Experienced screenwriter offers online screenwriting masterclass

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Kalil has an MA in Screenwriting from the Northern School of Film and Television (UK) and 20 years of experience in directing, editing and writing for film, as well as script editing, acting and coaching. His work is marked by a deep understanding and inspired use of narrative, collaboration and subtext to distil sensitive performances and create meaningful cinema.

His projects and collaborations have been screened, broadcast and exhibited in Canada, Denmark, Morocco, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Thailand, the US, UK and South Africa. Kalil has lectured at various institutions including the University of Cape Town, AFDA Film School and TISH, New York University.

"The art of writing is the art of applying the seat of your pants to the seat of the chair," he says. "Do you have a story burning to be transformed into a professional screenplay? Do you need deadlines, an encouraging community and professional support in order to complete it? Then this is the course for you.

"Limited to 25 participants, it uses an online platform to handle manuscript submissions and peer support. It is easy to use and we will supply you with all the information you need. What type of feature film you write is entirely up to you. The only requirement is that you meet the following deadlines of delivery."

1) Treatment (synopsis, short character bible, statement of intent, logline and motivation for the project)

2) Full major turning point document of the plot
3) Step outline of the entire film
4) Rough draft of the 90 -120 min script

5) First draft of the script

"You receive professional feedback on each submission as well as peer review if you so choose (this is strongly encouraged). The course is semi-synchronous in that there will be final deadlines for the above assignments but you can submit them as you complete them and pace yourself according to your own schedule and lifestyle."

The course runs from 25 May to 25 October 2015.

Costs

Participants should have completed a basic screenwriting course. If not, they need to purchase a PDF book about screenwriting technique, style and terminology, which is available for a fee of R300.

The cost is R6,500, which includes five professional script edits: your Treatment, MTP document, Step Outline, Rough Draft and 1st Draft). There is a R500 discount for screenwriters who register before 30 April 2015.

For more information about the course and instructor, go to www.matthewkalil.com.