Workshop Details:
A beginners’ introduction to the core concepts of scriptwriting — including structure, character, dialogue, and format — across mediums like stage, film, and radio. The aim by the end is for students to have completed a short (5–10 minute) script for stage or radio, of their own, for two to four characters. (No monologues!).
Application Process:
Apply to: poyntonsubmissions@gmail.com with a brief email about yourself, and two sides of a script. (This can be either the first two sides of a script you’ve already written OR a new two side piece OR a story you’ve written.)
Application Deadline:
Friday August 29 at 23:59
Course Structure:
Week 1: What Is Scriptwriting?
A look at how scripts (and therefore the storytelling within them) are different from other written mediums.
Week 2: Story Structure & Idea Development
Here we’ll start to learn how to build stories with a clear structure and emotional impact.
Week 3: Character Building
How to make compelling characters with distinct voices and goals.
Week 4: Dialogue & Subtext
Week 5: Editing. Then, Outline/Draft workshop
A session seeing where everyone is at, talking through outlines and possible first drafts we will hopefully have shared together.
Week 6: First Draft Workshop
A session giving thoughts and notes on everyone’s first drafts.
Week 7: Table Reads (with actors) + Feedback & Next Steps
Hear the writers’ scripts read by actors (always an amazing feeling). Then give feedback on each other's work.
Tutor:
Adrian Poynton
An award-winning writer and occasional performer of both comedy and drama. He wrote and created BBC comedy White Van Man starring Will Mellor and Joel Fry. It ran for two series on BBC Three (before being repeated on BBC One). He then successfully adapted the show for America’s ABC network/Disney as Family Tools which stared JK Simmons and Leah Remini and ran for 10 episodes.
Adrian is also known for his award-winning play A Very Naughty Boy about the working relationship of Monty Python’s Graham Chapman and John Cleese which toured the UK before a month long run at London’s Soho Theatre to huge critical acclaim. He has also written for Sky One’s Trollied and Big Finish’s Doctor Who Range starring Tom Baker and David Tennant and many more.
He is currently developing both drama and comedy projects in the UK and the US.