Selected participants will learn the fundamentals of screenwriting shorts and feature films, including how to work on character, structure and theme and the particularities of writing screen narratives.
Our next programme will kick off in January 2024 and run for three months until March 2024, where a final pitch event will take place in front of an industry panel. There is no cost to participate in the programme.
Those selected to take part in Convergence will finish the programme with a short film screenplay and a feature film treatment.
“Convergence was a life changing experience. I was new to the film world and really looking to enhance my existing skills as a writer. This programme allowed the space to learn and grow. David Pope is a truly wonderful human who offers real insight into being a professional script writer, alongside a wealth of industry guests who bring experiences from all sides of the screen sector. The opportunity to prepare a feature film pitch for an industry panel was an invaluable experience that has prepared me for my next steps in the business. I highly recommend applying!” – Matthew Hickman, Convergence Participant 2022
Applications are not currently open for this opportunity, the deadline was at 10am on Monday 23rd October 2023.
Convergence is delivered by Short Circuit with Script Consultant and Screenwriter David Pope, who has worked with Academy and BAFTA nominated producers and screenwriters. His recent work includes consulting for the Rawi Screenwriting Lab for Royal Film Commission Jordan, Cannes Cinefondation, BFI, Irish Film Board and the British Council, among many others. He annually consults for the Rotterdam Lab IFFRPro and is a co-founder of Stowe Story Labs in the US.
This programme will take place both online and in-person (see below). It will include 7 workshop days with additional 1-2-1 sessions over the course of 3 months. A Pitching and Feedback Industry Panel will take place on Friday 8th March 2024, where participants will pitch their projects to a selected panel of producers and industry executives.
Key dates:
Submissions are invited from Scotland-based professional writers, filmmakers and creative practitioners from other mediums who are interested in moving into writing for screen. Applicants must have had work professionally published, performed or produced but will not yet have a short film or feature film writing credit.
Eligibility Checklist:
We are aware that within the screen industry that Disabled and D/deaf people, people of the global majority, women, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex people (LGBTQI+), and those who have been socially and economically disadvantaged by their circumstances and upbringing are proportionately marginalised. We encourage applications from individuals who are currently under-represented within the sector and seek to foster equal opportunities for new and emerging talent from diverse backgrounds, with support on hand for those who need it.
If you have personal access needs that will incur a cost during the period you are taking part in the programme, you can include these costs as part of your application.
Applicants will need to submit a completed Application Form containing the following:
Ideas for short and feature films can be original material or an adaptation of the applicants’ existing work, as long as they own the underlying rights to the material.
We welcome applications in alternative formats, such as audio or video recording. You will be given the option to upload your application in an alternative format via the Application Form. Please email us at hello@shortcircuit.scot if you have any questions about this.
Ideas for short and feature films can be original material or an adaptation of the applicants’ existing work, as long as they own the underlying rights to the material.
You will also need to complete an Equal Opportunities online questionnaire.
Once you have submitted, you will be sent an email confirming that we have received your application. If you have not received such email confirmation within ten working days of your submission, please contact us by emailing hello@shortcircuit.scot.
