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*Please note that the dates of this course have changed from those previously advertised*
The current boom and global expansion of high-end TV Drama has opened a new era of opportunity. ‘Script Editing Today’ will introduce you to the role of the script editor in TV Drama.
The course will provide you with an understanding of the tools and skills that are needed by the industry . It will take you through the process of the script editor’s work from assessing a first draft of a TV pilot to planning future episodes. Throughout, participants will work independently on scripts with the tutor but also collectively as editors in the heat and excitement of an online writers’ room.
Previous course participants have said:
'The course was excellent; the range and material we were exposed to exceeded my expectations and gave all of us a strong handle on script editing as well as insight into the part editing plays when scripts are in development. The group discussions represented a useful approach to understanding what goes into a script, the thinking behind the writing as well as the ideas to progress it, and ultimately how to have a constructive discussion with a writer about their work...
..[The highlight of this course was] seeing incredible work, meeting writers at an early stage in their career and having time with industry professionals to discuss the changing role of script editing in the production process. The writers were incredibly generous in sharing their work with the group and being open to discussing it as a way for us to learn, and the amount of time each writer spent with us taught us a lot about the different approaches to working with a writer and understanding their thinking and development of a script.'
'I learnt what was expected of a Script Editor and how to develop my transferable skills and acquire new ones. I gained a much clearer understanding of the process and the confidence and desire to feel I could pursue it as the next stage of my career. All of the speakers were wonderful. I found the course extremely interesting and just the right level of challenging (in a rollercoaster kind of way). I learnt a lot from Peter and his encouragement has given me confidence to pursue script editing.'
'I participated in Peter Ansorge’s Writing the Pilot Course in 2018 and was absolutely thrilled to be invited back as a writer to work with his Script Editing Today students. The enthusiasm and dedication with which Peter and his students thoughtfully crafted feedback on my script has been invaluable to my project. No stone was left unturned with respect to the characters and mythology of my world. It was wonderful to gain a broad spectrum of insight from the NFTS’ diverse and experienced students. I am incredibly grateful to the NFTS for their continued support with my writing.'
'No sane Writer wants their work analysed by seven Editors in one session, but with the enthusiastic expertise of tutor Peter Ansorge the ‘Edit for Today’ course proved an illuminating, invaluable experience. The group were insightful, diplomatic and honest with no-holds barred feedback, some of which I’m delighted to say I’ve taken onboard for future development. A win-win course I highly recommend to contributing Writers and participants alike.'
The course will include sessions working with writers on original scripts from ‘Writing The TV Pilot’. The emphasis will be on practise not theory. Developing and improving a script and engaging with the writer in the room.
Week 1
You will be assigned scenes from an original script to read as homework each evening. The morning and afternoon daily sessions will involve analysis and discussion of the scenes with the whole group led by Peter. You will also work in breakout groups learning how to analyse a script and come up with different ideas on how to improve and develop it.
Week 2
In the second week you will work in pairs. You will meet and work with a new writer on a project in development, involving group discussions, breakout sessions with the writer and outlining ideas for new episodes of a TV Drama series. By the end of the week, you will be required to submit a script report but throughout the course, the emphasis will be on your verbal notes and dialogue with the writer.
The course will include sessions with guest speakers: a producer will give their perspective on the role of the script editor and its importance in the creative and production process, and an established writer and script editor will share their experience of working together.
We recommend that you have experience in Script Reading and Reporting before taking this course, or have undertaken our Script Reading and Reporting course.
Freelance Rate: £1125
Corporate Rate: £2250
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 for the Glasgow intake, please contact us at scotland@nfts.co.uk or call us on 0141 729 8190