BFI Film Academy’s first Lab of the 2022/23 season was part of a two-part series all about screenwriting. In the first part, they explored how to develop and structure your idea into a short film script, in conversation with the award-winning screenwriter and director, Sarah Clift.
1hr 15mins
The first Lab of the 2022/23 season was part of a two-part series all about screenwriting and explored how to develop and structure your idea into a short film script, with the award-winning screenwriter and director, Sarah Clift.
She explained how to expand your simple premise, a character dilemma or what if? into a story synopsis, how to create a compelling theme and tone, as well as a narrative structure in terms of fictional scripts with a clear beginning, middle and end – with a strong hook into the story and a central character that will resonate with your target audience.
This was the first Labs event in a two-part series about writing for short film; the June Lab will focus on the importance of genre and registrations will open for part-two at a later date.
Host: Theresa Boden – Freelance writer and script consultant and BFI Film Academy Script Doctor.
This event is part of the Storytelling strand of BFI Film Academy Labs 2022/23. BFI Film Academy Labs are monthly practical sessions for 16-25 year olds, led by industry professionals, with a focus on explaining the specifics of working in film and television, and developing your skills to become the best screen creative you can be!
About the Panellists
Sarah Clift is a creative and visionary writer-director from the UK. She is currently working on several film and television projects focusing on unique stories led by strong female characters, including the feature films Spinsterhood and The Life of a Saint / La Vida de un Santo.
In 2016, Sarah wrote and directed her first short film La Madre Buena (The Good Mother) which arose to immediate worldwide acclaim, screening at Academy and BAFTA recognised festivals, and receiving 50 wins and nominations. The Birth of Valerie Venus, Sarah’s second short, co-funded by the BFI NETWORK, won numerous awards, qualified for Oscar Consideration, and was BAFTA Long-listed for Best British Short Film in 2021.
Sarah’s clear vision and strong unique voice has been noticed by film festivals and audiences around the world. She has been voted Best Writer of the year, Best New International Director, BIFA Long-listed, and screened work at venues including the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and the House of Commons London.
Freelance writer and script consultant Theresa Boden (host), supports award winning writers, directors, and production companies in various formats – shorts, TV and Features. Her work as a tutor/mentor includes Screen Arts Institute & BFI Future Film Academy; MA Screenwriting programmes at LCC, Birkbeck University, Met Film School; and Script Development Workshops for Euroscript and BECTU.
Previously an actor, Theresa wrote and produced for the theatre and co-founded women’s theatre companies Common Ground and Sphinx. She has worked with BFI Future Film participants since 2015 as a script consultant, workshop leader, and panel moderator at the BFI’s Film Academy Labs and Festivals.
