Sessions 2017

Sessions are now being added daily

Over the three days of the London Screenwriters’ Festival we will run over one hundred seminars, workshops and networking events for professional screenwriters. We film most sessions, so if you miss one, or two clash, you’ll be able to catch up later online. For updates about the festival, sign up below.

“

The festival has created a grounded, rounded, richly valuable experience for writers like myself

Lee Stone, Writer

Headline

Die Hard Script to Screen LIVE with Jeb Stuart

Come down to Tuke Hall… “We’ll get together, have a few laughs”… and watch the 1998 smash hit, whilst screenwriter Jeb Stuart talks us through the development and production of this Bruce Willis classic.

Pitch at the Great British Pitchfest

This is your big moment… Pitch your killer project to professional producers and top agents. Past sessions have resulted in options AND representation!

The 2017 British Screenwriters’ Awards

It’s about time someone put the originators and architects of great storytelling front and centre. And so we did! Now in our fourth year, join a roster of the BIGGEST writing names rubbing shoulders with the hottest newcomers in the UK.

“

I went in with an idea which wasn’t quite working and came away with a different story line and a totally different antagonist that made complete sense. Wonderful!’

Rita Wheeler, Screenwriter

Script To Screen

Deconstructing ‘Memento’ with Linda Aronson

Christopher Nolan’s breakthrough hit ‘Memento’ employs fractured narrative, flashback and multi protagonist storylines. Join Linda Aronson as she deconstructs the movie in real time (well with a few pauses!).

Die Hard Script to Screen LIVE with Jeb Stuart

’71 Script to Screen LIVE with Gregory Burke & Angus Lamont

Pitched as “Apocalypto in Belfast”, ’71 is an edgy, intense, character driven and remarkably authentic story. Join Writer Gregory Burke and Producer Angus Lamont as they provide a live chat track through the making of this extraordinary film.

“

I can’t even describe how much I got out of the festival. Everyone I’ve spoken to post-festival has said the same thing. You all did a terrific job!

Alli Parker, Writer, Australia

Screenwriting Practical help

2B or not 2B! - Make your scripts water tight (even that tricky bit in the middle)

You plowed through act one, wrote some entertaining fun and games and then … you got stuck. Don’t worry. “Act 2B” is conquerable! You’ll leave this class with your story strengthened and some of your most pressing writing problems solved.

Actors Table Read: LIVE

How do actors and a director approach your screenplay? What happens when your words are reinterpreted through other artists? Join us for a sensational live onstage performance and deconstruction of one LSF delegate’s script.

Brainstorming Through The Block

Stopped in your tracks by where to go next with a plot point, a character, or a scene? Or maybe you feel it’s just not happening today? Pilar will show you a number of tools that will immediately and powerfully unstick your creativity so the words continue to flow.

Coen Brothers: Unlocking the Mystery of These Master Storytellers

Scott Myers digs deep into the Coen brothers movies revealing narrative dynamics you can use to craft the unique nature of your own stories. Learn from the masters in this unmissable session.

Deep Characterisation

Kira-Anne Pelican returns to the LSF with this essential session guaranteed to bring fresh insights into your character creation, shaping, complexities and nuances.

Dynamic Dialogue

Pilar Alessandra, Hollywood Script Consultant, is here to help you spice up your scripts with memorable, engaging and dynamic dialogue.

Finding YOUR Path to a Screenwriting Career with Hayley McKenzie

Discover the myriad paths writers are using today to get their work noticed and break in. And learn the practical steps you can take right now to help you get from hobbyist to professional screenwriter.

From ‘Pass’ to ‘Recommend’: What the Readers are looking for in your Scripts

Get the gate keepers to your success – the script readers – insider tips, advice and strategies for navigating your way through the woods and into the hidden fortress of screenwriting success.

How to write familiar yet fresh and compelling characters

In this dynamic workshop, Christopher Vogler will show you how and why you should build your modern, dynamic and fresh characters from the DNA of the ancient mythological and archetypes from the Heros Journey.

