WHAT HAPPENS IN THE WRITERS' ROOM,
​STAYS IN THE WRITERS' ROOM . . .

. . . SO HOW DOES AN ASPIRING WRITER GET THE INSIDE-TRACK ON HOW IT ALL WORKS?

Most successful TV and film screenwriters have cut their teeth working on soaps and long-running TV series – it’s an established way into the business and a great way to build your reputation and contacts.

But what's it like to work on a  team-written show - and what really goes on in the Writers' Room?

This four-day, hands-on course in July will reveal behind-the-scenes secrets of how TV drama series operate, enabling you to move forward with confidence when you secure a writing gig on an existing show and, at the same time, equipping you with the skills to develop  your own TV drama series projects.

You will be introduced to the professional processes common in the industry, with plenty of practical experience along the way - paying particular attention to the technical issues you would face in the real world including those of continuity, logistics, cast and budget.

​During the course  we will create and develop a team-written show together - with everyone contributing to character creation and storylines along the way. 

WHO IS THE COURSE AIMED AT?

Any professional or aspiring writer who wants to understand how TV drama series are created and run, and to gain practical experience from a professional writer/showrunner in an intimate setting.

As well as learning a lot you will meet like-minded individuals. Often friendships are formed and collaborations ensue!

​The maximum number of students is 8, so please book early.
CONTENT

Day 1:

  • We examine genre, formats and concepts - including location, settings and identifying story potential
  • You get to pitch an idea for a brand new show to a "fantasy" commissioning editor - with feedback
  • You will discover how a real commissioning document evolves into a finished episode

Day 2:

  • We will explore character development – what makes a great TV drama series character? What FUNCTIONS do characters need to have in drama?
  • Following a character development exercise, you will devise new characters for our team-written show
  • We will explore the story potential for your characters 

Day 3:
  • We look at multi-stranded storylining for an existing TV drama series
  • We study the structure - and scene functions - of an existing TV drama episode
  • You will plan the broad-stroke story "beats" for your characters, for Season 1 of our drama series​
  • You will create a "beat sheet" for the first episode of our fantasy TV show

Day 4:
  • ​You will write a “commissioned” scene (with tips and professional feedback given)
  • Your characters and stories will be brought to life with a table read of your scene (it's not compulsory to perform but "writing is acting for shy people" so usually enough people are willing to take part)
  • ​We will look at log lines, pitch documents and writing treatments for your own projects

Some light preparation work may be required in-between sessions.

Please bring paper, pens, a laptop  and your imagination.

DATES
Friday 5 to Monday 8 July
(4 days)
Registration (Day 1): from 10.00 am
Course: from 10.30 am - 5.00 pm


VENUE 
South Lodge
Chesham 
Buckinghamshire

UNDERGROUND STATION: CHESHAM - at the end of the Metropolitan line, one hour from central London, approx. 15 mins from M1 and M25 motorways

The venue is a 7 minute walk from the station and set in the Chiltern hills, on the edge of an area of outstanding natural beauty. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and pubs nearby. We usually have at least one pub lunch all together

NB There will be free parking on the Saturday and Sunday, with limited parking availability on the Friday and Monday. If you need local accommodation, please enquire.

PRICE
£390 (concessions £350*)

CAPACITY
Max 8 people

FURTHER DETAILS
Email or phone 07989 382549
*We offer the concessionary rate to all usual Concessions as well as to members of these affiliated organisations.  If you are a member of one of these organisations, please book at the concessionary rate and show your membership card to the course tutor at registration.
TUTOR
Anji Loman Field has been writing drama for television, radio and film for over two decades. A former contract writer for EastEnders, she has also written for BBC’s Holby City and Doctors, for whom she occasionally still writes. 

​She penned 40 episodes of Taste of Life for BBC Media Action in Cambodia and was the creator and show-runner of BBC MA's House of Many Windows, set in Vietnam. She is currently in development with two drama series for television and a feature film.

Anji has taught at the London Institute (LCP), West Herts College, the RCA, the Central Film School and for BBC Media Action in South East Asia and North Africa. Her former students include Mike Bullen, creator of Cold Feet and writer/producer/director Sean McConville (Deadline; The Quiet Hour).