2010 WIFT-T Feature Film Writing Program | Intermediate

This four-session series is for emerging to intermediate writers. It reinforces core concepts and builds on participants’ understanding of screenwriting fundamentals, including how to build better characters, create stronger sequences, raise the stakes, keep the story moving, and remain true to the theme of the story.

The program is organized around instruction, scene-by-scene analyses and breakdown of the film Witness, and hands-on exercises relating to participants’ projects. Participants are encouraged to take their original concept for a feature film from outline to treatment or first draft.

Please note the WIFT-T Feature Film Writing Program: Part One is not a prerequisite; however, equivalent experience is required.

Recommended Reading | Making a Good Script Great, Linda Seeger
Recommended Watching | Witness

Workshop One | Structure and Anatomy of a Screenplay

A review of the three-act structure and structural variations
Keeping the story moving through three acts
Creating a strong opening and ending
Scene-by-scene breakdown of Witness

Workshop Two | The Relationship Between Character and Story

Establishing the stakes for the character and the conflict
Creating strong conflict
Creating a worthy antagonist
Creating character profiles
Introducing secondary and complimentary characters
Building audience empathy
Scene-by-scene breakdown of Witness

Workshop Three | Plots and Subplots

The intricate connections between the main story and the secondary stories that compliment, contradict, or complicate the story
The dramatic uses of subplots
Scene-by-scene breakdown of Witness

Workshop Four | Scenes and Scene Sequences

The multiple functions of individual scenes
The structure and significance of scene sequences
How to keep scenes moving
Scene-by-scene breakdown of Witness

Instructor | Elke Town, Story Editor & Script Consultant, Founder, Storyworks
When | Sep 21, 23, 28 & Oct 5, sign-in 5:45 PM, workshop 6 PM - 9 PM
Where | Ryerson Student Centre, Room SCC 310, 63 Gould Street
Cost | Members $260 + HST, Non-members $380 + HST
To Apply | Please complete a Programming Registration Form and email your resume to rrobinson@wift.com with “Feature Film Writing Program” in in the subject line. Applications are on a first come basis. Limited to 15 participants. Please note Part One: Emerging is not a prerequisite; however, equivalent experience is required.

For more information, contact Renee Robinson, Programming & Business Affairs Manager, at (416) 322-3430 ext. 222 or email rrobinson@wift.com.