MA Screenwriting

An Introduction to our MA Screenwriting course

The LFS MA Screenwriting course is an intense one-year programme with the emphasis on developing the writer's original voice through small group and one-to-one mentoring from industry professionals.


 

LFS aims to encourage writing as a continuous practice, to stimulate reflective and critical approaches and to provide a specific historical background to film narrative, genres, and dramaturgy.

MA Screenwriting Alumni News

  • Michael Taylor (2008) Selected for BBC/Writers Room Northern Voices scheme.
  • Gabriel Vallejo (2007) Feature screenplay selected for DreamAgo development workshop in Switzerland with MA Filmmaking grad Remi Bergeoud attached as director.
  • Stavros Pamballis (2007) feature Saving Abeo shortlisted for IFeatures scheme.
  • Caroline Gerard (2009) - the UK DVD release of her feature THE BET (writer/producer) - production internship with Scott Free Productions.
  • Michael Johnson LFS Filmmaking grad (2000) and Scenario workshop participant - writer on SHERLOCK HOLMES.
  • Felicity Carpenter (2008) - winner CBBC writing competition. Development deal for childrens comedy series.
  • Charlotte Goldsmith (2008) - feature screenplay Rika and Malon won best new screenplay at NIFF. Currently working with Bruce Goodison on commissioned feature.
  • Lucia Lopez (2007) Development and Production exectutive at Matador Films.
  • Ines Braga (2007) selected for Berlinale Talent Campus 2010. Commissioned by Gullane Films to write (along with writer-director Sérgio Machado) 2 feature length specials - part of the HBO series Alice. The specials are currently being shot in Sao Paulo.
  • Hrafnkell Stevanson (2007) - his first feature Polite People co-written with the Berlin award winning director Olaf De Fleur - due to premier in August 2010.

The course is aimed at developing screenwriting skills in the context of a filmmaking community where writing is an everyday practice and a collaborative process involving actors, directors, musicians, editors and producers. At LFS we explore the boundaries between writing and directing and stimulate debate through classes in film history, crosscultural approaches to dramaturgy and script readings with professional actors. Regular screenings of classic and contemporary films in our own film theatre and visits by contemporary filmmakers complement the core practical work of developing a feature screenplay.

MA Screenwriting Graduate Testimonials

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The MA Screenwriting programme provides a year of critical and creative development, a network of future contacts and a space where a writer can define their interests and particular talent. This is a course that is more interested in content over structure, individual development over the imposition of a universal model or set of rules. At LFS we believe that the study and practice of screenwriting requires an understanding of the technical aspects of filmmaking and of different approaches to narrative as well as the working methods and practice of professional screenwriters as members of a creative team.

We are looking for writers who are excited about writing for the screen, who have a background in writing for other mediums, directors who are seeking to write their own feature script and writers who wish to establish long-term mentoring relationships with development professionals.

Course Philosophy

  • To encourage writing as a state of mind and everyday practice
  • To stimulate a reflective and critical approach to practice
  • To provide an historical background to film narrative
  • To place the screenplay in the context of a collaborative filmmaking process
  • To explore the boundaries between writing, directing and producing
  • To stimulate alternative approaches to screenwriting through awareness of different dramaturgical traditions
  • To take on writers who wish to develop a long-term mentoring relationship with working professionals
  • To focus on the writers individual development above issues of structure and dramaturgy
  • To create a context where the writer works with others involved in the filmmaking community - directors, actors, musicians, producers

Please use the form below to send us your details, and we will send you information pack about the course.

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Skillset Accredited

The MA Screenwriting programme has recently been accredited by Skillset, Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries, and is one of a small number of screenwriting courses given the stamp of approval by the film industry training body. Skillset bursaries are now available for the September 08 entry to MA Screenwriting. These will provide significant subsidies to UK qualifying applicants, who can demonstrate financial need. Please indicate when you put in your application, if you intend to apply for a bursary.

Application Form

You can download an Application Form, Referee Form, Fee Sheet and the Ethnicity / Disability Monitoring Form on our Downloads page

Forms and portfolios must be received by 1st July 2011

Further Information

For questions about the MA Screenwriting course please email Brian Dunnigan at: b.dunnigan@lfs.org.uk

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