Channel 4 x NFTS: Script and Story
Channel 4 and the National Film and Television School (NFTS) have an exciting week of online sessions that are all free and open to anyone to join. The theme of the week is Script and Story. Kicking off on Monday 26th June, these exciting sessions will offer unique insights from a wide range of film & television experts, who will share their expertise and discuss the opportunities & challenges of successfully bringing your stories to life on the screen.
MONDAY 26TH JUNE 2023
10:30 – 12:00 Masterclass with John Yorke – In Search of the Perfect Story
In this opening masterclass, John Yorke, widely acknowledged as the UK’s foremost expert on story, will take you on a tour on the origins of narrative structure, and how you can apply it to tell increasingly powerful narratives. There will be the chance to ask John questions at the end of the session.
16:00 – 17:00 Writers’ Rooms: Managing One, Working in One and Putting Them Together
In this session, screenwriter Matthew Barry will focus on UK & UK writers’ rooms. He will address frequently asked questions, unpack some of the concerns and potential pitfalls, as well as give advice on how to get the most out of the room, whatever its size or duration.
TUESDAY 27TH JUNE 2023
09:00 – 10:00 Drama Compliance – How To Get Away with Murder!
Join Channel 4’s Drama Compliance Editors, Danielle Jenkins & Ritu Emmerson, as they help you to navigate the tricky world of complying script content and how Channel 4 can support you.
11:00 – 12:00 Adapting Games Narrative to the Screen
Screenwriter Jessica Sinyard will join in conversation with Neil McPhillips (Head of Games, Operations) and Alan McDonald (Development Executive and screenwriter) from Blazing Griffin to discuss the challenges and nuances of adapting gaming narrative to the screen, from both a games and a screenwriting/production perspective. How do you translate the interactive experience into a linear story.
14:00 – 15:00 Adapting for the Screen
In this session, screenwriter Andrea Gibb (Mayflies, Elizabeth Is Missing, Swallow & Amazons) & Claire Armspach, Head of Drama Development at STV will discuss what the opportunities and pitfalls are of adapting from a book or real-life source material.
WEDNESDAY 28TH JUNE 2023
10:00 – 11:00 Comedy Writing – The Mask Slips
Screenwriter & director, Hannah Robinson, will discuss the theory of the Comedy Mask and the techniques with which to make your comedy scripts work harder. There will be the chance, at the end of the session, to ask Hannah questions.
12:00 – 13:00 From Soaps and Continuing Dramas to Getting Your Own TV Show
In this session with Ben Wadey, Commissioning Executive at Channel 4, we will explore the pathways available through development and the transition from soaps to continuing drama to getting your own TV show commissioned.
14:00 – 15:30 Script Analysis & The Magic of Feedback
Join Jordi Wijnalda (filmmaker, festival programmer and film teacher) as he examines how a screenplay can actually improve on the way to becoming a film. This one-off interactive workshop examines some of the intricacies of script analysis – as well as the power of critical, yet generous, feedback – on the journey from script to screen. It aims to enhance the working relationships between writers, directors, producers, and those closest to them in the creative process and, by extension, the lasting quality of the films they make together.
THURSDAY 29TH JUNE 2023
10:00 – 12:00 Pitch Me Perfect
Whether you’re writing, directing, or producing, and whether your project is a short, feature, or TV series, you’ll likely be doing a lot of pitching! The good news is that pitching skills can be learned easily and adapted to your project, pitching circumstances, and your own personality. This session covers it all. Learn to identify your project’s hook and make it exciting, prepare effectively, and deliver a perfect pitch in various situations. Discover strategies for managing nerves, showcasing authenticity, and creating connections. PITCH ME PERFECT is a fun and interactive session with ample Q&A time. The session is led by Sasha Damjanovski, writer, director and producer and coach specialising in pitching and public speaking.
13:00 – 14:00 Script Editing & Development
David P Davis (Founder & Creative Director of 5 Acts Productions) and Gwawr Lloyd (Drama Commissioning Editor, Channel 4) discuss the realities of the script development process, with views from both sides of the table.
15:00 – 16:30 Virtual Production and Storytelling
Screenwriter Steven Lally will take us through the creative processes involved in the making of Fireworks – one of the very first films in the UK to be made using real-time Virtual Production technology within an LED volume. This session will include a screening of the film and a chance to ask questions at the end.
FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2023
10:00 – 11:00 Next Steps For Your Script
Join New Writing North alongside a panel of industry speakers, as they host a session for inspiring screenwriters with advice and expertise on building your profile, sustaining a career, finding an agent and looking for opportunities.
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