Two of South Africa’s prominent producers, Costa Theo (Confessions of a Gambler, Big Fellas) and Danie Bester (Bakgat!, Ouma se Slim Kind) will be guest speakers at The Writing Studio’s Workshop for Scriptwriters that takes place at Screen Africa, Sasani Studios, Highlands North, Johannesburg on Friday, 18 April 18, 2008 from 18:00 until 21:00; Saturday, 19 April and Sunday, 20 April from 10:00 until 17:00.
It has never been a better time for emerging screenwriters to develop their storytelling craft with more than 10 local films released in South Africa the past year. April also sees the release of three South African features: Confessions of a Gambler, Bakgat! and the docu-drama More Than Just A Game. Producers Theo and Bester will shed light on the industry and share their views on what it takes to be screenwriter in South Africa.
Scriptwriters who would like to develop their craft and write for a visual medium are invited to develop the write attitude with The Writing Studio’s weekend workshop.
During the past eight years The Writing Studio, an independent training initiative, has done more than 250 writing workshops throughout South Africa. The trainer is local writer, playwright, movie journalist and Education, Training and Development Practitioner Daniel Dercksen, who has been teaching workshops in scriptwriting and creative writing throughout South Africa the past eight years, as well as a Masterclass for Screenwriters for 40 writers from Africa at the Sithengi Film and TV Market’s Talent Campus.
The inspirational and motivational weekend workshop is ideal for anyone with an idea for a story. If there is something or someone you want to write about this is your opportunity to turn thoughts into words. Within one weekend you will understand the principles of writing for a visual medium and what it takes to be screenwriter. Your idea (or novel) will be transformed into a concept that will be reworked into hardcopy, into 120 pages filled with action, description
Hosted by Screen Africa, this motivational and inspirational outcome-based workshop explores the writing process and examines the world of contemporary filmmaking and films.
The weekend workshop will empower aspirant writers to write the screenplay of their dreams, as well as write for television or the stage. It offers writers the opportunity to find out who they are as writers, what medium their talent is suitable for, and what it takes to be a writer. The workshop focuses on writing an original screenplay, tools of the trade, knowing who to write for, writing effectively, exploring ideas, dramatising the idea, writing high concept and pitching ideas, how to adapt from one medium to another, and basic copyright. It looks at how to bring characters to life, writing character biographies, elements and visual dynamics of character, writing dialogue, the relationship between structure and character, how to structure the screenplay, designing scenes and sequences, formatting the script, and how to sell yourself as a writer.
It is also ideal for novelists and short story writers who would like to adapt their work into a visual medium.
One of the most important aspects of the workshops is to encourage local writers to find their voice as a writer and to write fresh, original stories that will reflect the uniqueness of their history, culture and experience.
The Weekend Workshop for Scriptwriters is about developing the write attitude and taking a step in the write direction to turn words into action.
The cost of the weekend workshop is R950, with a discounted rate of R800 for students, scholars and pensioners. Bursaries for disadvantaged writers are available on discretion.
The agenda and registration form are available on the website:
www.writingstudio.co.za. Registration closes on 11 April, 2008
For more information contact 072 474 1079, or email info@writingstudio.co.za
