Screenwriting & Scene Acting

Fifty lessons drawn from more than two decades of television writing and directing — taking you from a first idea to a finished screenplay, and then from the page to the performance: how a scene is written, and how it is played in front of the camera.

The course deliberately combines writing and acting: a writer who understands the actor writes more truthful dialogue, and an actor who understands scene structure gives a more precise performance.

• Building idea, character and plot on solid foundations.
• Writing natural dialogue and scenes charged with conflict and tension.
• Formatting a screenplay to professional standards.
• Analysing a script and reading a character's intentions before stepping in front of the camera.
• Playing the scene: voice, body, emotion and the use of silence.
• Working with the director and colleagues on set.

• The idea and the dramatic question
• Character: desire, obstacle, change
• Three-act structure
• Subplots and pacing

• Building a scene: late in, early out
• Text and subtext
• Conflict and tension within a scene
• Black comedy and satire

• Treatment and logline
• Script format and writing tools
• Revision and rewriting
• Pitching the project to producers

• Reading the script and breaking down objectives
• Voice, diction and delivery
• Body language and presence
• Truthful emotion and sense memory

• Acting for camera versus stage
• Two-handers and ensemble scenes
• Continuity and repeating takes
• Practical exercises and complete scenes

• Beginner writers who want to start the right way.
• Actors who want to understand a script from the inside.
• Media and drama students, and anyone who loves telling stories.

Enrolment is by contacting us — we will open your access to the lessons as soon as your enrolment is confirmed.

Holders of the Fazaa, Esaad and Tabby cards can benefit from discounts.