S&Co Workshops and Retreats

MAKE YOUR WORK BETTER WHILE HAVING FUN!

 

 

THE LEGENDARY

S&CO 'SCRIPTWRITING TOOLKIT' COURSE

Write a Full-length Play or Screenplay in Six Months

COURSE NOW UNDERWAY: 24 SEPTEMBER 2024 - 18 FEBRUARY 2025

Tuesdays from 7pm-10pm UK-time

Total price for six 3-hour Zoom sessions, course notes, recordings and reading materials: £299

It's like a Scriptwriting MA for playwrights and screenwriters...  at a fraction of the cost!

'I needed to find a writers group to help me with motivation, so this was one of the reasons I joined the course. However, I have also really benefited from the tutorials. I did a playwriting MA back in 2005/06 and have either forgotten a lot or the course wasn't up to much, as I have learnt a huge amount in these sessions! I am very happy with my group and they have provided me with excellent feedback. Joining the course is the best decision I've made this year.'  J. Howard, Playwright.

'This course allowed me to find a community of writers who support me, push me, and encourage me as I write and re-write and re-write. It allowed me to see that writing is a collaborative process... You don't need to just sit alone at your desk (pulling your hair out)!'  Jennifer Fernandez, Scriptwriter.

'I learned a lot, met some great fellow writers, had my imagination stretched by reading their scripts (many in genres I’ve never read before), had a really good time and reached Fade Out on my own a couple of weeks early! I just wish there was a “Return of the Toolkit” follow up. If there was, I’d book a place quicker than a lawyer grabbing his fee.'  Andrew Campbell, Screenwriter.'

'Best investment I have made in my craft.'  Joan Bigwood, Playwright.

'Zanna Cardash and Alex Hollister's tutelage is knowledgeable, inspiring, supportive and, very important to me, always constructive and kind. The two go up and beyond to help us writers grow. I am very thankful, also for the wonderful funny, witty, educative, supportive, likeable and knowledgeable group they matched me to. I am truly very sad that the six months are over.'  Anna Brehm, Screenwriter.

'Toolkit is 6 months of brilliant company and uplifting learning. I feel like my skill has shot up many levels and have gained some invaluable connections. We had an absolute blast, and came away not just far better at our craft but with actual shiny scripts of different lengths ready to enter here and send out there!'  Tony Ali, Screenwriter.

Ready to write your first - or next - pilot or a feature? Or an audio play, or a full-length theatrical piece? Perhaps you'd like to enter competitions like our Scriptwriters & Co International Festival, but don't feel ready to submit. Maybe you need a spec script to send to potential agents or producers.

Our six-month 'S&CO SCRIPTWRITING TOOLKIT' course is great for writers who want to learn technique as they write a play, pilot or feature script. It's tough without support, but save yourself the price of a Master's degree course. Whether you're an experienced scriptwriter or penning your first longform piece, our taught, tutor-led Scriptwriting Toolkit course is for you.  We'll help you to write an entire script from scratch for just £299.

Each month, we start a whole-group discussion, and then a  tutorial.  S&Co leaders Zanna Cardash and Alex Hollister will ensure you learn craft - and develop a professional toolkit of skills - as your play or screenplay takes shape. No matter if it's only in your head or you've already started writing. We'll guide you to make it the best it can be, via a mixture of tutorials and group workshops. There are 18 hours of tutoring/workshops, plus homework. And after each session, we'll send you a link to the recording, as well as course notes and lots of extra links/information to help you improve your work and knowledge of the industry. And at our final meeting, selected students (as voted for by their group members) will get to see their scripts performed online by professional S&Co Actors.

Don't aim to drop in and out. It's a six-month course, paid in full on booking, at the end of which (subject to your commitment and attendance) you should have written a complete piece. You're also likely to have formed a cohesive bond with your group's other members, which means you can continue to support one another, long after the course is finished. If you'd like to pre-register with no obligation, and receive a notification when enrolment starts, please email us.

