'Thanks so much again, I had an amazing time and learnt so much. You were right, simple, but not easy. Everything makes sense, the model (3 act structure) will make everything so much easier.' D. de Lautour, course 2006.
The Screenwriting Course
This years course will be in the Welsh Borders at St. Deiniol's Library in Hawarden, Flintshire.
Dates: Monday 18th August to Sunday 24th August 2008
St. Deiniol’s Library
Courses Reviewed in Writers’ Forum, a national magazine and in Living France.
This year we will be running the screenwriting course in Wales, in previous years we have run courses in France. Our friends Tim & Marion, who ran La Borderie in France, have retired so we have sought out and found this new venue at St. Deiniol’s Library on the Welsh Borders.
Our Philosophy: We really enjoy running writing courses, and hope that this will be reflected in how you experience your course, and your time with us in Wales this year. We only run a few courses a year because we want these courses, which ever you choose, to be a one off enjoyable & stimulating experience where you will learn how to write.
The courses and the experience we believe is highly personal, we don't want to dilute this, and the individual attention you'll receive, by running many many courses. We hope that you enjoy it as much as we do. Bill & Rebecca
'It is probably the most user friendly course I have done. The course was presented in an easy to digest manner, all the information was critical to understanding usage. It has provided a basis I can call on when attempting to follow my dream in the real world constraints of time and distractions.' M. Hickey, Course 2007.
"I knew nothing about scriptwriting/screenwriting when I went on Bill
Dawson's course. Within a year I had won the BBC Talent Drama Writer
competition and been commissioned for my first TV script. As well as
teaching writing skills, Bill draws on his own experience of working in
the business. Without his advice, I wouldn't have been prepared for any
of the realities, such as how to cope with numerous rewrites or pitch to
producers, and might well have sunk without trace." Linda Thompson, Writer, Casualty.
"Bill knows everything there is to know about scriptwriting - and somehow he manages to make it all really interesting! He is a truly inspiring teacher and I'd probably be stacking shelves if I hadn't stumbled upon his class 10 years ago. Go, enjoy - and listen to what the man says. He knows what he's talking about." Johanne McAndrew, Writer, Nice Guy Eddie, Holby City, Casualty, Dalziel and Pascoe and more
"I started Bill's course as a writer of plays. I learnt more
about structure and writing in general than I have done since - well - ever really!
Bill's almost limitless knowledge of story, his unfailing enthusiasm
and always constructive advice, helped me clarify not just what it
takes to be a screenwriter but why I want to write.
Since the course, my first short film has been produced by The Film Council and shortlisted for Raindance and BAFTA and I am presently
working on re-writes for two feature scripts." Alison Down, Raindance and BAFTA 2006 nominated writer
"An extensive and enthusiastic exploration of the screenwriting process. Informative, entertaining and - importantly - utterly inspiring!" Chris Edge, Writer
"Bill's course not only taught me the Holy Trinity of the three act structure,
but also how to go about nurturing a feature idea from concept stage right
through to final draft and even pitching skills to nail that all important
first commission.
Bill's entertaining and encouraging approach inspired both self belief and
determination when morale was low.
I would highly recommend Bill's course to anyone who wants to cut it as an
industry writer." Colin O’Donnell Storyliner on Hollyoakes and has a film in development.
"As a direct result of studying with Bill Dawson, I achieved a Distinction in a Master of Arts in Screenwriting - AND, I now have two production companies vying to produce my first short film! Bill is a first-rate screenwriter of great professional experience, and an equally experienced tutor whose teaching methods are proven. All of his courses are guaranteed to provide instruction, enjoyment and, if students are prepared to work, success!" Kevin Rogers, Writer
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Cost
'The 'structure' lessons were invaluable - debunked the myth of writing, Steve's insights into the TV industry was honest and encouraging, Bill & Steve are two normal blokes who turned a vague desire into a full time profession - gives us all a great boost to think 'yeah, maybe I can do it!' C. Malcolm, Course 2006.
The Writing in Wales Course. The full costs for the course 2008:
£538.00 sole room occupancy
En-suite supplement: £12.00 per room per night.
Additional Person – Not attending the course:
£318.00 for your companion to stay at St. Deiniol’s Library, in shared occupancy and not attend the course.
£348.00 for your companion to stay St. Deiniol’s Library, in sole occupancy and not attend the course.
A minimum deposit of £100.00 can be paid to secure a place.
These cost includes
all specified tuition, full board at St. Deiniol's with a continental breakfast, lunch, evening meal and refreshments.
Bedrooms are single, twin or double. Some rooms (3 doubles and 3 single) have en-suite facilities, two of the single rooms with on-suite are downstairs for disabled access, however these can become double rooms. All other rooms have wash-hand basins with bathroom facilities nearby. Smoking is strictly prohibited in all areas of the Library including the bedrooms.
'Ultimately the information about how to structure a screenplay has been the most useful. The most enjoyable part was the combination of the people, the tasks and the hospitality.' S. Chapman, Course 2006.
It's very easy, all you have to do is e.mailorphone me and I'll send/e.mail you a booking form. Once you have completed, signed and enclosed a cheque for the full payment or a minimum deposit of £100.00 per person and returned it to me, I'll then confirm your place and send you further details.
You can also pay the full amount by bank transfer. Or by Paypal, however you must pay the charges incurred. Please ask for details. Paypal accepts the following cards:
Please do not book your travel arrangements etc. until your place on the course has been confirmed.
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French Cottage
La Bo Bo cottage is an ideal place to stay if you are looking for a holiday break in France, separate from the course. It's great if you enjoy both sightseeing in towns and villages, and the peace and quiet of countryside walks. It's also an ideal base if you are house hunting in the area. La Bo Bo sleeps four people in one double bedroom, and one twin bedroom.
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Contact
Rebecca Woods
If you'd like to find out more about the courses or have any further questions - maybe you are unsure if the course is right for you? or you need some more specific information? or if you just need a booking form? please e.mail Rebecca, leaving your contact details so we can get back to you. We are also happy to talk in person if you would like to discuss the course, and what you are looking for. Back to Top
