Every great movie begins with a great screenplay

25 July, 2016 - 11:40

Every great movie begins with a great screenplay. It's the key to everything that follows: the deals, the co-production agreements, the investors, the production - the awards.

So if you're interested in making movies, you have to be interested in writing screenplays. Which is why Allaboutwriting is offering a ten-module online course in screenwriting skills and techniques. Devised and moderated by two of South Africa's most experienced television and film writers - Mich le Rowe and Richard Beynon - the course is intensely practical with generous feedback and commentary.

Whether you have only the first vague stirrings of an idea for a movie, have already formulated that idea and want to take it forward, or simply want to find out how to go about writing a screenplay, this is the platform from which to launch your project.

The course will teach you the essential elements that make up a screenplay: how to tell a great story, how to develop compelling characters, and the rules of effective plotting and structure.

Allaboutwriting's been in the business of teaching ambitious writers the skills of creative writing, for both fiction and non-fiction, for eight years.

Rowe and Beynon devised this course in response to a growing number of requests for precisely such a programme.

We'll release one module a week to participants. Each will introduce the coursework and will include practical exercises to do in your own time. Each module ends with an assignment to which you'll receive personal written feedback from the two moderators. Your feedback for the final module will be done via Skype or at a face-to-face session in Jo'burg and Cape Town.

COST: R 7 500

START DATE: 1 AUGUST 2016

WHO SHOULD DO THE COURSE?

Anyone who is interested in writing for film. The easy-to-learn principles taught on the course can be used in all aspects of writing.

Beginners who have never written before, but would love to learn how to craft a story for film.

Professional or semi-professional writers working in other mediums, such as journalists, playwrights or novelists, who wish to acquire an added skill.

Screenwriters who may be stuck' and are looking for a different perspective on a project, or who want to refresh themselves on the basic rules of structure, character and story.

Documentary or magazine programme makers who want to learn how to use screenwriting skills to structure exciting, dramatic content.

Anyone who has a great idea for a movie but does not know how to take it one step further in order to interest investors or producers.

We are a nation of extraordinary stories, and producers and content providers are always looking for good, skilled writers to craft these into the medium of film. This programme will help you to do just that.

WHAT IS THE COURSE CURRICULUM?

The programme will focus on the following key elements of screenwriting over ten modules:

Story

Characters

The Protagonist

The Antagonist

The Inciting Incident

Conflict

Climax

The Ending

Assembling Beats

The Outline

WHAT HAVE PAST PARTICIPANTS SAID ABOUT ALLABOUTWRITINGS SCRIPTWRITING COURSES?

It was an altogether positive experience to learn new things (and be reminded of things that one has taken for granted/allowed to fade away with experience') regarding the making of a brilliant scene. - Nk'iru Njoku

A big thank you to Richard for opening up your wealth of knowledge and understanding to us. As a young filmmaker, I consider that a great legacy that you are passing on to some of us. It's an honour and a privilege. Amukela Moyo

I finally met Richard whom I have heard a lot of good things about - the guy is a legend in the South African TV and Film Industry. I realised what I was doing wrong as a storyliner and what I should be aware of as a scriptwriter when approaching writing scenes. Nonhlanhla Simelane

WHO WE ARE

Allaboutwriting is a partnership between Richard Beynon and Jo-Anne Richards who have both made their livings from writing for many years. They're passionate about good writing, and have devised the courses to help communicate that passion - plus the skills that make it all much more than an academic exercise - to others with a similar calling.

Mich le Rowe is a scriptwriter who has worked primarily as a head writer and story originator for television and film. Projects Mich le has originated, written or directed have been nominated for or won various awards, including an Oscar documentary and International Emmy nomination. At present she works as a script editor, teaches screenwriting and is completing her third novel for Penguin. She has a Master's Degree in Creative Writing from the University of Cape Town.

Richard Beynon is an award-winning film and television scriptwriter with a long and accomplished career in the local industry. He has written for - or headed the writing teams of - many of country's most popular soaps, dramas and comedies. These include S'gudi snaysi, Going Up, Soul City, Isidingo, Scandal, Rhythm City and Isibaya. He has lectured on writing for film and television at Wits.

For more information and to book your place on this exciting course please email us at admin@allaboutwritingcourses.com

www.allaboutwritingcourss.com

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