How to write about film with Peter Bradshaw and Catherine Shoard

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How to write about film with Peter Bradshaw and Catherine Shoard

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

Saturday, December 13, 2014 · 10am - 4pm GMT

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

From turning critical thinking into compelling storytelling, to how to pitch to editors – the ultimate primer in the key skills of writing about film

You might know your Fassbender from your Fassbinder, but it takes more than an encyclopaedic knowledge of film to make a critic. In this intensive one-day course, a panel of experts, led by Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw, shows you how to translate your knowledge into informative, engaging and even occasionally infuriating reviews and articles.

The day includes talks from Peter Bradshaw and Guardian film editor Catherine Shoard on the craft of writing engaging film reviews and features, and how to pitch to editors. You'll also learn techniques for interviewing sometimes challenging film industry figures, and get tips on the best ways to break into film journalism. Meanwhile, Adam Woodward, deputy editor of Little White Lies magazine, advises how to get the most out of interviews. Whether you're just starting out or looking to hone your existing skills, you'll leave with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of the secrets to great film journalism.

This course is for you if...

  • You're a journalist who wants to branch out into, or specialise in, writing about film
  • You're an aspiring film critic currently writing for a blog, or simply for your own pleasure
  • You're a hardcore cinema buff who wants to learn to express your passion to an audience

Course description

This large-scale seminar features a panel of the Guardian's most respected film writers offering a fully-rounded primer in the key skills of film journalism. The course covers feature writing, reviewing and interviewing skills, as well as advice on breaking into the trade. Topics covered include:

  • Writing reviews that tell a story
  • How to conduct and write up interviews with film figures
  • Pitching to editors – and how to make your pitch emails stand out
  • The essentials of film feature writing
  • Tips for making it as a film journalist
  • Building a writing portfolio that does your work justice

Tutor profiles

Peter Bradshaw is the Guardian's film critic. As well as being a journalist, he is the author of three novels, Lucky Baby Jesus (1999), Dr Sweet and his Daughter (2003) and Night Of Triumph (2013). He wrote and performed the BBC radio programme For One Horrible Moment, and co-wrote and acted in David Baddiel's sitcom Baddiel's Syndrome. Find his latest reviews here.

Catherine Shoard is film editor of Guardian News & Media.

Henry Barnes is the site editor of theguardian.com/film and the producer of the Guardian Film Show. He also writes about film and music for the Guardian, in print and online.

Adam Woodward is deputy editor of Little White Lies magazine. He has been writing about film since 2008.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

Organized by

Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.

We offer a broad range of short and long courses across a variety of disciplines from creative writing, journalism, photography and design, film and digital media, music and cultural appreciation.

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award winning guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The programme is aimed at anyone interested in personal or professional development whether that be refining your skills, focusing your ambition or simply broadening your mind and gaining inspiration.

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