Writing for the screen doesn't have to be daunting. This three hour online workshop will take you through the entire process of screenwriting from initial idea to first draft. You'll come away from it with the confidence and tools to write a feature film, short film, play or any piece of dramatic writing.

The workshop will cover:

• Coming up with dramatic ideas
• Log lines
• Character development
• Narrative structure (this workshop will focus on three & four acts)
• Redrafting
• Lots of practical exercises
• A Q&A section on any aspect of screenwriting
• Comfort breaks away from the screen throughout the workshop

No experience is required to take part and you don't have to have an idea for a story in order to participate, part of the workshop will be story creation. This is for anyone who is curious about dramatic writing and wants to see behind the curtain. I'll be going into some complex techniques in the most approachable way possible. Equally if you have written before or are involved in another role in filmmaking, this will be a great recap and some dedicated writing time.

You will need:

• A laptop/tablet/mobile with video call capabilities.
• A means of writing - that can be pen and paper or any word processing software.
• A willingness to engage with the exercises - though you won't be required to share your work if you don't want to.
• To be respectful of everyone in the workshop.
• I will be using James Cameron's 1997 film Titanic as an example, familiarity with the film will be useful so I'd advise a rewatch before the workshop.

This workshop will take place online using a google meet video call which will open the call within your web browser. I want to make it as accessible as possible so please do let me know what I can do to accommodate your needs.

Previous participant feedback

"Informative, motivational, practical, convenient"
"Enlightening, inspiring, engaging, fun"
"A really cohesive, inclusive workshop with great content"
"Informative, well structured and inspiring. Really effective teaching!"

About me

I'm Holly Holdsworth (she/her), a writer/director based in Bristol UK. I have an MFA in Writing for Stage and Broadcast Media from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. My writing has placed in competitions by Slamdance Film Festival, Filmmatic Short Screenplay Awards, WeScreenplay and Filmmatic’s Inroads Fellowship.

This workshop is as much as I can condense from my MFA into three hours whilst still being approachable. I want to offer it freely for anyone to attend as I believe creating art should be open to everyone. If you find the workshop helpful and would like to contribute (though there is no obligation) there will be an opportunity to after the workshop.

You can find out more about me here https://www.hollyholdsworth.co.uk/

If you are based in Bristol, Cardiff and the South West UK then do sign up to SWIF, my newsletter for opportunities in independent film https://hollyholdsworth.substack.com/

Looking forward to seeing you at the workshop!

Holly Holdsworth (she/her)

If this event is full booked or you would like to know of future workshop dates, do sign up to the newsletter on my website https://www.hollyholdsworth.co.uk/