NFTS Scotland and 4Skills Deliver Hugely Popular Series of Inspiring ‘Script and Story’ Sessions
As part of the National Film and Television School’s continuing three-year partnership with Channel 4 to provide practical training and development across the Nations and Regions, NFTS Scotland and 4Skills recently hosted a highly successful series of sessions on Script and Story.
Over 2,000 participants from across the UK and Europe had the opportunity to engage in a diverse range of masterclasses, workshops, and panels. Led by industry professionals, the online sessions covered various aspects of storytelling, including comedy, virtual production, script development, and adapting games. The Script and Story programme offered invaluable training for the independent production sector, freelancers, and individuals looking to establish themselves in the industry.
Training commenced with a highly anticipated masterclass led by renowned scriptwriter John Yorke. The sold-out session, attended by over 300 people, provided insights into the origins of narrative structure and its application in creating powerful stories. As a leading expert on narration and storytelling, John’s guidance left attendees inspired and equipped with valuable knowledge to enhance their own storytelling endeavours.
One participant remarked: “One of the best curated online series I've been to. Such high level value. John Yorke made structure made sense for the first time and I've been studying it for 15 years!”
Screenwriter Matthew Barry led a writer's room discussion, unpacking concerns and pitfalls while providing invaluable advice on optimising collaborative writing processes. Channel 4 drama compliance editors Danielle Jenkin and Ritu Emmerson delved into the intricacies of script compliance, offering guidance on navigating the complexities of script content and how Channel 4 can offer support.
Adapting stories from different mediums was also a key topic of discussion. Screenwriter Jessica Sinyard engaged in a conversation with Blazing Griffin’s Head of Games (Operations) Neil McPhillips and Development Executive Alan McDonald, exploring the challenges of translating gaming narratives onto the screen. Meanwhile, screenwriter Andrea Gibb and Claire Armspach, head of drama development at STV, explored the opportunities and potential pitfalls of adapting material from books or real-life sources.
Insights into the script development process were shared by David P Davis, founder and creative director of 5 Acts Productions, and Gwawr Lloyd, drama commissioning editor at Channel 4. Their session provided unique perspectives from both sides of the table, shedding light on the realities of script development. Screenwriter and director Hannah Robinson delved into the theory of comedy masks and shared techniques for creating compelling comedy scripts.
Ben Wadey, commissioning executive at Channel 4, guided participants through various pathways in the industry, from soap operas to continuing dramas, all the way to securing their own TV show commissions. Jordi Wijnalda's interactive workshop explored the intricacies of script analysis on the journey from script to screen. Sasha Damjanovski led a session on delivering effective pitches in different situations, while screenwriter Steven Lally shared the creative process behind ‘Fireworks’, a pioneering film made using real-time Virtual Production technology.
New Writing North provided valuable advice and expertise on building a screenwriting profile, sustaining a career, finding representation, and discovering opportunities. This session offered participants essential guidance for forging their paths in the industry and establishing themselves as successful storytellers.
With over 4,000 registrations, the Script and Story webinars were praised for their wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and practical advice. Attendees commended the accessibility and range of sessions, acknowledging the impact of the online format. "This was an excellent series of sessions that helped demystify the industry and democratise the knowledge needed to succeed," and "As a disabled person, it was very accessible to have everything on Zoom. I would not have been able to attend the sessions in person."
Another summarised their experiences by commenting: “The sessions were incredibly valuable, it was a real privilege to have attended and especially at no cost.”
Thank you to all the speakers who contributed to making Script and Story such a success! Stay updated on future NFTS x 4Skills sessions by following NFTS social media channels on Linked In, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Find out more about NFTS Across The UK below: