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This course is for writers, script editors, producers and people with ideas for making television drama or feature films.
It will take you through the process of practising and delivering a successful verbal pitch, which is a crucial skill to acquire for anyone wanting to work in the industry today.
Over three days, the course explores how best to develop drama proposals, script outlines or un-commissioned scripts and how to target and pitch these to potential financiers, sales agents and distributors.
It will make you think realistically about your ideas and give you a framework for going forward. If you’ve been struggling on your own, it will give you invaluable feedback, suggestions and ways of packaging your ideas.
This course is led by NFTS's own Peter Ansorge (Ex-commissioning Editor and Head of Channel 4 Drama) whose award-winning career includes: A Very British Coup, Traffik, GBH, The Politician’s Wife, Tales of the City, Brookside and The Camomile Lawn.
Previous course participants have said:
'Hugely insightful comments that developed my pitch - and project - in a positive way.'
'Peter's knowledge and experience was so valuable and he was generous in sharing both.' 'It was invaluable to get feedback from someone who was working at such a high level in the industry and was honest and tactful in his approach, feedback and insight.'
Participants will come to the course with an idea for a TV drama series or screenplay at an early stage of development.
DAY 1 Begin discussing your drama with your fellow writers. We will ask: what makes a great TV drama or screenplay? Key breakthrough dramas will be analysed from both the streaming services and UK broadcasters. Emphasis on how character is crucial to every successful idea for drama. Overnight: write two scenes from your pilot or screenplay for discussion the following morning with a view to creating memorable characters as well as a strong narrative.
DAY 2 After sharing and discussing your scenes with your fellow writers and producers, we’ll look at your idea in the context of the industry today. How will it stand out among the competition? What is original in terms of genre and appeal to audiences? You will then rehearse your pitches, with your fellow writers as the first audience. Overnight: write a two-page summary of your series or movie which can be sent out to agents.
DAY 3. You will pitch your project to a leading Head of Development. This will be followed by career advice which will include how to locate the right production company for your project and finding an agent - how to get into the right room.
All discussion and practice of the work will take place in the atmosphere of a creative and supportive online Writer’s Room.
Freelance Rate: £350
Corporate Rate: £700
Bursaries, supported by Screen Scotland, to contribute to the costs of attending this course may be available to those who are eligible. Please read the bursary guidelines which are published below first to check if you are eligible. If you are eligible, please indicate if you are also applying for a bursary or not.
Please apply as far in advance of the course date as possible to give yourself the best chance of securing a supported place, as we may not be able to accommodate all applications.
Your bursary application and supporting documents should be sent to scotland@nfts.co.uk after submitting this application form. Please submit your bursary application within 24 hours to ensure your course place is reserved while your bursary application is processed – otherwise we may be required to release it to another applicant. Your bursary documents are reviewed by a panel and we aim to be in touch as soon as possible with an outcome for you.
NFTS Scotland Bursary Guidelines
NFTS Scotland Bursary Application Form
If you are not eligible for an NFTS Scotland bursary, please read our Alternative Funding Avenues document, which points you in the direction of a few other places which may be able to help. Please submit your application in plenty of time as timescales for funders differ.
Please fill in the application form, attaching your CV.
If you need any assistance please contact us at shortcourses@nfts.co.uk or call us on 01494 677 903
