​A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO WRITING FOR THE SCREEN

CONTENT

A dynamic, hands-on 3-day workshop introducing the core principles of screenwriting.

Explore structure, character, dialogue, formatting and visual storytelling through a blend of practical exercises, group discussion and short film analysis, building to developing your own short film script.
 
CONTENT OVERVIEW

• Screenplay Structure
• Character Development
• Crafting Dialogue 
• Storytelling Techniques
• Writing a short film script
• Collaboration & Feedback

Day 1 – Foundations of Screenwriting

• Introduction to screenplay format and key structural principles  
• How to write a logline - and why you need one
• Short film storytelling: watch and discuss examples ranging from 2–20 minutes
• Writing visually
• How to introduce memorable characters 
• Crafting a one-page treatment

OVERNIGHT - ONE HOUR'S WRITING HOMEWORK
 
Day 2 – Crafting the Story
 

• Understanding story structure
• Inciting incidents: triggering momentum  
• Character arcs: tracking transformation through story
• Show, don’t tell: advancing plot through action    
• Writing dialogue that sounds natural and moves the story forward  
• Character voice and tone: ensuring distinction and authenticity  
• Opening scenes: exploring options and how they work

 
OVERNIGHT - ONE HOUR'S WRITING HOMEWORK
 
Day 3 – Fine-tuning your Script

• Share the first draft of your short film script
• Get feedback from the group and your tutor
• Rewrite/fine-tune your script

​Hands-on - come with laptop, paper and pens.

3-DAY WORKSHOP

DATES TBC - please contact tutor (see link below)

VENUE
BECTU
​100 Rochester Row 
London
SW1P 1JP

(The venue is fully accessible and is close to Victoria rail & underground stations.)

CLICK HERE FOR A MAP

PRICES: 
(SCROLL DOWN FOR OFFERS)
£330 Full price
£294 Concessions*
£264 BECTU member price**

*We offer the concessionary rate to full-time students as well as to members of these affiliated organisations.  If you are a member of one of these organisations.

​PAY IN 3 STAGES, FOR FREE!

If you have a PayPal account in good standing, you can pay in 3 stages as follows:

• 1st payment - at time of purchase
• 2nd payment - 30 days
• 3rd payment - 60 days

Click on the PayPal Button at Check Out and select PAYPAL OFFERS.

BOOKINGS WILL OPEN SOON

** FREE BURSARY PLACE AVAILABLE FOR 1 BECTU MEMBER:

In collaboration with Euroscript, Bectu is offering a free bursary place. To be eligible you must have been a member of Bectu for at least 1 year and be able to commit to attending the 3-day workshop in full.
Please complete the bursary application form, which can be accessed from Bectu via the link below, and ensure you carefully read the Bursary Criteria Information & Guidance.
​
Deadline for applications: TBC - the link will appear HERE in due course.

TUTOR
​Clive Ford, is a writer and film-maker. He attended London College of Communication where he obtained a Masters in Screenwriting.

He's taught screenwriting for University of Creative Arts in Farnham and University of Greenwich.

​He's written for the stage and directed two short films “Mother’s Day” and “Cold Call”, which had it’s UK premier at London’s Empire Leicester Square as part of Film 4 Frightfest.

​EMAIL TUTOR CLIVE FORD FOR FURTHER INFO:

MORE INFORMATION