Workshop Registration

Scene Development for Screenwriters

A writer who knows how to write an effective scene has the tools to write an engaging screenplay. Over four weeks we will investigate the elements and structure behind compelling scenes and sequences. 

Purpose of Workshop
To help writers practice and improve their ability to design and structure scenes and short sequences in their scripts.

Teaching Method
Each session will include a short presentation from the instructor. The remaining time will be dedicated to discussion of the work each writer submits. Between sessions, participants will focus on rewriting rather than generating brand new material.

Target Audience
This workshop is an ideal bridge between Introduction to Screenwriting and Advanced Script Studio. Participants should have written at least two screenplays (feature, series, or short) and have scenes or sequences they are excited to rewrite. This course might also be of interest to more experienced writers who are exploring ways to take their writing to a new level.

How Does This Differ From Advanced Script Studio?
By focusing on shorter excerpts, this class offers a more detailed and analytical type of feedback. The aim is not to evaluate the project as a whole, but to help the writer develop scene-writing techniques that capture and sustain the attention of the audience. 

Unlike Advanced Script Studio, all reading will be done in advance of each session. Participants are required to submit two to five script pages each week and read the submissions from their fellow writers (up to 25 pages total reading per week). 
Rewriting is an essential component of this workshop. Participants must therefore be able to dedicate time between classes to reworking their scenes.

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: Thu 6 February 2025, 7 - 9:30 pm   
part 2: Thu 13 February 2025, 7 - 9:30 pm   
part 3: Thu 20 February 2025, 7 - 9:30 pm   
part 4: Thu 27 February 2025, 7 - 9:30 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

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

SOLD OUT