Suspense is a misunderstood concept.

Many writers think it applies solely to thrillers, as a method of ratcheting up tension and the threat of violence.

Suspense can certainly be used in this way.

But its principles can enrich most forms of drama, and can be applied in numerous forms, from the extreme to the subtle.

As well as creating unforgettable scenes and sequences, it can lead audiences through long narratives, keeping them glued to the screen for season after season.

Many TV shows, like BREAKING BAD, MAD MEN, DEXTER and HANNIBAL wouldn’t have worked at all if they hadn’t incorporated the principles of long-term suspense.

Suspense is all about manipulating information within narratives – revealing and withholding it.

But there are many ways of doing this, and it isn’t a static concept; it’s constantly evolving.
This workshop examines the numerous and changing techniques of suspense as they apply to many genres:

to films, TV series, and novels.

In the workshop, we will:

  • Define the basic principles of suspense
  • Investigate how they can apply to films, long-form TV series and novels
  • Watch carefully-chosen film clips illustrating the ideas
  • Discuss and debate the concepts
  • Apply the ideas to your own work via enjoyable exercises
  • Full handouts will help you bring the workshop’s ideas home with you​


VENUE

Central London
TBC

DATE AND TIME

Saturday 28 October
10.30am - 5.30pm

PRICE

EARLY BIRD PRICE
​*BOOK BEFORE 2 OCTOBER

£85 (concessions £75)
FULL PRICE

£99 (concessions £89)
Concessions available to members of WGGB, WFTV, Society of Authors, BECTU, Directors UK and Newman House