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

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

Many successful TV and film screenwriters 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 a reputation and make contacts.

But what's it like to work on a  team-written show? What really goes on inside a Writers' Room?

This online workshop 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 practices common in the industry,  learning about issues you would face in the real world including those of continuity, logistics, cast and budget. There will be plenty of practical experience along the way.

​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 writer who wants to understand how TV drama series operate and to gain practical experience in a Virtual Writers' Room from a professional writer/showrunner.

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

​The maximum number of students for each module is 10, so please book early.
CONTENT

Session 1:

  • Examine genre, formats and concepts - including location, settings and identifying story potential
  • Discover how a real commissioning document evolves into a finished episode

Session 2:

  • Pitch your idea for a brand new show to a "fantasy" commissioning editor - with feedback. (You will be sent a detailed brief and tips for this in advance.)
  • Create a concept for a team show, with your tutor as showrunner. Decide on format, genre, setting, tone and duration.

Session 3:

  • 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 

Session 4:
​
  • Look at multi-stranded storylining for an existing TV drama series
  • Study the structure - and scene functions - of an existing TV drama episode
  • Explore broad-stroke story "beats" for one main character, for Season 1 of our team-written drama series​

Session 5:

  • Create a "beat sheet" for the first episode of our fantasy TV show
  • Constructing a scene in a multi-stranded drama
  • ​Plan to write a short “commissioned” scene before final session

Session 6:

  • Your characters and stories will be brought to life with a table read of your scene (it's not compulsory to perform but as "writing is acting for shy people" usually there are enough people willing to take part)
  • Professional feedback on your scene
  • Explore log lines, pitch documents and writing treatments for your own projects

Some light preparation work will be required in-between sessions.
EVENING SESSIONS
2 SESSIONS PER WEEK X 3 WEEKS:
TUESDAY AND THURSDAY EVENINGS
FROM 6.30- 9.00PM
DATES:
MAY 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21

PRICE
£198 (concessions £178*)

CAPACITY
Max 10 people

FURTHER DETAILS
Email anji.lomanfield@euroscript.co.uk
*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 (LCC), 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).
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