Future Screens Northern Ireland are delighted to offer funding to support 5 emerging writers develop their skills in writing for screen.

 

 

WHAT IS THE COURSE AND WHEN?

 

This 5-day course, specifically for women and non-binary people, will run from 28th November to the 2nd December at Accidental Theatre from 10am-3pm.

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Writers chosen to partake in this course will be paid £500 for their time.

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Through this course writers will be guided through key screenwriting practice such as screenplay formatting, dialogue, character, and 3 & 5 act structure, amongst other areas- with the aim of completing a 5-page screenplay by the close of the week. Each day they will also have guest talks from established screenwriters who will share knowledge and tips from their experience.

 

By the end of this 5-day course, selected writers will have:

• Understanding of screenwriting theory

• A completed 5-page screenplay

• Understanding of how to enter screenwriting contests and festivals

• Greater understanding of how to produce their work

• New industry contacts

• A new support network to elevate their creative projects

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WHO IS IT FOR? WHY DOES IT EXIST?

 

This group has been set up to specifically focus on supporting working class writers, whose voices are often lost. Every person has the right to be an artist; however, working class voices are those which we are most likely to lose when writers are priced out of our industry. This has never been more prevalent than now during the cost-of-living crisis.

 

This initiative is intended to encourage people to tap into their creativity and tell their story in a new way. Perhaps you work mostly as an actor, write for theatre, or tell stories through painting, photography, or dance. Perhaps the financial support provided could cover childcare costs which a current barrier for your creativity. Or maybe you have always wanted to write but don’t know where to start- if this sounds like you, then please trust that this is your space.

 

This group is also intended specifically for women and non-binary people as these are people who are statistically less likely to be found in a writer’s room, particularly at senior level. These are also the people most likely to carry the burden of emotional labour and care duties and so face greater barriers to writing success.

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WHO IS LEADING IT?

 

This course will be facilitated and led by Amanda Doherty. Amanda is an award winning actor, theatre maker and writer. Trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, she also has an MA in Film with Distinction; her doctoral research focuses on gender inequality within the screenwriting industry. In addition to her own studies, she has taught screenwriting at university level.

 

Amanda believes in art as a tool for social change and takes joy in empowering artists to find their authentic voice and challenge the status quo. Her room will be led through combining key screenwriting theorists such as Robert McKee, Syd Field, and Christopher Vogler, and creatively empowering exercises akin to the work of Julia Cameron.

 

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WHERE AND WHEN?

 

Accidental Theatre, Belfast  (Participation over Zoom also available)

November 28th – December 2nd

10am-3pm

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HOW DO I APPLY?

 

Please email a short cover letter to Amanda@AmandaDoherty.com by October 30th.

 

Cover letter should include the following points:

• A little about yourself and your experience of storytelling

• Why this would be of value to you at this time

• A rough idea of the type of story you would like to tell

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• Accidental Theatre is a wheelchair accessible building.

• If a writer cannot partake in person, Zoom is also an option.

• BSL/ISL interpreter can be provided.