Past Workshop Descriptions

Script Development Studio

In this writing workshop for intermediate screenwriters, each participant will submit a scene or short sequence from their screenplay every week. The excerpt will be read aloud in a table-read format and then brief feedback will be provided to the writer by the instructor and the other participants.

The primary aim of the class is to assist writers in the further development of a screenplay project by offering a range of perspectives and suggestions. Prior to registering, writers must have some experience with screenwriting (i.e. they should have completed at least one draft of at least one script and ideally have some experience of both giving and receiving constructive feedback on creative work).   

The class will provide an encouraging environment in which to test your ideas, targeted feedback to improve your screenwriting skills, and helpful deadlines to increase your writing output. 

To get the most out of the workshop, each writer should plan to invest significant time outside of the class to work on their project so that they will have new material to discuss each week.

Writers should arrive at the first class with a clear idea of the project they want to develop and its intended format (e.g. short film, feature film, web series or television). Material to be workshopped in our first session is to be submitted by August 4, 2025 to workshops@lift.on.ca with “LIFT Summer 2025: Script Development Studio” in the subject line.

Formerly known as Advanced Script Studio, the course title has been adapted to better reflect the target audience: screenwriters with some experience who are still finding their voice and developing their craft.  

This is not an introductory class. Participants should have taken Introduction to Screenwriting, Scene Development for Screenwriters, or have experience writing screenplays. This class encourages imagination, creativity and originality. This workshop is based on conventional narrative (fiction) filmmaking and storytelling practices and is therefore not suited to projects that aspire to be non-narrative or avant-garde.

READ BEFORE REGISTERING
Prior to the class, please create a profile on Zoom and download the free version of the application. You will receive an email from LIFT with an invitation link to join the workshop one hour before the class begins which will prompt you to open the application or web browser. Please ensure that you log in using a Zoom account with a profile name that appears as the same name registered for the class. If not, for security reasons, you may not be permitted to join. During the workshop, we advise that you keep your microphone on mute to minimize external noise and that you unmute when participating in class discussions. Please also arrive to the session on time for attendance and class participation. ONLINE workshops may be recorded for staff and facilitator assessment. Recorded material will not be made available to participants. Review all workshop policies before registering.

Location: Online
Category: Writing
Maximum Capacity: 6
12 hours of instruction in 4 parts$225 /member$250 /nonmember

Wait List
Add your name and email to the wait list and we will contact you if a spot is available, or a session is added: