Resources for storytellers and filmmakers                           

Links and contacts for writers and filmmakers Read more

5 easy steps to reach your maximum potential as a storyteller > The only way to be a writer is to write, and the only way to improve your writing and storytelling skills is to master the discipline the exhausting writing process demands, and to cultivate the patience the development process calls for. Read more

A storyteller's resolutions for 2012:  signing a contract with yourself > Are you the best writer you can be? Do you have what it takes to be a great writer? Read more

The write format > Any professional working in the industry will be able to tell in the first paragraph whether a professional or an amateur wrote the script. Format is simple, so simple in fact, that most people try and make it more complex with software. The ABC of Format How to format a screenplay and television series   How to format TV sitcoms and serials of 30 minutes   Format for stageplays

Genre and genre plots > As a screenwriter you have to be familiar with other films that relate to, or are similar to, the screenplay you want to write. The choice of genre imposes certain conventions on the screenplay and sharply determines and limits what's possible within a story. Genres are simply windows on reality, various ways for the writer to look at life. Read more

Workshops and courses for storytellers > During the 17 years of The Writing Studio's workshops through South Africa, four workshops now shape the future of writers who need to develop the write attitude.  Read more about our workshops and courses

Services > A personal trainer for one-on-one sessions; the reading and evaluation of scripts; an agency for writers.  Read more

The Write Trainer Since he launched The Writing Studio 18 years ago Daniel Dercksen contnues to develop the write attitude throughout South Africa. Read more

The Write Stuff > Tips and insight from professional writers and filmmakers for aspirant writers and filmmakers  Read more

Take ownership of your writing: the ABC of copyright > Copyright automatically comes into existence the moment an original work is created in a fixed form … An original work is put onto paper or computer memory in any form. Read more

Selling you writing: mastering the Top Sheet > The Top Sheet is one of the most valuable assets for any writer.  It gives anyone interested in your writing a condensed overview of what your story about, as well as essential information on yourself, the characters and development of the project. It also ensures copyright and safeguards your work from being stolen.Read more

Read the latest scripts for free > If there is one way to understand format and explore the art of visual narrative, it's reading scripts that have been turned into box-office hits and reached an international market. Visit the Internet Movie Script Database

The art of film  > Explore the world of film; the art of adaptation, the art of sequels, original and independent filmmaking, the art of animation, the art of documentary filmmaking, the art of world cinema. Read more

How to review a film >  the reaction in your mind are united as one, "film" is taking place. In analysing and evaluating film it is important to understand that film, like speech and writing, has a unique language that can only be fully comprehended through watching and studying film. Read more

How to read a film: understanding the language of film  > Film, like speech and writing, has a language. Writing, speech, and visual images all communicate within their own particular spheres. Read more

Understanding the Hero's Journey: looking at Gladiator > The film Gladiator was one of the first films in history to be greenlighted before the script was complete. It was David Franzoni's story, his pitch to Dreamworks, the concept, and the pitch to director Ridley Scott, that initiated the process. Explore all three drafts and Take a closer look at the structural development of Gladiator, as well as character development, symbolism and visual dynamics. We will also examine some of the differences between the revised first draft written in April 1998, and the second draft written in October 1998. Gladiator is a perfect example of the classic 'hero's journey' in storytelling. Warning If you have not seen the Gladiator, please note that the ending and certain twists are revealed in the following analysis. Read more