I've Got an Idea for a Film: Screenwriting Retreat



Overview

The course introduces screenwriting concepts and procedures that you will apply the same day. Establishing a collaborative environment, students share their work to experience its emotive impact.  We then look at the film and TV industries, with established roles and individual creators, to find potential collaborators to approach with their scripts.

Whilst there is no pressure to finish your first draft screenplay, you will have a structured opportunity with plenty of support to make a start and learn what you can do to get it made into a film or series.

Programme details

Session 1

Introduction: Genre, character and structure

Session 2

Pitch development, tutorials, pitch presentation

Session 3

The Beat Sheet: discussion and tutorials

Session 4

The Beat Sheet tutorials and walk-through

Session 5

The Screenplay Format: briefing and exercises

Session 6

Screenwriting practice, tutorials and table read

Session 7

The role of the producer and director

Session 8

Screenwriting practice, tutorials and table read

Session 9

The business case for your film

Session 10

Screenwriting practice, tutorials and table read

Session 11

The ethics of storytelling, story development and writing schedule

Session 12

Tutorials, final round up on values and plans

 

Fees

Description Costs
Programme Fee (No Accommodation - inc. Tuition, Lunch & Dinner) £850.00
Programme Fee (Standard Single Room - inc. Tuition and Meals) £1485.00
Programme Fee (Standard Twin Room - inc. Tuition and Meals) £1245.00
Programme Fee (Superior Single Room - inc. Tuition and Meals) £1600.00
Programme Fee (Superior Twin Room - inc. Tuition and Meals) £1345.00

Tutor

Mr Carl Schoenfeld

Tutor

Carl has three decades’ film industry experience as writer, director and producer. He pioneered fresh approaches across filmmaking and education. His award-winning productions with the BBC, Channel4/Film4, BFI, including BAFTA nominated 'A Sarajevo Diary' and Ben Whishaw starrer 'My Brother Tom', embraced new technology and launched the talent involved.

Course aims

This course aims to give you a well-structured and supported start to write a screenplay. Alongside this, you will develop an understanding of the film/TV industry context and explore which creative approaches are right for you.

Teaching methods

All summer school courses are taught through group seminars and individual tutorials. Students also conduct private study when not in class and there is a well stocked library at OUDCE to support individual research needs.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be expected to:

  • Pitch a creative idea
  • Extend this into a short story
  • Write this into screenplay form
  • Understand what is needed when looking for industry partners

Assessment methods

Students are assessed during the summer school by either a 1500 word written assignment or a presentation supported by individual documentation. To successfully gain credit (10 CATS points) students should attend all classes and complete the on-course assignment. There is also a pre-course assignment of 1000 words set. Although this does not count towards credit, it is seen as an important way of developing a student's ideas and therefore its completion is mandatory.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support