We'll ask you to submit a sample scene before we start, but it's not competitive. This simply helps us to assess your current skills and place people in the best possible groups. Additionally, we'll want to know which type of script you'll write: stage/audio play or feature/pilot screenplay.  These are:

Each month, there will be manageable deadlines to meet. Shortly before each session, you'll send your work to other people in your group to read and prepare notes, while you'll read theirs and make notes for them. This means that, in the week before each session, you must factor in time to read and make notes on scripts submitted by your group of 3-6 writers.

For the benefit of all 'Toolkit' students, we will not accept (and will refund) any writers whose sample scripts show they're not yet ready to do the course. We also reserve the right to remove any student who fails to attend monthly workshops on more than two occasions, or to provide notes for others in their group in a timely fashion, and without a suitable explanation, with no refund offered. 

Trouble-shooter one-to-ones! At any stage, students can request a private Zoom tutorial (£30 per 30 minutes) with Zanna or Alex, to discuss your script.

MODULE DETAILS

All sessions are from 7pm-10pm GMT on Tuesdays. The schedule allows students to finish in time to submit by our final festival entry date in 2025 (with a discount code)!

MONTH ONE – TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2024: PLANNING: BEAT SHEETS, OUTLINES, BIBLES, LOGLINES

TUTORIAL: First, we'll all introduce ourselves and students will say what they intend to write. Then we'll discuss the best way to plan storylines and characters via beat sheets, outlines and bibles, and how (and when) to create strong loglines.  WORKSHOP: You'll meet the people in your small group, with whom you'll initially share your work. Come equipped with your idea, ready to discuss the basic premise and characters. HOMEWORK: Write a provisional logline and beat sheet/scene plan for your script and send it to your group by 10pm on Friday 18 October. Read and make notes on loglines/beat sheets/scene plans submitted by fellow group members, to be discussed in the next session, then emailed the day after.

MONTH TWO – TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2024: STRUCTURE, STORY AND CONFLICT

TUTORIAL: Did Aristotle get it right? One act, three acts or five? Creating the perfect plot and story arc for your genre. Is your idea more suited to a linear or non-linear format? Creating an effective narrative structure for audio, stage or screen. Is it really wrong to use flashbacks? Is conflict essential? The hero's journey: constructing a script with great turning points - how does sequencing work? After tuition you'll return to your group.  WORKSHOP: Each group member gives notes on other students' beat sheets or scene plans. What you like, what works, and what's unclear or illogical.  HOMEWORK: Write 30% of your script and send the draft to your group by 10pm on Friday 15 November. Read and make notes on scripts sent to you by fellow group members, to be discussed in November's session, then emailed the day after.

MONTH THREE – TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2024: CHARACTER, DIALOGUE AND VOICE

TUTORIAL: How to build three-dimensional characters. The critical differences between writing dialogue for screen, stage and audio. Creating emotional depth, so characters inspire empathy, ensuring the audience longs for your protagonist to succeed against all odds, or for their nemesis to be vanquished - often despite deep or unlikeable character flaws. The importance of backstories. Why characters should have external and internal wants and needs. Writing realistic dialogue that drives the story. Showing your 'voice'. WORKSHOP: Work through notes with your group. What's good, what needs more thought. HOMEWORK: Write the second 30% of your script. Send the entire new draft to your group as well as a short 'reminder' synopsis of what happened last time,  and where they should pick up this time, by 10pm on Friday 13 December. Read and make notes on scripts sent to you by other group members, to be discussed in December's session, and emailed.

MONTH FOUR – TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2024: FORMATTING, PROOFREADING AND REVISIONS

TUTORIAL: Basic intro to formatting your screenplay or play. Vomit drafts - yes or no? Dealing with writers' block. The importance of proofreading before sending out your script. How to incorporate revisions effectively. How to edit, tweak, rewrite or replace a poor scene from scratch. Thinking in words or images.  WORKSHOP: Each group goes through notes on other people's scripts. What's better, what still needs more thought. Are there plot holes or characters that need to be refined? At the end of this month's session we'll move everyone into new groups. This exposes you to different styles of writing, and assures fresh eyes on your own work. HOMEWORK: Write more of the first draft of your script - around 80% is fine, but finish it if you can! - and send the whole script to your NEW group by 10pm on Friday 17 January 2025. Read and make notes on co-students' work, to be discussed in January's session, then emailed .

