Am I the Writer? Screenwriting Skills Programme

2023

November 20 - December 14

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Join our 4-week online training programme, designed for 50 aspiring young writers eager to refine their screenwriting skills with industry experts. Apply now to transform your storytelling passion!

Discover Your Scriptwriting Potential with the Am I the Writer? Screenwriting  Skills Programme.

Dive into the world of screenwriting with our dynamic training programme. Designed for emerging storytellers, this initiative offers expert guidance in script development, character creation, and narrative structure. Learn from seasoned industry professionals and transform your ideas into compelling screenplays. Whether refining a draft or starting from scratch, our programme equips you with the skills to bring your stories to life. Join us and embark on your journey to becoming a screenwriting talent.

Click for entry requirements
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What you will get:

Tailored Mentorship & Training

Networking Opportunities

Certificate of Completion

R5 000 Stipend

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How to apply:

Only 50 Spots available!

Begin your application by selecting one of our unique writing prompts. Then, craft a one-page synopsis for a short film based on your chosen prompt. This synopsis should capture the essence of your story, outlining its main plot, characters, and the unique twist or perspective you bring to the theme. Your synopsis will be the key to showcasing your creativity and screenwriting potential.

*only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

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Screenwriting made easy...

Meet the Trainers!

Dino Pappas

Screenwriting Lecturer

Louise Buchler

Screenwriting Lecturer

Tharine Pienaar

Screenwriting Lecturer

Phindile Mashiane

Screenwriter and Teacher

Mayuri Naidu

Film & Television Actress

Tharuna Devchand

Writer and Teacher

Zunaid Mansoor

Fulbright Scholar & Script Consultant

Simamkele Mchako

Screenwriting Lecturer & Writer

Jacques Cloete

Film Lecturer

Daniel Ambor

Filmmaker and Lecturer
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  • Programme Topics


  • Offers guidance on how to effectively pitch a screenplay to producers, agents, and studios. This includes crafting a compelling logline, synopsis, and understanding the business and marketing side of screenwriting.
    Facilitators
    Where
    Online

  • Focuses on the process of revising a screenplay. This includes techniques for self-editing, how to incorporate feedback constructively, and understanding that rewriting is a fundamental part of developing a great script.
    Facilitators
    Where
    Online

  • This is about understanding the anatomy of a scene. It covers how to create scenes that are dynamic and purposeful, focusing on their role within the larger story, and the concept of entering a scene late and leaving early to maintain pacing.
    Facilitators
    Where
    Online

  • Covers the technical aspect of screenwriting, including the proper layout of a script. This includes margins, font, how to write scene headings, action lines, character introductions, and dialogue.
    Facilitators
    Where
    Online

  • This topic is about creating the world in which the story takes place. It covers how to develop settings that are integral to the plot and characters, and how these settings can impact and enhance the storytelling.
    Facilitators
    Where
    Online

  • Explores various genres (like comedy, drama, horror, etc.) and their conventions. It discusses how to set the tone of a screenplay, ensuring it remains consistent throughout and matches the intended genre.
    Facilitators
    Where
    Online

  • Teaches how to write dialogue that sounds natural, conveys character, and moves the plot forward. It also covers the use of subtext, the unspoken thoughts and motives of characters, which adds depth and complexity to interactions.
    Facilitators
    Where
    Online

  • Focuses on the creation of characters that resonate with audiences. This includes developing backstories, understanding characters’ motivations and desires, and crafting character arcs that show growth or change from the beginning to the end of the story.
    Facilitators
    Where
    Online

  • This topic delves into the classic three-act structure commonly used in screenwriting, discussing the significance of key plot points such as the inciting incident, mid-point, and climax. It teaches how to build a narrative that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
    Facilitators
    Where
    Online

  • This covers the basics of what makes a story engaging and impactful. It includes understanding how to develop a central theme, creating a cohesive and compelling plot, and building rich, believable characters. The importance of setting and how conflict drives a narrative forward is also explored.
    Facilitators
    Where
    Online


20 November - 14 December 2023
Inviting ambitious young screenwriters aged 18-35 to join our fully online training programme. Start your screenwriting journey with us - apply now!

Apply Today!

Deadline: 15 November 2023 at 3PM

* Only 50 spots available.
Applications close 15 November 2023. Only shortlisted candidates contacted. If you have not heard from us within a week of applying, consider your application unsuccessful. 

Stipend & Benefits

R5000

  • Tailored Online Training
  • Skills Development
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Certificate of Completion
Apply Now

Am I the Writer? is proudly brought to you by Creative Careers South Africa, with support from the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) through the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.