Aspirant screenwriters who would like to write the script for the next Oscar-winning South African film can sharpen their storytelling skills by joining The Writing Studio's re-energised six-week evening workshop for scriptwriters at the CFC's Runway Film Resource Centre at the Waterfront Studios, starting on Tuesday, June 10, 2008.

During the past eight years The Writing Studio, an independent training initiative, has done more than 250 writing workshops throughout South Africa.

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!

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 master-class for Screenwriters for 40 writers from Africa at the Sithengi Film and TV Market's Talent Campus.

The inspirational and motivational evening workshop for scriptwriters 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 six-weeks 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

The evening workshop for scriptwriters 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 evening workshop for scriptwriters is about developing the write attitude and taking a step in the write direction to turn words into action.

Following the evening workshop for scriptwriters, those who are ready to commit to writing a screenplay turn words into action, can sign up for the advanced workshop for scriptwriters.

The evening workshop for scriptwriters takes place on Tuesday, June 10, 17, 24, and July 1, 8 and 15, 2008 from 18:00 until 21:00 on each day.

Venue

Date: 10 June 2008 to 15 July 2008
Location: CFC Film Resource Centre, Waterfront Studios, Cape Town
Cost: R950 with a discounted rate of R800 for students and scholars.

Contact: Daniel Dercksen
Company name: The Writing Studio
Telephone number: 072 474 1079 or 021 425 5355 (office hours)
Email address daniel@writingstudio.co.za