Learn to Write for the Screen for Free

Budding screenplay writers are being offered the opportunity to take part in a 20-week part time screenwriting course by the University of Teesside.

Starting on 18 September, the course, which will be held each Thursday from 6pm to 8pm, will be led by Ian Fenton. Ian has worked as a screenwriter and director for seven years and has created work for ITV, Channel Four and the BBC as well as writing several short films for cinema. He is currently writing for ITV's Emmerdale, where he has been a member of the core writing team since 2001.

This free course is sponsored by Northern Film and Media, the regional arm of the National Film Council and will result in the creation of a short screenplay by each participant. Successful completion will lead to the award of a University Certificate.

Also lecturing will be Gary Young, best known for his recent award-winning film Shooters. Gary’s latest film Spivs, starring Nick Moran (from Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), Dominic Monoghan (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), TV comedian Jack Dee, Linda Bassett (The Hours), Ken Stott (Fever Pitch) and Kate Ashfield (The War Zone), is currently in production in London.

The course will also include guest speakers from the worlds of television and film who will give useful advice and guidance.

Writers wishing to apply to join the course should contact Wendy Sanderson on 01642 384422 or email w.sanderson@tees.ac.uk

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