Calling all emerging screenwriters wanting to learn more about the principles of writing!

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN AND CLOSE AT 5PM, 26 SEPTEMBER

Screen Queensland and Screenworks have engaged AFTRS to offer the ‘Introduction to Screenwriting Course’ which will teach participants how to create a short film they could take to festivals.

Delivered by Jayden Rathsam Hua, an award-winning Chinese-Australian writer and director well-known for his successful shorts, this course is designed to introduce participants to the craft of screenwriting which starts with a short film, along with some hands-on methods for building the foundation of character, storyline and structure.

The two-week course commences on 15 October. Eligible participants will partake in four online evening sessions along with an in-person event in Cairns on 30 October which will allow writers to network and also hear a read-through of their work by two local actors.

As part of the course and to help inspire the participants, Screenworks has collaborated with Port Shorts to offer discounted tickets to attend the Saturday night viewing on 19 October to be immersed in the world of short films and local film festivals. Port Shorts Festival Director, Alison George will then join the in-person event on 31 October to offer attendees insight into her world.

The course is designed to cover the following learning objectives:

• An introduction to how story ideas and story worlds are generated
• Outlining the main principles of classic screenwriting, and the difference between conventional and alternative structures
• The concepts of the three-act screen story, dramatic premise and theme
• Tools for developing character arcs
• Discover the practice of writing visual documents that reflect the ABC stories
• Learn the principles of writing scenes and sequences.

This course will be capped at 20 participants and each one will be selected via an application process where you will need to meet the following criteria:

Eligibility requirements:

• Applicants must be over 18 years of age to apply for this course.
• Applicants must be an Australian citizen or resident, living in North Queensland for a minimum of the past 6 months.
• Must be able to demonstrate a story/script they are currently writing.

Submission materials:

To be considered for this course you must have a story idea that you have already been working on. It can be in the very early stages of development.

• A basic treatment of your story which may include some of or all of the following:
  • Logline
  • Synopsis
  • Main character information
  • Statement (250 words) about the story you want to tell and why.
  • Script sample of up to 5 pages (optional)

This initiative is part of Screen Queensland’s North Queensland Regional Program delivered in partnership with Screenworks. Registration and personal information will be shared with Screen Queensland to assist with the delivery of future projects.

For more information, visit Screenworks