Killer Scene Descriptions: Using Screenplay Style to Express YOUR Writer’s Voice

Scott Myers debunks the mythical screenwriting ‘rules’ surrounding scene descriptions and demonstrates the ways in which successful professional writers convey their voice through screenplay style.

Manifesting Success

Following his packed to capacity sessions in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 Chris Jones and Jonathan Newman are back to run this highly successful and super controversial manifesting success workshop.

Meet the Producers: Impressing the Power Players

Find out what’s going to get you hired and what’s going to get you fired by the Producers you need to impress. In this session, our panel of seasoned Producers will share their stories from the trenches of writer relationships gone very very right… and very very wrong.

My Big Breakthrough... What can we learn from screenwriters who have just found success?

What can we learn from the most recently successful writers among us? Those of us who were, maybe just a year or two ago, fighting like the rest of us for the big break, to make ends meet and to start to make money from what we love.

PitchFest Bootcamp with Bob

Great American Pitchfest Guru Bob Schultz will start every day with a short 30 minute PitchFest bootcamp to get you ready for your pitch!

Saturday Morning Cinema

Meet the LondonSWF screenwriters who have taken action and acted as producers, actors or directors on their own scripts. Join them as we screen their movies and share their successes, failures and strategies… all with a view to helping you follow in their footsteps.

What will actually happen to your finished script? Live script edit

Live and dynamic script redraft, edit, slash and burn… Only for the bravest of writers!

You Had Me At Page One

Make the reader love you on the first page… So they cannot wait for the next! Learn writing techniques that help your script hit the ground running with top LA Script Consultant Pilar Alessandra.

“

Such a brilliant weekend at London Screenwriters Festival. Such and impressive and inspiring event.

Rob Craine, Screenwriter

Great British PitchFest

Hollywood Pitchfest via Skype

Pitch – face to face over Skype – with Hollywood producers and execs. Sessions are 90 minutes and you should get around 7 or 8 pitches in during that time.

The Elevator Pitch

Are you good enough to exit the elevator with the million dollar business card before the doors slide shut?

The Pitch Factor

Have you got the Pitch Factor? Live from the London Screenwriters Festival, the Pitch Factor returns with CASH prizes and our very own motley crew of judges!

“

Thank you for the INSPIRATION, thank you for the ENERGY! It was an awesome 3 days!

Susan Larsen, Screenwriter

Screenwriting for Film and Television

'Whiplash' Script to Screen Deconstruction with Christopher Vogler

Lean from an instant classic drama. Stepping through the film live, Christopher will illustrate the characters, archetypes and journey steps as they clearly manifest in the film and screenplay.

Adaptations: Navigating the Minefield of existing works or 'based on' true events

Adapting a successful novel or other work seems like a logical evolution, but the process can be problematic. How do you navigate the minefield?

Clash of the Titans: Vogler and Aronson on stage together

The Heros Journey meets The 21st Century Screenplay in this exclusive pairing of two of the greatest educators in the screenwriting world. Prepare to go deeper than you have even done before.

Film vs TV: Why not do both?

Do you consider yourself a feature writer but really want to get in to TV writing? Are you a TV aficionado and want to try your hand at writing for the big screen? Then this session is for you!

Going from 'pass' to 'YES!': Actors and the Script

What was that written moment, what was that character action or specific turn of phrase that made our panel of renowned actors pick up the phone and tell their agent, ‘I’m In!’

How to write for the BBC with Anne Edyvean | BBC Writersroom

Anne Edyvean, Head of BBC Writersroom, provides us with invaluable tips and answers those burning questions we have about breaking in and writing for the BBC.

Pixar: The Secrets Of Their Storytelling Craft

Discover the seven narrative dynamics evident in Pixar movies. Scott will illustrate how Pixar filmmakers use these narrative ‘secrets’ and you can learn how you can adopt them when crafting your own stories.

Ripping into Ripper Street with creator, writer and producer Richard Warlow

Want to know how a gothic, period continuing thriller drama became a hit show? And what can we learn from the makers so that we too can re-create the success of Ripper Street?

Sensitive Handling of Sensitive Materials: Writing True Crime

Writers of true crime must serve two masters: the audience and the “characters” who exist in the real world. Neil McKay will help you thread that needle and guide you to storytelling success.

