Script Factory: Script Developers Initiative

The foundation of good development is the ability to read and analyse a screenplay in order to ascertain its potential strengths as well as correctly identify the source of its weaknesses. Fluency in screenplay design and structure is clearly essential; however, equally important is sensitivity to a writer’s aims and the ability to turn analysis into constructive feedback that will further the creative process.

The UK Script Factory returns to Australia for the fifth time to present their renowned development workshop.

Over three days participants in the Script Developer’s Initiative will be introduced to a structured approach of assessing scripts and preparing a development strategy. By examining produced screenplays and reading early work by new screenwriters, participants will consider what makes a good screen story and learn to recognise screenwriting talent.

This is an intense and highly practical course. Participants will be required to read scripts and produce written feedback reports overnight between each day of teaching. All written work will be marked by a tutor and participants will receive individual feedback on their progress.

What is it?

The initiative is based on a workshop designed to enable participants to focus on the principles of screenplay development. Individuals apply to Screen Australia with demonstrated screenplay development experience, or achievements in a strongly related role.

The workshop will run from Monday 24 October to Wednesday 26 October 2011 in Sydney.

This initiative is aimed at those whose core professional commitment is to a development role.

The workshop

Screen Australia recognises rigorous craft-based script development is an essential part of the feature filmmaking process. The foundation of good development is the ability to read and analyse a screenplay in order to ascertain its potential strengths as well as correctly identify the source of its weaknesses. As a stand-alone practice in Australia, the script development role demands specific, tailored support from a number of experienced and relevant sources.

With a view to strengthening and advancing Australian screenwriting culture and its practitioners, Screen Australia is working with development training pioneer the UK Script Factory to assist professionals involved in the development side of filmmaking to hone their skills in a practical environment.

Workshop preparation

Prior to the workshop participants will be asked to read produced screenplays and watch some films. These will serve as examples throughout the course that can be referred to in detail.

In addition, participants will be asked to read an unproduced screenplay and prepare a brief synopsis and some rough notes.

Day One

The first day of the workshop will focus on the story.

Teaching will cover:

• Approaches to script reading and report writing style
• Writing synopses
• What makes a good screen story?
• Analysing premise and structure.

Overnight: Participants will continue to work with the same unproduced script and will be asked to write a revised synopsis section as well as comments on premise and structure.

Day Two

The second day of teaching will focus on the technical elements of writing for the screen.

Teaching will cover:

• Questions arising from overnight assignment
• Assessing primary and secondary characters
• Examining screenwriting skill: dialogue, pace and visual grammar.

At the end of the teaching day, all participants will have an individual meeting slot with a trainer to discuss their report feedback.
Overnight: Participants will be required to read a second unproduced screenplay and will be asked to make notes about the key points to make for a script report.

Day Three

The third day will cover:

• Running development meetings and the practical application of that in relation to the script read overnight
• The principles of genre
• The controlling idea
• Detective stories and thrillers – case study.

Fees

No fees are charged for applications to this program. Participants’ workshop fees will be paid for in full by Screen Australia.

Airfares and accommodation only of up to $800 or $1,000 (for WA applicants) per participant can be claimed (on provision of a valid tax invoice with appropriate receipts attached) for non-Sydney residents who take part in the workshop.

Eligibility

Please note this program is aimed specifically at professionals working in a development role and others whose professional commitment is finding and working with screenwriters.

• Applicants must have demonstrated experience as a producer, script editor or script development executive on narrative feature film drama. References will be required to support this criterion.
  
  
• Applicants must be available to undertake the workshop.
  
  
• Applicants must also meet the general eligibility requirements set out in Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade.

Assessment process

Applications will be assessed by a combination of Screen Australia Development Managers and industry specialists as required. Screen Australia will advise applicants of the success or otherwise of their application.

Assessment criteria

Screen Australia will take the following considerations into account when assessing applications for this program:

• The skills, experience and track record of the applicant.
  
  
• The applicant’s potential to apply their skills in a practical environment.
  
  
• The quality of the submitted script report or development notes.
  
  
• Clear evidence of the applicant’s intention to work in a development role.

Application materials

Applications must be submitted using the relevant Screen Australia form, and include all supporting material listed in the checklist on that form.

[Updated 2 August 2011]