An introduction to screenwriting

Discover what it takes to be a successful screenwriter from some of the best in the business

From plotting your first draft to pitching your final script to a producer, this comprehensive one-day seminar covers everything you need to know about screenwriting. Learn the basics of the art – and the business – of writing scripts from our panel of world-class experts, including writers Paul Viragh (Sex & Drugs & Rock'n'Roll, The Face of an Angel) and Jon Croker (The Woman in Black: Face of an Angel), and leading story editor Kate Leys (Trainspotting, Brassed Off). The day is curated and hosted by leading film journalist and critic Dave Calhoun (Time Out).

If you want to start writing scripts, or just find out how other people do it, this is a rare opportunity to pick the brains of some of the film industry's leading talents.

This course is for you if...

• You're an aspiring screenwriter who wants to understand the ingredients of a great script, and the best ways to get it noticed by the industry
• You're a curious film lover who wishes to learn more about the craft of screenwriting

Course description

This full-day event features talks from a panel of experts and explores all angles of the screenwriting process, from writing to pitching to working with agents. There will also be the chance to ask questions. Scheduled sessions include:

• An in-depth session with celebrated story editor Kate Leys on the fundamentals of the craft of screenwriting: story, structure, character, themes and dialogue
• Two in-depth interview and Q&A sessions with leading screenwriters, Jon Croker and Paul Viragh. They will share their own experiences and offer practical advice on topics varying from character and dialogue to script structure and the realities of working as a screenwriter today
• An overview of the role of the screenwriter in today's film industry, with tips from leading talent agents on how to get your work noticed

Speaker profiles

Jon Croker is a screenwriter whose The Woman in Black: Angel of Death, a sequel to The Woman in Black, opens in cinemas in January 2015. His other scripts include Desert Dancer and Ealing Comedy. He previously worked as a story editor at the UK Film Council, where he worked on films including The Iron Lady, Attack The Block and The Deep Blue Sea. Before that he worked as a production and director's assistant on two Harry Potter films. He has also made short films.

Kate Leys is a freelance script editor who works mainly on feature films. She has been head of development at several companies including Film4, where she was based for five years, commissioning and developing films such as Four Weddings and a Funeral, Trainspotting and The Full Monty. Kate regularly consults with individual filmmakers on their stories and talks about storytelling at public events.

Paul Viragh is a screenwriter whose films include the Ian Dury biopic Sex & Drugs & Rock'n'Roll and the drama Ashes, both directed by Mat Whitecross. He also wrote the script for Michael Winterbottom's The Face of an Angel, a fictional response to the Meredith Kercher murder case, which opens in cinemas in 2015. He is currently adapting David Peace's novel GB84 and is writing a feature about Joe Strummer of The Clash, and his disappearance to Paris in 1982. Paul has written, directed and produced several short films, and was previously an actor.

Dave Calhoun is the global film editor at Time Out London. He has written on film for publications including the Guardian, the Observer, the Times and Sight & Sound. He regularly broadcasts on Sky TV and BBC Radio and TV, and hosts film events at cinemas across London for public, BAFTA and AMPAS audiences. He was previously deputy editor of Dazed & Confused magazine.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website