courses

Screenwriter's Toolbox - May 8th 2010

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 05:58:03 +0100

Screenwriter's Toolbox - from Concept to Completion

Seminar/Workshop Description

This full day of seminars and interactive workshops is for new and experienced filmmakers who want to better understand and strengthen their craft and business skills. Featuring topics ranging from pitching and story conceptualization to screenwriting and script development, this professional development program is designed to give independent filmmakers a working knowledge of the latest industry tools and information that can save them time and money as well as avoid costly mistakes during production.

8:30 a.m. – Registration

9:00 a.m. – THE ART OF PITCHING

Storytelling That Sells

Not all screenwriters/filmmakers are storytellers. Without knowing how to effectively pitch a story, you risk losing the opportunity of turning your idea or screenplay into a movie. Discover what it takes to go toe-to-toe with Oscar winning screenwriters during a pitch session. The seminar explores the key story components that will guarantee success whether pitching your story on the telephone, at a conference or on the elevator. You will learn the purpose of pitching, who to target, how to secure opportunities and deliver a powerful pitch—from the 30-second “elevator” pitch to the 30-45 minute story pitch—with passion, clarity and confidence.

Presentation by Chris Huntley, Write Brothers

[30 minutes]

9:45 a.m. – STORY BASICS
Expressing Your Creative Vision

In any pitch meeting, you have only minutes to sell your story. That means knowing the four key structural points that will make or break your story. Before you even begin to present your idea, your story line needs to be structured into these key elements from beginning to end. Using Dramatica Pro as a virtual writing partner, this interactive workshop will take you through the process of developing a story that is the ultimate expression of your creative vision. The audience will explore additional elements and participate in a dynamic discussion using current and classic film examples.

Presentation by Chris Huntley, Write Brothers

[60 minutes]

11:00 a.m. – SCRIPT WRITING
Shaping Your Ideas Into Screenplays

A story is only as good as its screenplay, and without a good screenplay, there is little chance of cinematic success. Using award winning Movie Magic Screenwriter and the new Michael Hauge Story Structure template, you will learn how to shape your ideas into screenplays including how to effectively brainstorm and organize your ideas, write an outline, build a structure, and find plot points to write dialog and action. After covering basic scriptwriting techniques and the sitcom, teleplay, and stage play formats, the latter part of the workshop will explore preparing a script for production, adding scene numbers, locking the script, tagging script elements for export to production scheduling, and more.

Presentation by Chris Huntley, Write Brothers

[60 minutes]

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK

1:30 p.m. – CHARACTER ARC
Fact and Fiction

Realistic characters grow and develop in stories, but not all characters are transformed. Using examples from current and classic films, we will explore five fundamental character dramatics that hold the key to understanding the essence of “character arc.” Learn how to make them work for you in your own stories.

Presentation by Chris Huntley, Write Brothers

[90 minutes]

3:15 p.m. – PREMISE LINE
Writers Boot Camp founder Jeffrey Gordon on the importance of articulating concept on the front end of Conceptual Development

Discover the importance of articulating Concept on the front-end. Why it’s so important to be able to express your idea in a single, explicit and concise sentence. Explore and shed light on some commonly held fallacies about writing – and rewriting - for TV and film, and provide an introduction to other potent tools designed to facilitate conceptual brainstorming. In just one session, you will learn some of the tools that have empowered an ever-growing list of Writers Boot Camp alumni to transition to careers as professional writers.

Presentation by Guest Speaker, Jeffrey Gordon, Writer’s Boot Camp

[90 minutes]

4:50 p.m. – Door Prize Raffle

5:00 p.m. – Program Complete

PRESENTER BIOS

CHRIS HUNTLEY is an Academy Award-winning software developer, Vice President of Write Brothers Inc, and the co-creator of the Movie Magic series of software products. He also co-developed the Dramatica theory of story over a 14-year period. His mastery and wisdom of all things relating to story have made him a widely recognized leader in the world of story development.

JEFFREY GORDON is President and Founder of Writers Boot Camp. Now in its 21st year, Writers Boot Camp alum have received, won or been nominated for Academy Awards, Emmys, Golden Globes and even the Tony award! Its writers have written screenplays that have brought in close to a billion dollars in box office and have created or been staffed on close to 100 different TV shows. No matter what a writer has accomplished so far, the Writers Boot Camp has the Tools that can help him or her take their writing to the next level.

