Scriptwriting Clinic at Galway Film Centre

There's a new scriptwriting clinic starting at Galway Film Centre.

The four day course will look at how to develop a story idea. It is aimed at both emerging and experienced screenwriters working on their feature film screenplays. It is also aimed at emerging script editors.

The class is limited to four writers and two script editors and offers a great experience for emerging writers and script editors to work intensively on their stories with a professional script editor. It will cover the basics such as wants and needs, objectives, obstacles, rising action and ideas on sequencing and structure.

All participants read each other's treatments prior to the course commencing. Mark McIlrath is a script editor who works on feature film projects in Ireland, Italy, France and the UK. Each editor works with 2 writers during the course.

What participants say about this course:
As one of the script editors on the course, I was lucky enough to witness Mark work first hand with a number of writers on their chosen projects. What struck me was the simple and relaxed approach he takes which inevitably leads to invaluable round table discussions where no opinion is ever overlooked. As a guiding light, Mark helps to define and solve problems in regard to structure, character, theme and plot without ever substituting his own voice for that of the writer. His years of experience shine through and I still use his teachings in my own writing today. Highly recommend for any writer who wants to bring their project to the next level, and then some.
Matthew Roche (Writer of TILL DEATH DO US PART, Winner of RTE/Filmbase Short Script Award, 2009)

Mark's course is hugely educational and beneficial, whether you are interested in pursuing story editing or simply gaining more insight into your own writing. And Mark stays in touch after the course is over, providing highly useful tips and guidance. He is a friend and mentor as much as he is a a teacher.
Shane Perez (Writer of BLOOD AND SAND, Winner of London Independent Film Festival Best Screenplay, 2009)

How to apply:
Writers interested in this course will need to submit a CV and treatment/story outline to education@galwayfilmcentre.ie by 23rd April.

Guide length for treatment is 3 to 10 pages. 10 pages is the maximum allowable.

Editors need to submit a CV to education@galwayfilmcentre.ie by 23rd April.