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.

“

What an emotional end to a fucking rockstar weekend!

Lee Burgess, Screenwriter

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.

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.

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Hearing your words like they might be on screen one day is incredible; combined with instant feedback on how the actors liked the layout and used the script direction.

Jeremy Caine, 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 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

Need a professional to read your screenplay? Get one-on-one feedback on your script with Euroscript.

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I have a greater understanding of how I fit into this industry and how to navigate my career now. Thank you

Hayley Treacy Pepler, Writer & Producer

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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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

Script To Screen

Die Hard Script to Screen LIVE with Jeb Stuart

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I have a greater understanding of how I fit into this industry and how to navigate my career now. Thank you

Hayley Treacy Pepler, Writer & Producer

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.

Dynamic Dialogue

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

Manifesting Success

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

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!

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.

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I came out of the LSF with a clear plan what I need to do next, greater confidence about my work and amazing new contacts and friends

Tina Steffan, Screenwriter, Germany

Screenwriting for Film and Television

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!’

Holding Space for Your Vision

Unleash the creativity already present. Discover that your own work is already deeper than you ever imagined and that you have unimaginable access to creative capabilities that you only suspected.

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.

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.

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I came to the LSF thinking that execs and agents were terrifying – now I know they are just lovely people who WANT your script to be great

Elizabeth Crawford, Writer & Actress

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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From my first year last year I have seen a tangible difference in the quality of my writing. I couldn’t wait to get back and learn more.

Vicky Hinault, Screenwriter

Writers Rooms

Writers Room 1: TBA

Six writers, one showrunner and one day to write a show… Headed up by Barbara Machin.

Writers Room 2: TBA

Six writers, one showrunner and one day to write a show… This writers room will be announced soon.

Writers Room 3: TBA

Six writers, one showrunner and one day to write a show… This writers room will be announced soon.

Writers Room 4: TBA

Six writers, one showrunner and one day to write a show… This writers room will be announced soon.

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An agent from Curtis Brown told me I was exactly the type of writer she was looking for and she wanted to read my work.

Amy Hawes

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: TBA

Three hours, one world class mentor and six writers. This lab is yet to be confirmed. Please check back soon.

Script Lab 4: TBA

Three hours, one world class mentor and six writers. This lab is yet to be confirmed. Please check back soon.

Script Lab 5: TBA

Three hours, one world class mentor and six writers. This lab is yet to be confirmed. Please check back soon.

Script Lab 6: TBA

Three hours, one world class mentor and six writers. This lab is yet to be confirmed. Please check back soon.

“

Thanks for a totally mind blowing week, for making us Talent Campers feel like rock stars and for making me feel like anything is possible!

David Hitchcox, Screenwriter (Talent Campus)

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.

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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

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

“

This course is teaching me skills and mindsets that no other screenwriting course ever has, even though they are as critical to success as writing talent

KT Parker

Festival Week: Additional One Day Masterclasses

Christopher Vogler's Hero's Journey 2017

Veteran Hollywood story consultant and studio executive Christopher Vogler brings his game changing seminar to the London Screenwriters’ Festival.

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.

Write a film that the market WANTS with Samantha Horley (Sept 13th 2017)

Give yourself a better chance of getting your film made, picked up and seen in this OUTSTANDING one day workshop with Producer and Screenwriter Samantha Horley.

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.

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How fantastic your staff and volunteers are at LSF. Every single one is always enthusiastic, friendly, welcoming and ready to help. They made last week truly memorable.

Sarah Cassidy, Screenwriter (Talent Campus)

Additional Courses, Workshops and Masterclasses

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

In this two day practical masterclass with Pilar Alessandra, we will show you how to deconstruct your ideas and then rebuild them into marketable projects that commissioners will be clamouring to read.

Breaking Into Script Reading, 2 day workshop with Lucy V Hay (Feb 3rd - 4th 2018)

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.

Screenwriting Craft Crash Course with Lucy V Hay (Sat 11th - Sun 12th Nov 2017)

The Screenwriters’ Craft Crash is a must for any writer who needs to get laser focus on their actual pages and elevate it from ‘good’ to ‘recommend’. Bring your laptops, pens, highlighters, print-outs and game-faces! Expect to write and rewrite.

The London Screenwriters' Festival (Sept 15th - 17th 2017)

With over 1,000 attendees, 100 sessions, 150 industry expert speakers and the biggest names in film and TV (from both the UK and Hollywood), LondonSWF has become the premiere screenwriting event to attend.

Christopher Vogler's Hero's Journey 2017

WHERE IS THE HERO’S JOURNEY GOING IN 2017? Veteran Hollywood story consultant and studio executive Christopher Vogler brings his game changing seminar to the London Screenwriters’ Festival.

Pitching Thursday (evening): LondonSWF Festival Week One Day Workshop (Sept 14th)

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 you pitch so you can present professionally and with confidence.

Write a film the market WANTS with Samantha Horley

Give yourself a better chance of getting your film made, picked up and seen in this OUTSTANDING one day workshop with Producer and Screenwriter Samantha Horley.

Networking Tuesday, work the room with confidence: LondonSWF Festival Week (Sept 12th 2017)

Perfect Your Pitch: One day Masterclass with Bob Schultz (Aug 5th 2017)

With two months to go, get yourself LSF and Pitchfest ready spending a full day developing the skills you need to pitch your project to producers, agents, actors, and more with one of the best Pitch tutors in the world, Bob Schultz.

Writing, Producing, Funding and Shooting your short film with Vanessa Bailey

How did an actress with zero filmmaking experience make the leap to successful writer and producer and what can you learn from her journey?

'Seeing Him' Film Premiere and After Party (June 17th 2017)

Celebrate with us at the London premiere of ‘Seeing Him’ followed by a cast and crew Q&A and exclusive after party.

“

There is a generosity of spirit and which pervades every aspect of the festival, creating a sense of the possible. I became a screenwriter this weekend

Colleen Burns, Writer