Develop and build your writing skills so that you can confidently produce scripted narrative. You will learn how the basics of scriptwriting work - covering everything from Aristotle to Tarantino…

 

In a fun and safe environment, you’ll discuss and practise structure, creating dialogue, working with subtext, the differences between writing for film, theatre and television, world building and more.

 

In each session, you will take part in exercises, watch clips and have group discussions. You’ll work towards preparing the template and building blocks for your first play or screenplay so that you are ready to finish writing it.

 

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

- See film, television, and theatre with a new lens for the way scripted stories work;

- Develop character arcs and dynamics and work with subtext;

- Create and build worlds as well as write effective dialogue;

- Form and create your own creative principles that you will continue to stand by and develop as you continue to create;

- Have the confidence to receive and give feedback; and

- Have the confidence to put your work out into the world.

 

Please bring a pen and paper.

 

Past students’ reviews for Ben’s classes:

 

“Ben displays a deep passion for what he teaches which helps engagement. Very approachable and humorous.”

“Insights outside the normal curriculum.”

“I learned about so many aspects of storytelling I never thought about or knew about.”

“Ben is a great communicator, listener, and very engaging as a teacher.”

“Engaging, knowledgeable, relatable, smart, and fun.”

“Ben was very approachable and encouraging – fostered a safe learning environment which helped with being vulnerable and sharing work.”

 

 

Ben is an award-winning playwright who has completed a Masters in Scriptwriting at the International Institute of Modern Letters with Ken Duncum. In 2020, his play ‘Homemade Takeaways’ won the Playmarket Playwrights B425 award. It was also shortlisted for the 2021 Adam NZ Playwriting Award, was a quarter finalist in the Screencraft International Playwriting Competition, and received a public reading at Circa Theatre Wellington as part of their 2021 Fringe Festival Season. Adam’s earlier plays ‘I’ll Be Fine’, ‘Fred is Cold’, ‘Super Clean’ and ‘Satisfied Customers’ were also nominated for multiple awards. His work has been performed at Wellington’s BATS Theatre and Victoria University and at Auckland's Basement Theatre. ‘Fred is Cold’ is currently being adapted into a short film funded the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.Ben's radio play 'Plain Crazy' was broadcast by Radio New Zealand.

  

Please bring a pen and paper.