Saturday May 8, 2010
9AM to 5PM
Sponsored by Write Brothers and the
Presented at Writers Boot Camp
PRICE:

Pre-registration price: $45.00
Walk-in price: $55.00
LOCATION:
Writers Boot Camp
Bergamot Station Arts Center
2525 Michigan Ave., Bldg. I
Santa Monica, CA 90404
800.800.1733

Click HERE to Register

Free Screenwriters Workshop - May 22nd

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 07:48:19 +0100

Apply now for registration for the screenwriters workshop on May 22nd in West Hartford

from MyWesthartfordLife.com

A free, full day of workshops designed for those with some screenwriting experience, sponsored by the Connecticut Screenwriters group, will be held at the West Hartford Public Library May 22.

From 9:30–11 a.m., build writing skills based on screenplay form and structure. Presenter Scott Anderson has been writing screenplays for more than 20 years. He is the director of the Harvard Square Scriptwriters, teaches screenwriting at Emerson College, and was the inspiration behind the formation of the Connecticut Screenwriters group at the West Hartford Public Library.

From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. is a workshop on writing for television, film and stage. It will cover the commercial aspects of writing from a producer's point of view, including how projects are chosen and developed. Presenter Paul T. Boghosian is the founder and CEO of HarborSide Films at Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston. He has more than 25 years of senior management experience in project management, marketing communications, and international media.

There will be an hour break for lunch. Bring you own or visit a nearby restaurant.

"Writing for Actors: Action and Character" is the topic of the presentation from 1:30–3 p.m. How a character feels is a result of what a character does. This session will present the basics of reality based acting (actions and objectives) by exploring ways to give characters stronger, emotionally richer arcs. Presenter Hester Schell, MFA, is a master acting teacher, mentor, coach, writer, producer, stage and film director. She is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Her book on casting is due out this year from Michael Wiese Productions.

An overview of screenwriting contests and coverage services, including their similarities and differences from a personal perspective, will be covered in the session scheduled from 3–3:445 p.m. Presenter Owen Cunningham has written four feature-length screenplays in the last five years, two of which have placed in screenwriting contests. He has also written articles for professional journals, and is working on a five-part miniseries.

Secrets of formatting will be revealed from 4–4:45 p.m. Proper script formatting is essential, and whole books have been written on the subject. This practical session deals with trickiest formatting issues, such as overlapping dialogue, telephone talk, the ellipsis and the "wryly" montage. Presenter Geoff Saunders has won numerous awards for his six feature screenplays and several shorts. He is the organizer of the Middletown Screenwriters and Film Makers, the MiTown Film Group, and is a long-time member of the Connecticut Screenwriters group.

Seating is limited. Registration is selective. Participants must arrive at the Noah Webster Library by 9:15 a.m. on May 22 and commit to the entire day. To register, write a thoughtful paragraph about why you need to attend Screenwriters’ Saturday. Submit that paragraph with your printed name, postal address, email and phone number to: WHPL, Screenwriters Saturday, 20 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107. If you are accepted, you will be notified on April 16. For additional details, please call 860-561-6998 and your call will be returned.

Screenwriters' Saturday is funded by the Friends of the West Hartford Public Library, a volunteer organization.

Comedy Writing Weekend

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 11:15:42 +0100

In NORFOLK, United Kingdom : The Comedy Writing Weekend

Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th June 2010

Lectures about writing are like poems about swimming: they may be inspiring but they don't improve your technique. The only way to learn how to write is by writing.

'Dying is easy. Comedy is difficult.' (Actor Edmund Keane on his deathbed)

This course isn't fatal but it is hard work. Over the weekend you'll participate in intensive, practical exercises that are designed to develop the basic skills you need to make your material funny in any format or medium you're writing for: film, television, radio, theatre, stand-up, or print.

Working on your own, in pairs and in groups, you'll:

write gags, quickies and sketches
create and develop comic characters
discover your own unique comic persona and write a stand-up monologue
write the outline for the pilot episode of your own original sitcom
and plunder the best source of comedy material you'll ever find - your own sad, lonely life.

Bring pencils, notebooks and a list of everything you hate about your friends and family.

