer

“I am now determined to strengthen my relationships with my filmmaker friends, to form a team to actually get things done! This course has clarified a lot of questions I had in my own screenwriting about genre and structure, and I already feel more confident in my writing.”
Vera Juliusdottir, Writer/Director

“Lucy gives a compelling and informative insight into the processes of a Script Reader.”
Daniel Gage, Editor/Aspiring Writer

“Amazing networking has given me new ideas and increased motivation. Thanks!”
John Sheldon, Screenwriter

“Lucy really knows her stuff - gritty, frank and blunt - but always fair. I really respect her integrity.”
Jane Campion Hoye, Actor/Writer

“I recommend this course to all writers/readers and filmmakers for the networking opportunities as well as the in-depth knowledge surrounding script development.”
Ruth Trippitt, Script Researcher

“The sheer enthusiasm and energy of the speakers really inspired me to take the plunge and make my dreams come true. Writing can be a very solitary and draining experience and the workshop really made you want to have fun with it and MAKE IT HAPPEN!”
Violet Macdonald, Writer

“Big thanks to Lucy Hay and Chris Jones for leading the charge on film professionals working together rather than viewing others as competition. I LOVE that positive spirit!”
Mary Albanese, Writer

GET £40 off with code SHOOTERS
When: Sat 7th and Sun 8th of November 2020
Where: Ealing Studios, Ealing W5 5EP
How much: £139 GET £40 off with code SHOOTERS making it £99