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.

“

I met producers who hired me to script edit a film with the producers from Star Wars, Blade Runner and Alien. An amazing experience that would have never had without the LSF

Gareth Meredith, Screenwriter

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, producers at the festival.

Speed Networking – Fun, Fast and EFFECTIVE

Meet 30 new writers, producer and directors in our ninety 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.

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I cannot tell you how invaluable the Actors Table Read was for me – and from feedback I’ve heard other writers too

Sylvia-Anne Parker, 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.

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 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!

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Taught me more about writing and making films than my degree!

Amy Livingstone, Writer

Screenwriting Practical help

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.

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!

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!

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I can’t thank you enough for setting up LSF. I’ve learned a so much, overcome the fear of pitching and met so many lovely people.

Sophia Elizabeth Tamaro, 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.

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Where else can you queue up for lunch with Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish stood next to you?

Andy Wright, Screenwriter

Open and Close

Festival 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.

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!

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A buzz from start to finish, with masses of learning and networking.

Carole Parsons, Screenwriter

Social Connection

Networking Drinks In The Marquee Bar

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

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I’ve never seen so many people so exhausted and elated at the same time!

Leilani Holmes, Filmmaker and Screenwriter

Additional Courses, Workshops and Masterclasses

The First Draft with Pilar (March 18th and 19th)

If you have great ideas but consistently procrastinate or get stuck before you even get it on the page, this intensive, highly practical and immediately useful workshop with Hollywood screenwriting teacher Pilar Alessandra will transform both your ideas and your writing process.

Breaking Into Script Reading, 2 day workshop with Lucy V Hay (Feb 11th and 12th '17)

An intensive two-day workshop that breaks down the art and craft of reading scripts to help improve your own writing, to also improve your feedback for other writers and most importantly, to earn you money as a professional reader.

The 21st Century Storyteller with Linda Aronson (Oct 22nd / 23rd)

Have You Got A Great Story That Just Won’t Work In The Traditional Three Act Structure? Join Linda Aronson for this two day tour de force masterclass in modern non linear storytelling.

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This festival helped create some amazing friendships that I already know will last a lifetime

Clara Emanuel, Writer & Actor