SATURDAY

Practice the basic structures behind different joke formats
Discover the dynamics of status in character and relationships
Write comic dialogue for stock characters
Write a topical sketch working from stories in the day's papers
Discover and develop the comic persona you never knew was inside you and use it to write a character monologue

SUNDAY: THE SITCOM DAY

Learn some underlying principles through improvisation and dialogue-writing:

why opposites don't attract, they repulse
what's so funny about sluts, drunks and losers - use and abuse of stereotypes
counter-characters and secondary characters
why everyone isn't equal in great sitcom - status and power dynamics.

Create characters and storylines:

develop a counter-character to bounce off your main character, then use this relationship as the basis of a narrative
learn how to express character through action and attitude
learn about themes and subtexts, set-ups and payoffs, twists, shocks and mysteries, visual gags (show, don't tell)
leave the day with the step outline of your own original sitcom.

Whether you're a complete beginner or rusty and needing a work-out, by the end of this weekend you'll have the confidence and the tools to up the humour in your scripts.

Where and When?

DATE:

Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th June

Registration: 10.15am

Workshop: 10.30am to 5pm

VENUE:

The Halls

St Andrews Plain

Norwich

NR3 1AU

PRICE:

£150 (concessions £135)

FURTHER DETAILS FROM:

E-mail: paul.bassettdavies@euroscript.co.uk

Telephone: 07958 244656

Please note, places are strictly limited as you will be writing and reading out your work all weekend.

Screenwriting Workshop: Ann Arbor

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:26:08 +0100

from www.annarbor.com : November 27 2009

Harvey Ovshinsky offers screenwriting workshop

Award-winning filmmaker and storyteller Harvey Ovshinsky leads a six-session workshop called "How to Complete Your First Movie Script in Six Months" in Ann Arbor, starting in January.

This support group for aspiring/frustrated screenwriters will meet once a month, beginning January 4, at the Jewish Community Center of Ann Arbor.

The workshop costs $325; to register, call 734-971-0990. (For more information, call 734-996-8011.)

Participants will receive a sample script; a complete bibliography of screenwriting books, publications and contests; information about software for formatting scripts; and the latest version of Ovshinsky’s popular handout, "The Ten Most Important First Rules of Storytelling." Writers will receive direction, motivation and personal attention, both from Ovshinsky and each other as they share their works-in-progress with the group. The goal is for each participant to complete a first draft of a finished screenplay by time they "graduate" in June.

Ovshinsky has taught screenwriting and documentary filmmaking at Wayne State University and has been a guest lecturer at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Eastern Michigan University, Oakland University, Madonna University, Schoolcraft College and Macomb County Community College. Ovshinsky and his story consulting and video production company, HKO Media, have been awarded broadcasting's highest honors, including an Emmy Award, a Peabody, a DuPont-Columbia University Award, and the American Film Institute's Robert M. Bennett Award for Excellence.

Psychological Tools for Writers

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:04:31 +0100

Breakthrough to Screenwriting Success
Saturday October 10th 10.30am to 5.30pm

Tutor: Charles Harris

Many talented writers battle with their own minds - from procrastination to fear of failure - and find it difficult to know how to focus their abilities and achieve their goals.

This exciting new one-day workshop will give you effective psychological tools to deal with the mental side of writing, equipping you to concentrate your energy on the most important and enjoyable sides of being a creative artist.

Writer's Mind

The course starts by exploring the writer's mind, looking at how to deal with unhelpful emotions and work strategies.

Drawing on powerful psychological tools, you will learn techniques that will allow you to transform yourself, enjoyably set and achieve your goals, and reach new standards of excellence in your work.

You will explore the hidden values that you hold. You will learn how to instill the experience and insights of your favourite screenwriters and mentors so that you can effortlessly adopt crucial creative skills to discover your individual voice.

The day will be invigorating, inspiring and fun. You will dig deep inside to find resources you did not know you had. You will gain new insights into who you are and how to become the writer that you want to be.

Includes

Developing powerful motivation
Setting and achieving fulfilling goals
Dealing easily with your inner (and outer) critics
Breaking through self-imposed boundaries
Learning how to transform yourself and create long-term lasting change

Charles Harris is an experienced award-winning writer-director for cinema and TV who has worked in the UK, Europe and Hollywood. As script consultant, he has helped writers from Britain, Europe and USA, sat on BAFTA awards juries, lectured on MA courses at London University and London Film School and taught writers, directors and producers internationally. He is a certificated practitioner of NLP.

Where? When ? How Much ?

