Turn an idea into a story for the screen
Every film begins with something worth exploring: a character, a question, an experience or an imagined situation. Script writing develops that starting point into a story that can be told through action, images and sound.
You do not need to have written a screenplay before. An interest in storytelling is enough to begin.
The role
A scriptwriter shapes the characters, structure, dialogue and action of a film. They consider what the audience needs to see and hear, what each character wants and what stands in their way.
Writers also collaborate with directors, producers and other members of the filmmaking team. A screenplay develops through feedback and rewriting, balancing creative ideas with practical considerations such as locations, cast size and budget.
Core skills
- Developing ideas, loglines and short story outlines.
- Creating characters with clear goals and believable motivations.
- Building scenes with conflict, purpose and progression.
- Writing dialogue that suits the character and situation.
- Telling stories visually rather than explaining everything through speech.
- Understanding screenplay layout and formatting.
- Receiving feedback and revising a draft.
- Writing for the resources available to a production.
Suggested practical workshop: From idea to short scene
Start with a simple situation: one character wants something, and another person or circumstance gets in the way.
Develop a short outline, then write a two- to three-page scene using one location and a small cast. Share the scene through a supportive table read, with participants reading the characters aloud.
Discuss what was clear, what held the audience’s attention and what could be shown through action instead of dialogue. Use that feedback to revise the scene.
What you could take away: A short screenplay scene and practical experience of developing, sharing and improving your writing.
This is a proposed workshop. Dates, venues and participation arrangements will be announced when confirmed.
Get involved
Interested in bringing your stories to the screen? Register your interest in script writing, whether you are starting with your first idea or developing an existing project.