WRITE JOURNEY WORKSHOP

From page to screen: what it takes to be a screenwriter in SA.

The Writing Studio will develop the write attitude with an exclusive one-day The Write Journey workshop for aspirant screenwriters in Durban on February 27 from 09h00 until 18h00 at the SABC in Old Fort Road.

This inspirational and motivational journey from page to screen offers local aspirant screenwriters an opportunity to sharpen their storytelling skills to write a South African story that will be ideal for the international market.

The guest speakers are Producer Brad Logan (Spud) and screenwriter Janet van Eeden (White Lion). The trainer is Daniel Dercksen, a published playwright, screenwriter, movie journalist and education, training and development practitioner who has been teaching workshops in scriptwriting and creative writing throughout South Africa the past 16 years.

With Spud, District 9, Invictus, Skin, White Lion and Themba turning the spotlight on South African stories, more than 20 local films released last year, and 15 local films awaiting release during the first half of this year, it has never been a better time to be a screenwriter in South Africa.

“The Write Journey focuses on the art of writing visual narrative and turning inspiration into big screen action,” explains Danie Dercksen. “The workshop explores the journey from the inspiration of an idea, through the writing process to the planning and start of a first draft of a screenplay that will become the blueprint for a film, television series or stageplay.

“The inspirational and motivational workshop is ideal for ANYONE with an idea for a story. If there is a local story or inspiring personality you want to write about this is your opportunity to turn thoughts into words.”

The course turns theory into practise and ideas inside out. It explores the full dramatic or comedic potential of stories and empowers storytellers to write a compelling story that will reflect the uniqueness of their culture, history and experience. The workshop is also an introduction into the world of filmmaking and teaches writers how to read and interpret the fascinating language of film, and how to evaluate and analyse film, television and theatre constructively.

It is ideal for novelists who would like to adapt their work into a visual medium, as well as for those who would like to write a stageplay. For more information and registration, email info@writingstudio.co.za or visit www.writingstudio.co.za