MONTH FIVE – TUESDAY 21 JANUARY 2025: SCRIPT ANALYSIS

We'll start with the TUTORIAL: Zanna (stage) and Alex (screen) will each take a scene (or scenes) from a well-known script and deep-dive into what works (or doesn't) to help you recognise good techniques and avoid pitfalls. This will encompass everything we've covered to date: plot, structure, characters, dialogue and format.  WORKSHOP: Your scripts should now be in far better shape. Each new group shares notes on other people's work, now focusing on character notes and finer details, including scenes that may need to be cut or even deleted. Additionally, each group designates a writer to have a short excerpt from their script read aloud in next month's session. HOMEWORK: The chosen writer from each group should send us, asap, a polished 3-5 page scene to be table-read, next month, by professional S&Co Actors. Additionally, all of you should submit a complete first draft to your group by 10pm on Sunday 14 February, and exchange notes no later than the day after Toolkit 6 . Note: These will not be discussed at the final session, but will be invaluable when you polish your scripts, ready for sending to comps or producers.

MONTH SIX – TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2025: NEXT STEPS: CONTESTS, PITCHES, PRODUCERS/AGENTS

We'll kick off with the WORKSHOP this time: Nominated writers will have their scene read aloud and discussed by tutors and other students. Note: You will not exchange verbal notes this month. TUTORIAL: Next steps in the business, including whether to enter comps, pitch docs, and how to pitch live and approach an agent or producer, followed by an open forum session led by students' questions.  HOMEWORK: The final countdown and test! In the next weeks you'll each swap finished drafts with one other writer; they'll prepare notes for you and you'll reciprocate. Since the course will now be over, you can discuss and agree the deadline for note-giving between you. After that, you're all encouraged to keep in touch!

THAT'S IT! Your Toolkit course and script are ready to polish until they shine, and (we hope) find their way in the industry!

 

YOU MISSED IT! 'TOOLKIT' ENROLMENT NOW CLOSED!

 

 

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THE S&CO SIX STEPS COURSE

For experienced writers whose new script might otherwise remain forever in their head!

2025 dates to be announced soon!

Monthly evening sessions from 7pm -9pm GMT

Total price for five curated 2-hour Zoom sessions and reading materials: £99

Not everyone wants tuition. For many, the real gold is receiving support and constructive notes from other writers, as well as the all-important deadlines we set.

They make you accountable, and galvanise you into action, scene by scene!

We racked our brains to work out a way to offer structure and camaraderie at an affordable price, and came up with a programme called S&CO SIX STEPS. These take you from starting block to finish line for just £99 all in!

For screenwriters or playwrights with one or more full-length scripts under their belt, the next course will start in September 2023  and runs until February 2024.

The SIX STEPS programme is perfect if you’d like to exchange verbal and written notes – and receive support – from 3-5 other writers. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement, because exposure to other people’s work will educate and inspire, as well as entertain.

WHAT YOU GET

We won’t teach you (though individual consultations are available), but will:

-     administrate and curate

-     set up, host and introduce Zoom meetings

-     send you S&Co readers’ templates to inform your notes

-    check all writers fulfil their monthly commitments

-     facilitate a midway change of groups to get fresh eyes on your work

-     send you relevant bonus information and useful links each month

-     cast professional S&Co Actors to perform a short scene from selected scripts in the last session (nothing beats seeing your work come off the page)  

Plus, of course, there's the joy of a completed first draft at the end!

THE DETAILS

Before you start, we’ll ask for a short script sample (5-10 pages) to assess your level, so we can place you in the best group. We’ll also want to know what you intend to write (medium, genre and length).

Each month, there will be manageable deadlines to meet. A few days before every session, you'll send your work to other people in your group to read and prepare notes, while you'll read theirs and make notes for them. So you must factor in time to read and make notes on scripts submitted by your group of around four writers. You're likely to form a cohesive bond.

STEP 1 –  You'll receive an email to connect you with other writers in your group, and you’ll send each other a provisional scene plan, logline, beat sheet and/or outline before the first session, below. Homework: Make notes on the work you receive, to discuss at the first online meeting on 4 July.

STEP 2 –  Introduction by Zanna, meet all other writers online, then go to small-group breakout rooms to discuss each other’s ideas and how they – or the beats – could be improved. Homework: Adjust your script’s structure if necessary. Write approximately 25% of your script and send the draft to your group by Sunday 4 August. Make notes on scripts you receive, to be discussed in the Thursday session, then emailed.

STEP 3 –  Whole-group discussion, then into your breakout groups to discuss each fledgling script. What you like, what works, what's unclear or illogical. Homework: Write the next 25% and send the draft to your group by Sunday 1 September. Make notes on scripts you receive, to be discussed in the Thursday session, then emailed.

STEP 4 –  Whole-group discussion, then move into breakout groups to discuss each half-finished play or screenplay. The next day, S&Co will give you details of new groups, so you all get fresh eyes on your work. Homework: Aim to get 75% of your script written, and send the draft to your NEW group by Sunday 29 September. Make notes on scripts you receive, to be discussed in the Thursday session, then emailed. Are there plot holes, are characters believable?

STEP 5 –  Whole-group discussion, then move into breakout groups with your NEW group to discuss each play or screenplay. Homework: Write the final act of your script and send the complete draft to your group by Sunday 3 November. Write notes on scripts you receive, to be discussed in the Sunday session (time allowing), then emailed.  Also submit a 2-3 page scene from your new script to Zanna, to be performed by S&Co Actors next month.

STEP 6 –  Whole-group chat, then short scenes from selected scripts performed on Zoom by our professional S&Co Actors, and discussed by them and all writers. This is always fun, and revealing, and there may also be limited time for final breakout room chats. If not, you'll send written notes the following day (and we'll happily facilitate a further Zoom session on request).

Is this course what you want or need? The first step is the easiest, so take it!

 

YOU MISSED IT! ENROLMENT NOW CLOSED!

 

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S&CO ZOOM PERFORMANCES/TABLE READS

This is an incredible experience for any writer, and the best way to find out exactly what works and - more importantly - what doesn't. Subject to cast availabilty (we have the power to cast almost every role that's thrown at us), we'll organise a Zoom performance of your script by S&Co Actors. We have around 30 company members, plus the contacts to source more if necessary, and can record your performance and send it to you to forward to whoever you like. You don't even have to attend (though most writers do)!

Prices start at £150 for up to ten pages (assuming up to three professional actors); £250 for scripts of 11-39 pages (up to four actors); £300 for a pilot or shorter play with 40-69 pages (up to to five actors) and £500 for a full-length feature or stage play of 70-120 pages (up to six actors).

There's more information with prices at our Consultancy page, or email to discuss your needs - and don't forget that actors can often double, playing more than one character each.

Combine this with Script Consultancy and you'll be on your way to a far better script - guaranteed!

 

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THE S&CO GREEK RETREAT, OCTOBER 2023

OH NO, YOU MISSED IT!

 

It took us a long time to find the right venue for our first S&CO RETREAT, but we did it in style! This was a chance to enjoy an inspirational 'working' holiday in Greece, in the company of other scriptwriters who became friends. We stayed at Villa Seasun, on the craggy northern coast of the island. It offered panoramic sea views, an incredible pool and jacuzzi, its own tiny cove - and tavernas and sandy beaches within walking distance down the hill (though those views were at a price when it came to walking back up)! Since there were lovely grounds, there was room for everyone to find a favourite spot or nook to write in. There was also all-important wi-fi, mid-week cleaning, towels, and a fully equipped kitchen for anyone who wanted to prepare food when S&CO catering wasn't on the menu. And we operated an honesty bar, so coffee, tea and drinks were always on hand in the event of an emergency (such as a scene that's causing trouble, a raft of errant characters or - aaargh - writers' block)

 

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S&CO WRITING RETREATS IN BATH, UK

(New 2024 dates to be announced soon!)

Our Writing Retreats aren't just for playwrights and screenwriters. All writers - novelists, poets, you name it - are welcome to book, because the day isn't about 'learning'. It's a chance for you to get your head down and... well, write.

Put to one side that your kitchen's a health hazard, there's a Netflix series you need to binge-watch, the kids are fighting again or you really need to repoint the brickwork before creating the next scene, chapter or verse. This is a chance to get your head down without distractions. The biggest domestic dilemma you'll face: which pastry to choose on arrival. 

There's no formal tuition, though writer and copy editor Zanna Cardash will be on hand to read and comment on scenes or passages, assist with blockers and offer advice. All you need to bring is your notepad and pen or a laptop - and some great ideas. We provide: desk space at a large table - oven-baked breakfast pastries - unlimited tea and coffee - a scrummy platter lunch - a beautiful and conducive environment - and, not least, the chance to form supportive friendships with other writers. Oh, and a few little treats might be thrown in during the inevitable afternoon lull. (Nobody said chocolate, obviously!)

Imagine a day's productive work in the luxury of the splendid, historic Elder Rooms in Bath, and the company of like-minded writers. Bliss! Please sign up for our newsletter to be first to find out when new dates are announced. Questions? Special dietary requirements? Advice on where to stay? No problem. Just email.

Writing Retreat: £60.00 to include a breakfast pastry, unlimited hot drinks, a shared 'sandwiches and chips' lunch - and oodles of creative camaraderie!

 

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S&CO ONLINE WORKSHOP: CREATING CREDIBLE CHARACTERS


Just £35 for a 3-hour session - next date to be announced soon

Make your characters fly off the page!

This online workshop, which will help you build three-dimensional characters that are credible - and watchable. It's not just a matter of convincing dialogue. You also need to build empathy, so the audience longs for your protagonist to succeed against all odds, or for his or her nemesis to be vanquished - even if they may have deep and unlikeable character flaws!

Additionally, you have to consider characters' external and internal wants and needs (yes, they're different!). And if all that's not enough, you have to ensure these people are not just convincing, but engaging enough to hold an audience's attention. This means your dialogue must be realistic, with a different voice for each person, and defined backstories that the viewer might never see, but which inform their decisions and actions.

S&Co's Artistic director Zanna Cardash will show you simple techniques that will ensure you know your characters so well that you can predict exactly how they'll respond to any situation that's thrown at them by others - and you! You'll also learn how to give them emotional depth, so they can develop and change during their journey.

You won't just learn the essentials that will make your characters fly off the page, but will enjoy carefully designed writing exercises that will help you develop your scriptwriting skills. This workshop will also cover the essential differences between writing for stage or screen.

 

THE S&CO 'INTENSIVE' UK SCRIPTWRITING RETREAT

PEAK DISTRICT, ENGLAND 

SUNDAY 24 NOVEMBER - FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2024

14 hours of  tutorials

Sorry, you missed out!

"I'm so glad I booked onto the Scriptwriters & Co Greek retreat - this was something completely outside of my comfort zone so I knew it would be a journey, but I didn't expect to have such a lot of fun. We covered so much in the classes, and being around other writers 24 hours a day listening to everyone talk about their work and nerding out on structure was wonderful. As an added bonus, I was super impressed and inspired by the calibre of writers. If you’re thinking about booking a course with S&CO, you can expect to be in very good company and make connections with some dedicated writers in a supportive environment. Don’t hesitate!"  Rachel Little, Screenwriter

Designed for writers whose weekends are busy, our 5-night bed and breakfast retreat begins at 5pm on the Sunday and ends at 10am on the Friday. Perfect!

Spread over three rustic floors, next to a tranquil pond, the historic, Grade II listed country house we've booked - actually a lovely, stylish yet rustic mill cottage, with a cascading waterfall outside and characterful beams and original windows inside - has several kitchen and seating areas, two living rooms for script chat (one a former kiln room) and nine bedrooms, as well as books, games and DVDs and a splendid garden (weather permitting, natch).

Moreover, it's within a few minute's walking distance of lovely village shops, pubs and restaurants so with the exception of a basic breakfast, you can either decide to self-cater - there are three kitchens, after all - or we'll dine out as a group, with everyone paying only for what they, personally, eat and drink. Bedding and towels are provided, and there's parking for eight cars - or you can take a train to Cromford Station.

Please note that no smoking is not permitted anywhere in the house.

 "I was blown away by the quality of the workshops during the retreat, and I learned a great deal more than I was expecting to. It wasn't just relaxing to be there - it was a real boost to my screenwriting skills. Both Zanna and Alex were lovely to be with and shared their knowledge and experience generously. I made real progress with the project I brought to the retreat, and it was delightful to be working on my pilot in beautiful sunshine with nothing to distract me. It was a real gift. The other attendees were great fun and I am so glad I made the financial and time commitment to be there. The classes and 1-1 were ALL fantastic."  Suzy Miller, Screenwriter

MONDAY TO THURSDAY ROUTINE

8.30-9.30am: Basic breakfast buffet in the large kitchen (tea, instant coffee, orange juice, bread/toast, jams, honey, natural yoghurt and cereals). 

9.45-12.45: Group tuition sessions (plus afternoon pitching on Thursday).

12.45pm-7pm: Free time to relax, chat scripts, or find a quiet corner to write in. The kitchen is at your disposal for making lunch (food not included), or perhaps find something to eat or drink in a nearby shop or café.

7pm (ish): Group dinner in a local restaurant or pub (no split bills: pay only for what you eat and drink). Anyone who prefers to stay at the villa has access to the kitchen (food not included).  We may also organise evening entertainment: charades and a quiz!

ITINERARY

Sunday 24 November Arrive and get comfortable from 5pm, with welcome drinks at 7pm.

Monday 25 November Group workshop: Zanna on CREATING INCREDIBLE, CREDIBLE CHARACTERS

Tuesday 26 November Group workshop: Zanna and Alex’s: LOGLINE CREATION WORKSHOP

Wednesday 27 November Group workshop: Alex on STRUCTURING & SEQUENCING

Thursday 28 November Group workshop: Zanna and Alex: HOW TO PITCH and 4pm-6pm: YOU pitch, WE give feedback! 

Friday 29 November: check out by 10am.

One-to-one consultations with Zanna or Alex are available for £50 per hour (to include any reading time, if required), and must be booked in advance.

"An opportunity to meet other like-minded writers in a relaxing environment with the chance to get away from it all and work on scripts.  Wonderful location with fantastic company, delicious food and in-depth tuition, but with free time to relax and enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful views."  Belinda Brady, Playwright

 

ACCOMMODATION & PRICES

Prices include a basic breakfast each morning, instant coffee and tea whenever, and all tuition. Only the following are now available.

The village of Cromford offers a variety of shops, including the famous Scarthin bookshop, as well as friendly pubs, and stunning walks and cycle routes. The World Heritage Arkwright Mills and treasured Chatsworth House are nearby, as part of  this area's captivating history. And, if you're a thrill-seeker, take a cable car to see the twinkling 'Lights of Abraham' in the afternoon or evening.

If you have questions, please email.  We'll get back to you very soon and on, receipt of payment will confirm your place, so you'll be able to book your flight, train and/or ferry with confidence and excitement (though please note our advice, below, to book insurance). Parking is also available.

FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE EMAIL: retreats@scriptwritersandco.com


INSURANCE: We advise you to take out insurance to cover your costs in the unlikely event that you or we are forced to cancel due to unforeseeable circumstances (force majeure, international lockdowns, illness etc). INDEMNITY: We're not travel agents or event managers, but facilitators and teachers. By booking and attending an 'S&CO Retreat' you implicitly understand that the venue does not belong to us and is not maintained by us, and that we offer no Atol or other protection or insurance. You agree that you will not, now or in the future, hold S&CO in any way responsible for any mishaps or accidents that may occur or happen to you while in and using the accommodation, grounds or facilities we hire. Additionally, you agree to reimburse the cost of any fees levied upon us by the agent or owners for any damages or breakages you cause in the property or its grounds.

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