Training

Other courses at this level

Introduction to Screenwriting.

Since 2003 OFVM has been running this Introduction to Screenwriting course which is one of our most popular courses. The course was originally based on one developed by the UK film council, (which OFVM piloted for them), but over the years the course has been updated and enhanced by course tutor Jon Spira. This improved course is aimed at writers who want to learn the art of screenwriting or filmmakers who want to develop their writing skills. Over the course, you will cover everything from developing ideas, stories and plots to research, premises, characterization, genres, adaptations, outlines, treatments, dialogue and the re-write. You will also write a short script which will be evaluated for you and receive an individual tutorial from the tutor.

Cost

£243 (includes10 per cent early booking discount if booked by 14th September 2010 - EU citizens)

£270 Subsidised rate for EU citizens

£320 Full price for non-EU citizens. (Non-Eu citizens with indefinite leave to remain can pay subsidised rate - proof required.)

£135 - includes 50% discount for people on benefits, proof required, (income support, JSA, Housing Benefit, Council tax benefit, pension credit (guarantee), asylum seeker, unwaged dependent of someone on these benefits

Please note: This course is aimed at writers who want to learn the art of screenwriting or filmmakers who want to develop their writing skills .If you haven't done any creative writing whatsoever (whether amateur or professional), or don't have any film-making skills, then you are unlikely to be able fully benefit from this course. (Access to the internet is a requirement as coursework will be shared in this way, you will also need to upload your work to a special site for the tutor to access)

Tutor: Jon Spira

What previous students have said about Introduction to Screenwriting course?

Good Teaching, plenty of material, encouragement and a nice bunch of people. KF

Very engaging - Jon was inspiring and entertaining. HS

Very impressed with Jon’s enthusiasm and teaching skills. SB

Amazing value – best way to kick start a career in film-writing. MB

I got everything I ever wanted and more from both Jon & this course. SR

I like the fact I came away with a large amount of reference material. AB

The course was very serious about what was being taught and very professional. BB

Excellent. AB

Dates: Runs for 12 weeks on Monday evenings 7.00pm - 10.00pm.

Autumn 2010

Starts 18th October 2010

Please arrive by 6.30pm for registration for first class only.

COURSE OUTLINE

18/10/10: Introductory/Developing ideas/Themes.

25/10/10: Stories, Plots & narratives/Research/Premises.

01/11/10:Treatments & Outlines/Tragedy, Comedy & Drama – one week to submit outline

08/11/10: Characters & Characterisation/Visual Style – one week to read outlines

15/11/10: Outline workshop/Writing a screenplay/The short screenplay

22/11/10: Adaptation/plots & active questions

29/11/10: Genre/Dialogue – Uses & Functions – one week to submit screenplays

06/12/10 : The re-write/Television writing – one week to read screenplays

13/12/10: Screenplay Workshop

XMAS Break

10/01/11: Selling your screenplay/The Next steps

17/01/11: One on one

24/01/11: One on one

Additional work: Many of the sessions will require further reading and/or exercises to be completed outside of class. Students will also produce two assessed pieces of work and you will recieve written feedback on this from the tutor. You will also produce some written reflective ananalysis on the the work you have created.

Note: The tutor has the right to change order of the sessions at his discretion. It is possible because of tutor illness, extreame weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances classes may be cancelled at short notice. We will make every effort to contact students by email and phone. If a class is cancelled it will be moved to the following week. There will be 12 sessions in all, so in such circumstances as a class cancellation the course will finish later than advertised.

To book online or by post, see booking form.

Oxford Film + Video Makers is a registered charity No:1041014