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.
This year’s programme started in early January 2023 and will run for three months until March 2023, where a final pitch event will take place – also online – 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
The deadline for Convergence was Sunday 13th November 2022. We are not currently accepting applications for this training scheme.
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.
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.
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.
Please note: applications are currently closed for this opportunity.
