In this online intensive workshop, you will learn the fundamentals of effective storytelling while developing your ideas into a premise for a film. We will explore the difference between a dramatic and thematic question and examine what motivates character and drives forward plot. Through exercises and group work, you will gain a strong understanding of the earliest stage of development for film and TV. You will also discover new ways of prompting inspiration and generating creativity for your storytelling. 

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This workshop is also available in person. Participants in this workshop may be interested to develop their stories further in our Writing the Short Film or Feature Lab 01 workshops. 

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WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES 

 

This 5 day workshop will stimulate your creative mind and help you to develop a variety of skills. 

 

Over the course of 5 days, you will: 

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• learn key screenwriting terminology and concepts 

• identify the dramatic and thematic questions in films and TV series

• develop story ideas into a strong premise

• practice creating complex characters

• self-assess strengths and weaknesses in your own work 

• practice positive collaboration and constructive feedback  

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TEACHING METHODS 

 

This is an in online workshop that meets on the Zoom platform and will draw from the following methods: 

 

• brief theoretical lectures to establish a shared vocabulary for discussion 

• discussion-based analysis of short films screened in class 

• exercises to stimulate storytelling creativity

• group feedback and discussion of story ideas developed in the workshop 

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WHO SHOULD REGISTER? 

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Anyone with writing experience and/or a background in a creative field (film, new media, literary arts, live performance, sound arts, performing arts, visual arts, etc.) wishing to develop an idea into a premise for a film. Participants should expect a rigorous pace and must be at least 18 years old.