Workshop Registration

Introduction to Screenwriting

Aimed at those with little or no experience writing screenplays, this course will introduce basic storytelling concepts and screenwriting techniques. You will learn how to structure a narrative and create engaging scenes that capture the audience’s attention. Participants should have a basic idea for a story they would like to write for the screen, and they must be willing to discuss their idea in class. Topics covered will be relevant to those looking to write a short film, a television pilot, a web series or a feature film. More experienced writers looking for a refresher are also welcome to register.

Participants are expected to attend all the scheduled classes starting Tuesday February 4, and read each script submission prior to the workshop start time at 7pm on Tuesday 11, 18 and 25. The instructor will use each individual project to illuminate screenwriting concepts and storytelling techniques that will be of use to every writer. Participants must submit a story summary (two paragraphs maximum) of their story idea by Friday January 31, 2025  and should be committed to spending some time developing their concept between classes. Please submit your story summary to workshops@lift.on.ca with “LIFT Winter 2025: Introduction to Screenwriting” in the subject line. The Introduction to Independent Filmmaking workshop is recommended as a prerequisite.

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.

part 1: Tue 4 February 2025, 7 - 9:30 pm   
part 2: Tue 11 February 2025, 7 - 9:30 pm   
part 3: Tue 18 February 2025, 7 - 9:30 pm   
part 4: Tue 25 February 2025, 7 - 9:30 pm   
(Registration deadline is Tue 4 February 6:00 pm)

Instructor: Stephen Davis

Stephen Davis is a screenwriter, story editor and a graduate of York University in Toronto and the American Film Institute (AFI) in Los Angeles. Originally from the UK, Stephen was selected for Script Room 4, a BBC program for developing new talent and was the runner-up for the Red Planet Prize for new television writing. His feature film screenplays have received development funding from the British Film Institute (BFI) and Film Wales, and he was one of four writers chosen to participate in the Black List mini-lab at the Toronto International Film Festival. Passionate about screenwriting education, Stephen also spent a year in the School of Theatre, Film and Television at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and has taught courses and workshops at York University and Humber College.



Location: Online
Category: Writing
Maximum Capacity: 6
12 hours of instruction in 4 parts$225 /member$250 /nonmember
Registration opens
Mon 6 Jan at 10am