Producers know how to make films. They are brilliant at finance plans, budgeting, location scouting, relationships with agents, distributors, sales agents, streamers, broadcasters and audiences. And they know a good story when they see one – but all too often they see scripts that are promising, but lacking key screen elements.

What producers are looking for in screenplays is original compelling narratives, a gripping world of the story with strongly developed characters, a propulsive story with escalating dramatic conflict and sparkling dialogue.

Often producers are presented with scripts which have some, but not all of these essential screen elements – and they are not always as clear as they would like to be about how to turn things around and implement an effective development strategy.

This workshop is designed to enable producers to engage deeply with screen stories using the language of script development and to recognise when a script is working, when it is not, and what to do about it. At its conclusion, producers should feel confident about how to assess the potential of a screenplay, how to discuss the screenplay with the writer, how to put together the right development strategy, how to constantly consider ways in which the writer could make stronger choices and how to assess and elevate each draft.

Understanding development and the process by which a good screenplay becomes great is an essential part of every producers’ toolkit because a producer who understands development will always be ahead of the curve.

This workshop will run as two separate modules.

The first is for experienced producers (minimum of one producer credit, either feature film or TV series) looking for a refresher course or upskilling or just the opportunity to talk about how screenplays work how producers manage script development. Course runs Friday 21 June – Monday 24 June. Apply here.

The second is for emerging producers (no prior credits required) who are keen to further their script analysis and script development skills. Course runs Tuesday 25 June – Thursday 27 June. Apply here.