Open Channel is pleased to announce that applications are now open for our 2014 scriptshop – Feature Film and TV Series Development course.
The success of a film or television series depends on a number of factors. But one thing that is fundamental to all successful projects is good development.
Open Channel’s scriptshop course will build your creative, technical and business skills as well as your industry knowledge and networks designed to get your project off the page and into production.
The course is open to applications from emerging and early career Writers, Directors, Producers or production teams with original early draft scripts ready for development.
Now in its fourth year, scriptshop has developed 37 film and television projects, and a number of projects have already filmed, or are in development with established Production Companies.
During development in the course, creators or teams will refine concepts, write and edit treatments and draft scripts, improve scenes and sequences, read and evaluate script notes, work in groups and with individual mentors, and re-write to solve dramatic and script problems with a focus on creating exceptional scripted material.
With the advent of digital technology and internet based distribution and exhibition, an increasing number of TV channels, and a changing cinema and home entertainment landscape, tomorrow’s projects need to be built on solid creative, technical and business foundations.
During the course creators or teams prepare a strong creative and business package as a basis on which the project can be marketed and financed. Projects are interrogated creatively, technically and financially in their evolution from script to screen – and always with the audience in mind.
Other packaging activities include insights into developing budget levels for scripts, project and business planning, casting, shooting pilots or teasers, pitching, examining the project against case studies, preparing a visual and aural approach, and determining platforms on which to ultimately market and exploit the project.
Participants have an exceptional opportunities through the course and Open Channel’s other professional development initiatives to network and meet leading Australian and International screen professionals including distribution and exhibition company executives, producers, directors, screenwriters, script editors, critics, educators and key creatives. Past participants have met potential production partners or forged new creative teams during the course.
Not only will you develop your project through a number of drafts – the course development activities are also structured to lead to a nationally-recognised training qualification to ensure skills learned are to industry standards – CUF60107 Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Feature Film and TV Series Development).
Marc Gracie, Executive Director of Open Channel, whose film and television credits include You and Your Stupid Mate, Take-Away, The Tumbler, box office hit The Craic and TV series Full Frontal and The Adventures of Lano and Woodley says “Open Channel is taking real leadership with this industry focussed program in developing projects at the emerging sector level, and ensuring emerging filmmakers have a better understanding of when projects are either ready to be produced independently, or when they are market ready and able to be pitched to buyers or presented to screen agencies.”
In 2013, the program was subsidised for successful applications through the Australian Government’s National Workforce Development Fund.
Key points:
- First round (early bird) applications close Wednesday December 18th, 2013 – a second round will be announced in January 2014.
- Limited Places available. Entry is selective and by application.
- Information session for interested people lunch time Monday 16th December 2013 at Open Channel. For details please contact training@openchannel.org.au
- Course commences 27th March 2014, completes December 12th 2014
- Fee subsidies may be available through the National Workforce Development Fund for eligible participants. Course is Austudy eligible.
