Development Plus 07

DEVELOPMENT PLUS (FOR BEGINNERS)

A FIVE-DAY course aimed at Northwest-based writers with little or no experience in feature film writing. Presented by Simon Van Der Borgh.

Saturday October 6 to Monday October 8 (three days) and Wednesday November 7 to Thursday November 8 (two days).
The Redhead Room, BBC Oxford Road, Manchester

Places are limited to 12 participants. There will be a small charge of £25.

Application deadline: 1pm Monday 10th September 2007

The Development Plus course is designed to provide writers with a range of practical and sophisticated development tools that they can readily apply to their feature film ideas, helping them develop industry ready screenplays.

The course is led by established feature film writer, Simon Van Der Borgh, and was inspired by the teaching and work of Frank Daniel, a Czech filmmaker who founded the graduate screenwriting programme at the University of Southern California, USA. Frank’s approach to screenwriting work is still used at USC and taught all over the world by his many followers.

"During the first 3 days we focus on character, story and structure and then during days 4 &5 we will concentrate primarily on scene-writing," says Simon. "Scenes are the motor of any screen story, and if we can write better scenes, we will consequently write better stories, with clearer, more developed characters in more interesting situations. So I do my 'Introduction to Scene-writing' lecture on the first morning, then set the participants 3 practical scene-writing exercises during the following day and a half."

The Development Plus course will be taught with a mixture of lectures, interactive seminars, film analysis sessions and practical exercises. Please note there will be some work to complete each evening in preparation for the next day.

The programme aims to improve the writing skills of new writers to increase your chance of being successful in future schemes and funding awards.

Days 1, 2 and 3 will be delivered in October 2007 and will provide:

· An overview of drama theory with an explanation of some key techniques that can be used to develop better screenplays.
· Analysis of the key elements required to makes a successful screenplay.
· How stories are constructed, including an overview of structure and creating and sustaining dramatic tension.

· Day 1 Saturday 6th October
· Day 2 Sunday 7th October
· Day 3 Monday 8th October

Days 4 and 5 will be delivered in November and will consist of:

· A series of practical exercises to generate characters and story outlines.
· How to create and develop compelling characters in a screenplay.
· An understanding of the film industry and the kinds ofprojects that are currently being put inot development.

· Day 4 Wednesday 7th November
· Day 5 Thursday 8th November

This Development Plus Programme is funded through Northwest Vision and Media's Lottery programme. Please read through the Programme Guidelines and our general Lottery Guidelines to help you in making your application.

TO APPLY, PLEASE DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION FORM.

Travel & Accommodation Bursaries
If you live more than 50 miles away from Manchester you might be able to apply for support towards travel and accommodation.
Please contact Northwest Vision and Media’s Funding department to see if you are eligible.

Deadline for applications is 1pm Monday 10th September 2007.