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Under-representation and under-represented groups in the UK relate to the protected characteristics as defined in the UK Equality Act 2010. Additional areas include regional participation, socioeconomic background, and caring responsibilities. This is not an exhaustive list.
- British Film Institute
There is rightfully a big push in TV and film for under-represented voices - but how do under-represented writers navigate an industry not yet ready for them?
How do you use existing expectations and dogmas to your advantage?
What does the hero’s journey look like when they have an under-represented voice?
Writers from under-represented backgrounds need dedicated advice - on how to navigate pitfalls and bend the rules and expectations of the industry to their benefit. Most of all, they need an opportunity to explore their ideas among like-minded peers who can help support and nurture them.
This course runs on Wednesday evenings, after working hours, for 8 weeks - giving you greater flexibility to hit homework deadlines.
At the end of the 8 weeks, you will have:
- A toolbox of structures, theories, and troubleshooting techniques
- Invaluable practice in pitching exercises and mock Writers’ rooms
- A ready-to-go pitch for your personal project
- A minimum of 20 revised pages of a personal project - short, pilot, or feature
Instead of championing one theory of screenwriting, this course focuses on equipping Writers with a range of tools to tackle writing screenplays.
By looking at established and expected elements of screenplays, we can uncover how to shape scripts that accommodate under-represented voices and unexpected ideas.
By the end of the course, you will be familiar with a selection of frameworks and problem-solving methods designed to improve your writing and make your stories more sellable.
Many of the weekly exercises will involve rewriting excerpts of existing screenplays. This not only gives you the opportunity to experiment without feeling self-conscious but also helps you hone skills that will be invaluable for working on existing shows.
ABOUT THE TUTOR:
John Servante is a Writer with a disability and neurodivergence. A former NFTS student, John won places on both Channel 4’s 4Stories initiative and the BBC Studios Writers Academy, working with a breadth of BAFTA-winning talent including Elizabeth Kilgariff, Marcus Wilson, John Yorke, Philip Trethowan and Ben Bickerton, and John Chapman.
Writers should attend with ideas or stories they wish to work into scripts and pitches.
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