Somewhere in time: Writing Period Drama

Whether you write for cinema or television, this session will help you drive your career into the future, even as you find your inspiration in the past.

The A-Z of Storytelling

Drawing inspiration from the great story tellers of the world, Producer and Director of the world famous NFTS, Nik Powell examines storytelling from the point of view of the producer not as is usual from the point of view of the writer or director.

The BIG Vision: How To Attract Prolific Producers To YOUR Screenplay

Three of the UK’s most prolific and trail blazing producers will come together in this unique session to share their big visions, their rich perspectives and looking forward to answer the question, “What’s next?”.

The Infinite Character Arc: Writing Continuing Drama

Take a peek behind the continuing drama curtain in this mega-session with the top Producers, Writers and Consultants from Casualty, Doctors, Eastenders and Holby.

Weave your own TV series: Constructing and Interweaving multiple protagonist stories for TV

Master the techniques used to create seemingly complex and interwoven stories with many protagonsists. Linda will reveal the secrets used by the masters.

Writing Action with Jeb Stuart

Action films cross cultural barriers and vault a screenplay’s potential for success into the worldwide market. In this explosive session, Jeb Stuart (Die Hard, The Fugitive) will share his 30+ years of wisdom in this unstoppable powerhouse of a genre.

“

I have learnt so much which I can implement in my own writing. I came away inspired, motivated & loving life!

Caroline Towers, Screenwriter

In conversation

'Filthily Funny': In Conversation with Paul Abbott

We’ve been after him for years and finally the scheduling stars have aligned and we are absolutely delighted to welcome Paul Abbott to the LSF17. Join us as we finally get inside the brilliant writing mind of this brilliant writing man.

Doing Crime: In Conversation with Jed Mercurio

Join the King of Crime Writing Jed Mercurio, for a session with one of the industry’s most successful writers talking about one of the industry’s most beloved crime dramas.

“

It was my first time this year and I will definitely be returning next year

Amy Culwick, Screenwriter

Screenwriters Talent Fast-track

Get legal advice in our legal clinic at the festival

We all have concerns about our screenplays and career, but often can’t afford a specialist lawyer. At the festival you can get that face time you need, with a media lawyer.

Meet The Experts

A panel of leading film industry professionals provide confidential one-on-one advice to move your project onto the next stage.

“

LSF reinvigorates a screenwriters 'mojo' and infuses it with the strength to persevere

Dee Chilton, Writer

Beyond the workshop

Get Your Script Performed

Have scenes from your script read, performed and workshopped by professional actors and directors.

Script Chat

Get intimate face-to-face time in our hugely popular Script Chat roundtable sessions. Ask our speakers the questions you want answered.

Script To Screen

Read the script, watch the film or TV show, then meet the writers, filmmakers and producers at the festival.

Speed Networking – Fun, Fast and EFFECTIVE

Meet 30 new writers, producers and directors in our 90 minute speed networking event. Fast, FUN and designed to create powerful new relationships.

The Writers Room

Join five other writers and a seasoned showrunner for a whole day on Thursday (the 1st September) to write a show for a long running TV series. Welcome to the pressure cooker that is the ‘Writers Room’ at LondonSWF.

We will read your script: The Script Surgery

Do you need an expert to offer concise, practical and immediately useful feedback on your screenplay or treatment? Get one-on-one feedback on your script with Euroscript.

“

I felt like every single person I met gave me something that I needed to take me to the next step of my journey

Emily Southall, Screenwriter

Writers Rooms

Writers Room 1: WAKING THE DEAD with Barbara Machin

Join Showrunner Barbara Machin in this day long CRIME focused Writers Room experience brought to you exclusively by the LondonSWF.

Writers Room 2: DOCTORS with Loretta Preece

Join Showrunner Loretta Preece in this day long DOCTORS focused Writers Room experience brought to you exclusively by the LondonSWF.

Writers Room 3: CASUALTY with Roxanne Harvey

Join Story Producer Roxanne Harvey in this day long MEDICAL focused Writers Room experience brought to you exclusively by the LondonSWF.

