First Draft Doctor Scriptwriting Training Course in Writing for Film

The course is designed to be studied in the home and its modular nature makes it perfect for 'distance learning' in this way. It is based over a 10 week timeframe, however, the course can be completed over a shorter or longer timeframe - whichever suits the student's particular needs. A strong practical element has been introduced to all the courses which means you will be writing from the outset - and your work will be scrutinised to aid learning.

Each week, you will be sent a training module (online by email attachment (Adobe .PDF or MS Word) or by post by prior arrangement) which contains specific topic information and a practical assignment to complete - some modules are designed to cover a two or three week period. Practical assignments should be completed and returned for marking before receiving the following topic module. However, the course timeframe is open to the individual student's needs, hence practical assignments can be completed over a matter of weeks if necessary.

The student is encouraged to use this time to apply the techniques learned to his/her own script ideas. Therefore, the course will encourage and help the student devise a feature (film) script from the outset. The script storyline will be constructed using essential feature writing techniques; characters will be created which highlight the story content and enhance the script narrative; dramatic structure, thematic content, and other visual considerations will also be discussed as they apply to the script.

Course content is as follows:

Writing for Film Modules
Film Genres and Conventions - Overview
Story structure - narrative; exposition; backstory; 3 act structure; beyond the 3 act structure; subplot; resolution etc.
Treatments, synopsis, story building aids
Script format - industry standard layout, freeware templates, professional software
Theme - leit motifs, visuals, and how to create the emotional hook
Character creation - antagonists, protagonists, mentors, heroes, villains, etc.
Dialogue - how film characters speak
Creating dynamic visuals and locations
Selling your script - agents, producers, pitching etc.
Course summary - questions, final student assessment

Modules are subject to change to include up to date information.

Payment can be paid in full or by installment (installment payments are spread over the course duration):
The First Draft Doctor Scriptwriting Training Course in Writing for Film - £130 UK Sterling (or 2 x £50 UK Sterling plus final £30 UK Sterling)

If you should like to enrol now, please send your full payment, or first installment (£50 UK Sterling), to:

The First Draft Doctor
11 Byan Close
Threemilestone
Truro
Cornwall
TR11 3BZ

Cheques should be made to: Ascent New Media Design

Please use the online booking form for credit card payments