Learn the fundamentals of building and telling a compelling story, and how to effectively dramatise your idea, characters and plot. 

There's only one way to make a really great Oscar-worthy South African film: write a screenplay that will inspire investors and distributors to turn words into big screen action and bring local stories to film audiences worldwide.

The Writing Studio's The Write Journey workshop for aspirant scribes explores art of storytelling and the craft of writing a universal story that reflects the uniqueness, history and culture of South Africa and Africa.

This inspirational and motivational journey from page to screen offers aspirant screenwriters an opportunity to sharpen their storytelling skills. It focuses on the art of writing visual narrative and turning inspiration into big screen action.

The Write Journey workshop follows The Writing Studio's reputable 16-years of workshops throughout South Africa.

Saturday September 4 and 11 from 10am until 5pm
Venue: Planning Room, Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan Steet, Foreshore, Cape Town, South Africa (go to the security at the Back Stage entrance)

GUEST SPEAKER
A Q and A with producer Ross Garland, who adapted John van der Ruit's bestseller Spud for big screen release in November.

COST AND REGISTRATION
R800, with a discounted rate of R600 for students, scholars and pensioners.  Register now

"I attended The Write Voice and the Write Journey workshops by Daniel Dercksen. Thanks again for being the catalyst and guide in my life story. It was an amazing journey. I've emerged seeing the world differently. Full of voices, ideas, characters, and stories. From feeling uninspired and lazy, I now find that I can't turn off my brain. I have many new tools to use to explore, practice and hone my writing. From practical suggestions on how to develop and organise ideas, to structuring a story so that it reads like music,  I have come away excited, inspired and raring to write."
Ruth Tearle, strategy and change management consultant, a trainer and a motivational speaker, who is the author of "Blackboards, Bubbles & Cappuccinos, ""Ride the Wild Tiger" and "Mastering Personal Change".www.ruthtearle.com

TRAINER
Since he launched The Writing Studio 16 years ago Daniel Dercksen has presented over 500 workshops in scriptwriting and creative writing throughout South Africa. As a published playwright, writer and movie journalist, he is a qualified ETD Practitioner (Education, Training and Development) - accredited by SAQA (The South African Qualifications Authority) -   working in accordance with the principles of the Department of Education and focusing on outcomes-based education, training and development, and has been involved in movie journalism for more than 20 years. Read more

The Write Journey >>>

> Within 12 hours storytellers will grasp the fundamentals of writing for a visual medium, what it takes to be a screenwriter in South Africa, and how to conquer the writing process
> Teaches the fundamentals of building and telling a compelling story, and how to effectively dramatise ideas,  develop characters and plot the action. 
> Explores the journey from the inspiration of an idea, through the writing process to the planning and start of a first draft that will become the blueprint for a film, television series or stageplay.
> Looks at what it takes to be a storyteller and introduces seven easy steps to explore strengths and weaknesses
> Is ideal for ANYONE with an idea for a story. If there is something or someone you want to write about this is your opportunity to turn thoughts into words that will eventually be turned into action. 
> Encourages storytellers to write universal stories that will reflect the uniqueness of their respective cultures, histories and personal experiences, and turn thoughts into action that will evolve into a feature film or stage play.
> Transforms ideas into concepts that will be reworked into hardcopy, into 120 pages filled with action, description
> Ideal for novelists who would like to adapt their work into a visual medium, or writers who want to write stageplays.
> Explores the exciting world of film and filmmaking and teaches storytellers to read, interpret and analyse films and understand the language and visual dynamics of film.
> Deconstructs the line of dramatic action and looks at the storyteller and structure, how to build a solid story and dramatise the plot.
> Examines theme and explores the thematic purpose of story.
> Looks at the importance of the story outline and defining story events (scenes and sequences)
> Develops and explores primary, supporting and functional characters and finding the transformational arc.
> Demystifies format and writing the first draft; understanding the re-write
> Urges storytellers to take ownership of their stories, writing a killer Top Sheet that will sell the story, selling yourself as a writer and understanding the development process.