TRUE STORIES INCUBATOR
by invitation only
Next in-person Telling True Stories for the Screen course
runs on friday, 6th march 2026 - booking details coming soon
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TELLING TRUE STORIES - RECAP
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. Finding, researching, developing, writing and making true stories and real lives into viable films or television series that work dramatically is often trickier than expected. Successful projects, while technically solid, usually bring something extra to the underlying material. The Telling True Stories for the Screen workshop, which precedes the True Story Incubator, helps creatives plan how to approach the process, navigate the pitfalls and shape their own ideas for individual projects. TRUE STORIES INCUBATOR - RATIONALE Participants come away from the Telling True Stories for the Screen workshop with an understanding of how they can move their narrative to another level while staying true to its origins. Working in a small group, they now commit to develop their material, progressing the project to a stage when it is ready to share with producers, directors, agents or talent. True Story Incubator currently runs on selected Tuesday or Wednesday evenings. Each session, for up to five projects, lasts two and a half hours, from 19:00 to 21:30, which gives at least 30 minutes feedback on each project, longer when there are fewer participants. Sessions vary depending on the work submitted, but may cover such things as: research; legal and ethical issues; navigating between true story and compelling drama; feedback on outlines, treatments or pitch documents; and feedback on segments of screenplays (please note that these sessions are not designed to give feedback on a complete screenplay). The weekend before each session participants share material with the tutor who, on Sunday evening, shares everything received to all those attending, who undertake to read the materials before the session. There is no set formula for what to submit. It could be anything from talking through the challenges you are encountering when developing you story for the screen, testing a logline, feedback on a synopsis, outline, or short treatment (up to four pages in Courier 12), a TV series bible or character thumbnails (up to six pages in Courier 12) or feedback on 10-12 pages of screenplay. All documents are submitted as attachments in PDF format. As well as getting a chance to receive feedback on your own ideas, you also develop your own story and script editing skills by working on other people's projects. If you have not yet worked professionally, these sessions also help prepare you to receive feedback from script editors, producers, directors, and to navigate the challenges this presents. Writers who took part in 2025 talked about the benefits of creative collaboration focussed on the challenges of Telling True Stories for the Screen. |
TRUE STORY INCUBATOR LEADER ELIZABETH CLEGG I’m a writer, script editor and development consultant, specialising in stories based on true events and real people. I have an original feature biopic is in production development and I am currently Development Consultant on a sports biopic. I have designed, taught or 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. WHO CAN TAKE PART? True Story Incubator is open to participants who have taken Elizabeth Clegg’s Telling True Stories for the Screen course or have worked with her on a project based on a true story. Writing partners with a single project are welcome to join but must advise the tutor of both names/emails in advance of the session. Please use email link below to contact the tutor. DATES: Selected Tuesday or Wednesday evenings. NEXT SESSION Wednesday, 25th February 2026 19:00-21:30 VENUE: Online GROUP SIZE: Maximum five projects COST: £35 per session If you are interested in developing a true story but are not able to take part in the Incubator sessions, please contact Elizabeth via email link below. |
