BiteSized@NFTS: Character Development

Submit your application and as soon as we’ve received sufficient applications we’ll schedule dates

Every cinematic story is created by the dynamic interplay between the characters and the plot. No matter how clever the plot, a script only really comes to life if it contains compelling characters. The question is how can we develop compelling characters?

In this session, Clive Frayne, will demonstrate how to take a two-dimensional, clichéd character and transform them into something that works cinematically. He’ll then show how to extend that development work to the entire cast, to create what he calls a “drama engine.” A drama engine being a cast of characters whose personalities automatically create drama just by bringing them together.

You will learn:

• Why undeveloped, clichéd, characters make screenwriting hard and scripts boring
• The four basic changes you apply to make a character come to life
• Advanced character development (the spreadsheet method)
• How to create drama engine casts in the planning stages of a script

Freelance Rate: £50

Corporate Rate: £100

Feedback from other online training we have provided include:

“I probably felt more comfortable doing this course over Zoom than I would have standing up in person reciting the same stories.”

“This course was delivered remotely and I was surprised at how well it worked. I felt at ease being at home and lost no focus. I felt that I was actually more honest about my faults and it gave a more informal feel”

 “A really great inspiring course with a very likeable course leader”

“Tutor had a very good structure and was passionate about their subject. I felt engaged and informed throughout.”

“The practice sessions were my favourite part. We got to think on our feet and really put the teachings to the test. The tasks set were easy to follow but hard enough that you really had to think to complete them”