VENUE
Room 104
Clore Management Centre
Birkbeck College
Torrington Square
London WC1E 7HX

DATE
Saturday October 10 2009
Registration 10.15am
Course 10.30am to 5.30pm
Light refreshments included

PRICE
£85 (£75 concessions)

On this course the concessionary rate is offered to members of DGGB, WGGB, WIFTV, TwelvePoint and Writernet.

Click here to book online now.

FURTHER DETAILS
Click to e-mail Charles Harris or phone: 00 44 (0) 20 7435 1330.

Contact Information

e-mail: http://enquiries@euroscript.co.uk

telephone: 00 44 (0) 20 7435 1330

Screenwriting Workshops in Miami

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:58:24 +0100

Thanks for this heads up to @UnkScreenwriter on Twitter

Local Screenwriting Workshops Starting Up Again

By P. Scott Cunningham in the "Miami New Times" : Culture

Friday, Aug. 14 2009 @ 8:30A

You could sign up for an L.A. or NYC screenwriting class (L.A. writing lab, Robert McKee, mediabistro, etc.) with an online component, but there's no substitute for face-to-face instruction. That's why you should check out the Miami Film Workshops, run by Harriette Yahr, with support from the Miami Light Project, ci nevisun, Tigertail, the Miami World Cinema Center, and the Miami-Dade Office of Film and Television.

Classes in screenwriting and directing are starting up in less than two weeks. Each is capped at 14 people, so individual instruction is guaranteed. And to help those of us with full-time jobs, the classes are held after work and on the weekends at the centrally-located Light Box Studio (3000 Biscayne Blvd., #100, Miami). Plus, in between sessions you'll get more feedback via email, etc.

Email Harriette to secure your place or go to the website to get more info.

SCREENWRITING 101 - Part 1 - The Basics

TWO CLASS TIMES OFFERED PLUS A WEEKEND INTENSIVE LISTED BELOW.
Wednesday Evenings 5:45-8:45 pm. August 26, Sept 2, Sept 9, Sept 16**(I'd like to know which night during the week works best for most people. If you'd like to attend, and Wednesdays do NOT work, please let me know.)
Sundays 10:15-2:45 August 23, 30, Sept 6

This course covers the basics of screenwriting: story structure, character, industry standard script formatting, dialog, copyrighting your script, and much more, including individual personalized feedback on your writing and screenplays. Registration fee: $ 325.00 plus 15.00 Materials Fee. These are small workshop classes so you get individual attention. Class size very limited. We will also be doing in-between class assignments during the week (these are highly recommended to get the most out of class, but you can choose to work as you wish) and you will recieve personalized instuctor feedback on your writing, including during the week. Materials include a notebook of resources/handouts. Click on link above for full information.

SCREENWRITING 201 - Part 2 - Digging Deeper

Saturdays 10:15-2:45. August 22, 29, Sept 5** Registration Fee: $295.00 Plus 35.00 Screenplay Writing Book and Materials Fee. Now that you understand the basics, it's time to dig deeper into character and plot development, dialog and nuance. We will also discuss production viability and how to tailor our screenplays to our budgets. You will receive feedback on your work and - as a powerful learning tool - you will also be offering feedback on your collegue's work. This workshop will also include special events to be determined: it will either be a Screenplay Reading to be held in September where you will see a screenplay's words come to life, a trip to a film lab where you will see how post-production affects story, and/or a guest talk by an industry film agent. Book to be announced; if you own it, you may deduct from Materials fee.

**Note: The price for Screenwriting 101 and 201 includes personalized instructor comments and feedback on your own screenplays. There are "hands-on" writing assignments and "between-class" homework, as well. You'll get individual attention and you will get a lot out of our short time together. Screenwriting 201 Students will also be evaluating their peers' work. (Please Note: Service fee for Credit Card/Paypal. Cash, checks also accepted.)

Announcing "Get Fast-Forwarded" Intensive Weekend Workshops

*NEW* WEEKEND SCREENWRITING 101 INTENSIVE - Part 1 - The Basics

Saturday/Sunday September 12/13, 2009. 10-5:00*** (We break for Lunch)
Registration Fee: $ 425.00 plus $ 15.00 materials fee. Includes consultation follow-up***.
***Included with this workshop -- so that you can apply your new knowledge which is important -- you will have one week after class ends to email a scene or short screenplay that Harriette will "mark-up" with individual feedback and suggestions. In addition, you will also have a telephone follow-up to answer questions if you choose. Please be committed to learn A LOT this whole weekend, including doing a short homework assignment Saturday night. Discounts available for households and students.

*NEW* WEEKEND FILMMAKING/DIRECTING INTENSIVE

Saturday/Sunday September 26/27th, 2009. 10-5:00 (We break for Lunch). Optional field-trip during following week included (see below).

Small class size: Enrollment Limited to 16 Students. Early registration recommended. Registration Fee: $ 495.00 includes Materials, Cameras, Tapes, Handouts. $75.00 fee required to reserve your spot.

Everything you want to know about how to make a movie! It's a "Filmmaking/Directing" intensive because the worshop touches on all aspects of the flmmaking process, including producing, pre-production and post-production. I want you to be comfortable with knowing how the whole process of making a film works! Then, we will focus on Directing with hands-on exercises that will teach you what directing is all about, and help you develop more confidence as a director. Course will include lectures by a Guest Cinematographer and Producer. Topics covered include: Proper "Shooting Script" format. An overview of "Script Breakdown" and Budgeting/Scheduling. For the Director: Creating Storyboards, Shot Lists, determining "Coverage." Understanding shot choices, the language of Cinematography, working with your Art Director, Assistant Director, Wardrobe Stylists, Script Supervisor, and Editor. A Field-Trip to a local Film Lab is included (during the following week), where you will see how post-production works first-hand! Student discounts available.

5-WEEK SCREENWRITING 101 TELECLASS / ONLINE WORKSHOP - Part 1 - The Basics

7-9 pm EST - Available Throughout USA

Class Forming for Fall. Dates to be announced. Please email to get on notification list. This course includes individualized feedback on your writing via email.

Email Harriette to secure your place or go to the website to get more info.

Grand Rapids : Autumn Screenwriting Class

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:56:38 +0100

GRCC offers screenwriting class

As part of its continuing education program, Grand Rapids Community College is presenting a script and screenwriting class 6-9 p.m. Thursdays from Sept. 24 to Dec. 3 in the Wisner Bottrall Applied Technology Center. Cost is $480. To register, call 234-3400 or go to : Grand Rapids Community College

Free Screenwriting Seminar

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:55:46 +0100

Who :

Chris Soth, Produced Screenwriter, USC MFA, WGA Member

When :

Monday, June 15th - click on link below for times and free mp3

Learn the Method Chris used to sell his screenplay for $750,000

YOU'RE INVITED TO A COMPLIMENTARY TELESEMINAR CONFERENCE CALL

Learn a new method of story design that is four times better, easier and more helpful than the three-act structure. Movies are shot on reels and each one tells its own part of the story -- like a chapter in a novel. Together they add up to the perfect screenplay and it works in any genre. Call in and see.

Learn the method Chris Soth used to sell his thesis screenplay FIRESTORM for three-quarters of a million dollars while he was still a student in grad school.

This is Chris Soth's SIGNATURE LECTURE on The Mini-Movie Method, the one his ebook, seminar, and DVDs are ALL about - the one that's changing the way stories are structured.

Whether you write Screenplays, Novels, Graphic Novels, Comic Books, Webisodes, or even Video Games...

In short, if you are ANY KIND OF A STORYTELLER, you can learn to:

SEE your whole story as a movie before you start.
CREATE the winning "sequences", each a MINI-MOVIE all its own.
CAPTURE the attention of your audience - and KEEP IT.
STENGTHEN every beat of your story to keep it CAPTIVATING.

Join us on the call and learn the MINI-MOVIE METHOD Chris learned at USC that sold his thesis screenplay for $750K

This tried-and-true method has empowered writers all over the world to ACHIEVE THEIR DREAMS.

To register : Online Screenwriting Seminar

PS. Even if you can't make the live call, be sure and register so we can send you an MP3 - as a thank you
PPS. BONUS! Register for the call, we'll send you a link to the recording of Chris Soth's interview with a major Industry Literary Agent, including his query instructions and address
PPPS. Chris will be announcing some great opportunities from Million Dollar Screenwriting on the call, including classes, mentorship, and more, but there is no cost for this call

Principles Behind Good Stories

Thu, 28 May 2009 14:43:18 +0100

Tunbridge Wells Workshop: The Principles Behind All Good Stories
Saturday 13th June

In researching his book 'The Principles That Lie Beneath All Good Stories' UK author and scriptwriter David Baboulene had in-depth conversations on story theory with industry insiders and writers who have succeeded, including:

Bob Gale (Scriptwriter: Back to the Future and 34 other film credits)

Lee Child (Novelist: sales of over 15 million novels in 43 countries and 29 languages)

Mark Williams (Actor: star of the Harry Potter films; 101 Dalmations; Stardust; Shakespeare in Love; The Fast Show)

Willy Russell (Playwright: Educating Rita; Shirley Valentine; Blood Brothers)

David Baboulene himself is a published author, has production deals for three films (two in Hollywood and one in the UK) and is undertaking a PHD in story theory. He has combined all this expertise to create the most immensely valuable day for aspiring writers, scriptwriters, actors, producers - anyone who wants to know what gives a story a beating heart.

What will be covered :

What is a Story? Why do Stories Exist? : A definition of story. Why and how stories resonate with the human mind. So you have a story idea - what do you do next? How do you go from brilliant idea to brilliant fully-fledged story?

Story Structure : What is structure? What creative elements generate structure? Why is knowledge of structure of practical value to a writer?

Conflict and Antagonism : Why conflict is the lifeblood of story. Where to find and how to use conflict and antagonism.

Plot and Character :Plot is character and character is plot - understand this and see your stories explode into 3D.

Subtext : Seven types of subtext and the critical importance of subtext in generating stories that grip.

The Writer's Day : How do successful writers organise themselves and their work? From story idea to completed final draft - effective story design and development processes and creative disciplines that work.

The Writer's Toolbox : You know something is wrong in your story, but you can't put your finger on it. Tools and techniques for story analysis and problem resolution.

The Salesman's Hat : Understanding the commercial battle that must be won. How to package your material, present yourself professionally, avoid rejection and gain respect from the people who could change your life.

When, Where and How Much :

WHEN: Saturday 13th June Workshop: 9.30am to 5pm

WHERE: Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK

PRICES PER SESSION:
£85 (concessions £75) TUTOR: David Baboulene

For further information visit www.baboulene.com and click on 'Seminars'.
Euroscript is committed to providing sustained and on- going training for writers, directors and script developers at all levels of experience.

Contact Information
e-mail: david.baboulene@euroscript.co.uk

Words and Images

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:55:24 +0100

Kamal Haasan, in association with the Indian Institute of Technology- Madras (IIT-M) will present a first-of-its-kind international workshop and seminar on screenwriting in the IIT campus in Chennai from May 29 to June 3, 2009.

The workshop will feature some of the best screenwriters and filmmakers from around the world. One of the writers who have confirmed participation is Jean Claude Carriere who will do a video conference. Kamal Haasan himself will join the discussions and don the role of faculty during the workshop and seminar.

The screenwriting workshop will be conducted by K Hariharan, Director of the L V Prasad Film and TV Academy, Anjum Rajabali, Professional screenwriter and head of departments of screenwriting at Film and TV Institute, Pune and Whistling Woods, Mumbai and Atul Tiwari, Professional screenwriter and well known playwright.

"We will be approaching screenwriting from two angles," says Hariharan. "How to turn words into images that you see on screen and also how to do the opposite -- putting in words what you see as images in your mind. Every day, we will have two sessions of guest lectures by reputed writer-filmmakers from the industry."

"Screenwriting has been a neglected discipline even in film schools. While all good writing is essentially intuitive, it is essential to understand the basic principles of storytelling and the form of the screenplay to be a competent screenwriter," says Anjum Rajabali, who founded the screenwriting department at FTII and at Whistling Woods.

"We all agree that it is impossible to make even a half decent film with a bad script and that a good script is the first and foremost requisite to make a good film. But even then we have seen that the pedagogy of the screenwriting has not taken roots in India," adds Atul Tiwari, who has who has conducted similar workshops in New Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Manipal and Pune.

The workshop will culminate with a seminar, which will be open to industry professionals.

The event is an initiative of Kamal Haasan's Raajkamal Films International to bring screenwriting to the forefront. "It's a strictly an instructional event. Basic education is compulsory and candidates need to demonstrate their seriousness to get selected," says the writer-filmmaker-actor.

If you want to be one of the chosen 250 to attend a week-long class by some of the best screenwriting teachers in the country, apply by sending a copy of their resume, a passport-size photograph along with a 200-word synopsis on their favourite film and a list of their five favourite films to admissions@screenwritingindia.com More details are available on http://screenwritingindia.com/. For further queries, email helpdesk@screenwritingindia.com