Writers Room 4: The Comedy Incubator

Jack Bernhardt heads up this day long writers lock-in where six successful applicants will workshop topical gags and sketches informed by the news of the day.

“

The volunteers were absolutely wonderful - so helpful and a joy to talk with, it made such a difference!

Yazmin Vigusm, Screenwriter

Script Labs

Script Lab 1: Writing ACTION features with 'Die Hard' Screenwriter Jeb Stuart

Do you love action? Do you dream of explosions, gun fights, and car chases with huge stars trying to kill each other? Do you have a completed action feature script you need to take to the next level? Then this lab is for you!

Script Lab 2: Creating TV Drama Series with top script consultant Philip Shelley

Do you love television? Do you have the next returning hit TV drama series in your portfolio? Then we want to hear from you.

Script Lab 3: Character Based Screenwriting with ‘K-9’ Screenwriter Scott Myers

Successful applicants will join Scott at the Festival for this intensive lab and through workshopping take their writing to the next level.

Script Lab 4: Taking your Genre TV Drama to the next level with 'The Fall' Producer Gub Neal

Seasoned TV Drama Producer and LSF Patron Gub Neal (The Fall, Cracker, Prime Suspect) rolls up his sleeves and delves deep into your TV projects in this intensive 3 hr lock-in with one of the most prolific and accomplished Producer’s in the business.

“

The atmosphere made it surprisingly easy to talk to complete strangers.

Gill Williams, Screenwriter

Open and Close

Festival Opening

Get fully prepped to get the most from the festival in this kick ass opening that will frame your three day roller coaster. NOT TO BE MISSED!

LondonSWF Close

NOTE THIS SESSION BEGINS AT 6.15pm SHARP AND IS JUST 15 MINS LONG. Join the team for the FABULOUS close of the festival and our promise for the next year ahead.

“

An amazing, amazing, amazing few days! I can’t begin to tell you how career-changing it was, from the pure inspiration of the speakers to meeting all the delegates…

Tom Kerevan, Screenwriter

Social Connection

Networking Drinks In The Refrectory

Don’t be shy – grab a beer and break out those business cards!

Unofficial Post Festival Drinks At The Globe

Unofficial Post Festival Drinks At The Globe Pub on Baker Street

“

The PitchFest is such a positive and important event for both pitcher and producer, its where preparation can meet opportunity

M J McMahon – Director/Producer, Capture

Talent Campus

Talent Campus 3.0: Total Immersion

A ten-day professional development programme supported by Final Draft that will immerse you in the tactics and strategies as well as mindset needed as a professional screenwriter.

“

The Pitchfest session resulted in requests for scripts and written pitches from all the execs I pitched to. Which was fantastic!

Tracy Ann Baines, Screenwriter

Festival Week: Additional One Day Masterclasses

Pitching Thursday (Evening): LondonSWF Festival Week Evening Workshop (Sept 14th 2017)

Don’t fall at the first hurdle. Prepare for an extraordinary PitchFest at the LSF by joining Hollywood pitch guru Pilar Alessandra who will transform your pitch so you can present professionally and with confidence.

The Hero's Journey, harnessing the power of myth for your stories, career and life

Veteran Hollywood story consultant and studio executive Christopher Vogler brings his game changing seminar to the London Screenwriters’ Festival. Prepare to embark upon your own unforgettable adventure…

Networking Tuesday, work the room with confidence: Day 1 of LondonSWF Festival Week

Talent is great but relationships get you hired. The ability to create powerful new relationships in any given situation is one of the primary factors in the success of your career and that of any screenplay that you write. A one day masterclass.

Advanced Structure: From Procedural to Longform, terrestrial to Netflix and beyond… With John Yorke

In one day, shift your project from a great idea that is well executed into one that meets the needs of the emerging long story form machine that is Netflix and other online platforms.

“

I got way more from it than I expected and you can’t put a price on that.’

Ian Maxim Martin, Screenwriter

Additional Courses, Workshops and Masterclasses

Writing TV with Pilar Alessandra (March 24th - 25th 2018)

Siobhan McKiernan