Screenwriting and Writing Holiday Course


Writing in La Creuse
The Screenwriting Course
Home	The Screenwriting Course	The Tutors	Accommodation	Contact

Brief Course Introduction

I wanted to create a writing course that was rigorous and would push the participant further quickly, whilst still being enjoyable. I have taken the key elements of my MA in Screenwriting Course and condensed it. The aim? To give a massive kick-start for anyone interested in writing for the screen be it TV or film. We will concentrate on structure. Without structure a story is just an amusement. We all have stories, but if we don’t tell them well, we will soon lose our audience.

People who have been on previous courses that I ran did so for various reasons. Yes, there have been a hardcore of students who have wished to break into the TV or film industry as a writer, but I have also had script editors, producers and directors who wished to greater understand the most important element of any film, the screenplay.

There have also been those interested in other areas of writing, theatre, short stories and novels that have needed a more structured approach to their work. And there have been those participants who came along because they were just interested. All will be welcome on this course.

What I promise is an enjoyable but rigorous course that will improve you as a writer. Bill Dawson

Course Outline

Programme

Some Questions Answered

'I found the structure and how to build ideas really helpful. The overall content is exactly what I was looking for. I thoroughly enjoyed the course, I'll come away feeling I'm in a position to write a script that is viable.' D. Robertson, 2008 course.

'It had all the makings of a low budget horror B movie! Accomplished writer/director stuck in a French Farmhouse with a group of (as yet) unknowns. But it had a true Hollywood commercial ending with a bunch of inspired, motivated, (more) self confident bunch of wannabe writers heading off into the sunset!!' C. Malcolm, 2006 course.

'This course is exactly what I was looking for. It was interesting, full of 'must know' information. I am really pleased, and feel fully equipped to start scriptwriting when I get back home.' F. Taylor, 2007 course.

Course Outline

The course will focus on story, structure and character. There will be two workshops a day, plus one to one tutorials. The course more or less will follow the pattern below, although it is natural with creative work that finishing times may have to be a little flexible.

The days will start at 8am to 9am monday to Friday for breakfast, and 8.30am to 9am Saturday and Sunday. From 10am to 12pm will be Workshop Session 1. Lunch will be from 12pm to 1.30pm. and Workshop Session 2 will be from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. There will be a break from 3.30pm to 4.30pm for tea/coffee. Session 3 from 4.30pm to 6.30pm will be for individual/collaborative projects (with tuition if necessary). Evening meal is served 6.45pm to 7.15pm.

Although the main focus of this course is on screenwriting the elements contained within it will also be of great benefit to all writers.

Tuition time, 2006

Secluded beach on our day off, Lac de Vassiviere, France 2006 & 07.

Evening meal in the Salon, 2006

Programme
The programme may alter slightly from the description below. This is to give you an idea of how the week is planned.

Day 1:

Arrival at St. Deiniol's after 2.30pm, all evening meals are served 6.45pm to 7.15pm.

Days 2 & 3:

Originating a story, openings, and the basic tools for screenwriting.

Day 4:

Three Act Structure.
Afternoon off, a chance to explore the local area, have a trip into Liverpool, Chester or have a culture change & shop till you drop at Cheshire Oaks shopping center!

Day 5 & 6:

Three Act Structure continued. Character & dialogue.

Day 7:

Back to Top

Breakfast and Departure

'A helpful and clear exposition of film structure and related topics. It was lively and interactive with plenty of opportunities for questions.' S. Curran, 2008 course.

Some Questions Answered

What level of writing experience do I need to have for the course?

Many people who want to write are good in particular areas such as creating characters, using great dialogue or can come up with fantastic ideas for story lines. Most writers though struggle with structuring the story. This course is therefore for new writers, and more experienced writers who struggle with structure.

What is so special about this course?

What's so special is Bill's style of teaching and particularly how he focuses on structure. The philosophy and approach Bill adopts towards screenwriting is that many scripts fail in Film and TV due to the lack of, or emphasis on structure - basically speaking you can have good characters, great dialogue etc. But if the structure is weak it won't make a good story. It's special because it is both a rigorous course - but also fun!

How many people will there be in the group?

Generally speaking we like to keep the group small, we find this works best to ensure that everyone receives a good level of one to one tuition. Therefore the group will be for between 6 to 12 people.

What is the level of experience of the tutors? Please see the Tutor biography.

What kind of writing project is the course aimed at?

The course is aimed primarily at screen writing for TV and film. However the course will benefit people who want to learn about other forms of writing such as novels and plays. (it does not cover poetry)

Will I learn about the business, e.g. finding a producer/publisher?

There will be time to discuss how to get into TV if the participants require this. In addition this area can be discussed informally in the evenings where specific questions can be asked.

Can I bring along a script/piece of work I've already written?

You can bring along a piece of work which you would like to develop further, but there won't be enough time for these to be read individually by the tutors.

Do I bring along my own lap top?

If you want to use a lap top please bring your own with you, it's not necessary for the course, but you may prefer to use one. No computers are provided.

Receiving the end of course certificate
The end of the course - a well deserved certificate!

Home	The Screenwriting Course	The Tutors	Accommodation	Contact
Contact Us: E.mail