TELLING TRUE STORIES
for the screen
new - online VERSION
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OVERVIEW
It is estimated that perhaps half of films and television currently made is based on true stories and real lives. Good reason, then, that these projects are perennially popular with writers and producers. But finding, researching, developing, writing and making true stories and real lives into viable films or television series that work dramatically and resonate with the public is often trickier than expected. Successful projects, while technically solid, usually bring something extra to the underlying material. This workshop helps creatives plan how to approach the process, navigate the pitfalls and shape their own ideas for individual projects. Participants should leave with an understanding of how they can move their narrative to another level while staying true to its origins. WORKSHOP CONTENT In the workshop we will unpack the differences between various types of true story and biopics. We will also look at different ways we can approach true stories and real lives and transform them into strong screenplays that, while respecting the underlying material, have contemporary relevance that resonates with audiences. We will look at some of the technical, ethical and legal aspects that are particularly important when transforming a true story or real life into a viable screen project. Working in groups using material provided by the tutor, participants assess how different approaches can shape outcomes. Participants then workshop their own ideas*, honing how to approach to their material and drafting a new synopsis or verbal pitch by the end of the day. *All participants agree to respect confidentiality when sharing their own projects. Anyone not wishing to share their own project can work with material provided by the tutor. TRUE STORIES INCUBATOR Workshop participants are eligible to join the True Stories Incubator, a monthly, invitation-only development session where projects grow from ideas and research into outlines and scripts, and from there out to the industry. TUTOR ELIZABETH CLEGG I’m a writer, teacher, script editor and development consultant, specialising in stories based on true events and real people. My original feature biopic is in production development and I am currently Development Consultant on a major sports biopic. I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Institute and have designed, taught and assessed screenwriting and creative writing courses for: Bectu; Euroscript; Goldsmiths (University of London): London College of Communication (University of the Arts London); Roehampton University; the London Film Academy; the National Film and Television School; the UK Film Council; the British Council; the Commonwealth Media Development Fund; the European Development Fund; NorthWest Vision; and the UNESCO Programme for Creative Content. |
DETAILS
DATE Saturday, 15th November 2025 10:30AM - 5:00PM BOOKING NOW CLOSED - IN-PERSON AND ONLINE COURSES COMING AGAIN IN EARLY 2026 PRICING Partners and Concession price* £85 Full price £95 *We offer a discounted price to members of our affiliated organisations - BECTU, Directors UK, the Society of Authors, Women in Films and TV and the Writers Guild of Great Britain - and to students, seniors and other concession holders. Proof of status required. ScreenSkills bursaries may be available for this course. For more information and eligibility criteria, visit their website at www.screenskills.com/training/ . PAY IN 3 STAGES, FOR FREE! If you have a PayPal account in good standing, you can pay for your workshop in 3 stages as follows: 1st payment - at time of purchase; 2nd payment - 30 days; 3rd payment - 60 days. Click on PayPal Button at Check Out. Select PAYPAL OFFERS. What do former participants say?
"...brilliant session [...] the pace and interaction were just right and complimented the incredibly well delivered information, what a gift for you to share your knowledge with us." Deborah Telling True Stories for the Screen "It was a privilege to access your knowledge and insights to screenwriting and its industry. I learned plenty both from yourself and my fellow students that was relevant to my specific project, as well as to the larger business of getting a film to the screen." Nigel Telling True Stories for the Screen "Uncanny! She knew exactly what we were thinking, what we were going to ask and what we needed to hear, almost before we did." Gill and Elaine True Stories Incubator Your workshop was terrific! I found it informative, stimulating and brimming with insight. I am jammed packed full of ideas for my project and have a renewed determination. Your knowledge and experience shines through! Chris Telling True Stories for the Screen |
