How to write, pitch and produce your screenplay

Learn how to take your script from the page to the screen at this fun and informative masterclass. Over the course of the day, you’ll receive invaluable advice from a world-class panel of speakers, who have worked on films including Trainspotting, Atonement and Nowhere Boy.

Hosted by Time Out film editor Dave Calhoun, the day aims to teach screenwriters and producers of all levels how to negotiate both the creative process and challenges of working in the film industry. You’ll learn everything from how to plot the first draft of your script, to how to pitch it to producers. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to pitch your own film idea, with opportunity for feedback and discussion during the class.

Course content

• Story-editor Kate Leys discusses the craft of great screenwriting and gives invaluable advice on the pitching process
• Kevin Loader, one of the UK’s most celebrated independent producers, explains the importance of the screenwriter in today’s film industry, as well as the relationship between writers and producers
• Screenwriter Christopher Hampton examines scenes from his own work, and shares advice on how you can apply those ideas to your own films
• An interactive pitching session, where attendees will be invited to pitch their film ideas for feedback
• One more speaker to be announced

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 an aspiring producer who wants to understand more about the role of the screenplay in the film industry
• You work in the film industry, and want to gain insights from a top screenwriter, editor and producer
• You’re a curious film lover who wishes to learn more about the craft of screenwriting

Host profile

Dave Calhoun is the global film editor at Time Out. He has written on film for publications including the Guardian, Observer, The Times and Sight & Sound. Dave 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. Find Dave on Twitter here.

Tutor profiles

Christopher Hampton is a British playwright and screenwriter. His screenplays include Atonement (director, Joe Wright), A Dangerous Method (director, David Cronenberg) and Dangerous Liaisons (director, Stephen Frears). His plays include Savages, The Philanthropist, Treats and The Talking Cure.

Kevin Loader is one of the UK’s foremost independent film producers. He has a long running creative partnership with the director Roger Michell, with whom he has produced films including The Mother, Venus, Le Weekend and, recently for TV, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies. Kevin’s other films as a producer include The History Boys, Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, Nowhere Boy and In the Loop. He has worked with writers including Steve Coogan, Alan Bennett, Hanif Kureishi and Peter Morgan.

Kate Leys is a 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, and commissioned and developed films such as Four Weddings and a Funeral, Trainspotting and The Full Monty.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website