AWG Genre Workshop with Simon van der Borgh

22 May, 2011

A two day lecture & workshop in Perth exploring film genre for writers, directors, producers and developers by one of the UK’s leading practitioners. The workshop looks at the principles behind genre theory, and discusses the history of genre, its role in film-making today, and when and how to use it effectively.
 
Presented by the AWG this practical, interactive workshop reinforces participants’ understanding of genre through the setting and analysis of practical writing exercises. Genres to be considered include Thriller, Rom-Com, Horror, Sci-Fi, Comedy, and Action-Adventure. Participants also receive an overview of how current filmmakers are blending genres to create genre hybrids. Many films are referenced and screened during the workshop.
 
Friday 10 June
INTRODUCTION TO FILM GENRE

• What is genre?

• A brief history

• Why do we need it today?

• When & how should we use it?

GENRE FEATURES 1

• Genre character types

• Protagonist / Antagonist

• Content & Effect

• Clips to explain & illustrate

PRACTICAL EXERCISE 1 – “CHARACTER”

• Written exercise for group discussion

• The “Most” Character

Saturday 11 June
GENRE FEATURES 2

• Key genre elements

• Narrative structure / the world of the story / timeframe

• The dramatic shape of different genres & stories

• The 5-6 key moments in any genre story

• Clips to explain & illustrate

PRACTICAL EXERCISE 2 – “STORY PATTERNS”

• Written exercise for group discussion

• Patterns set may include Supernatural / Seduction / Trip with a Destination / Caper.

When: 9.00am to 5.30pm Fri & Sat 10 -11 June 2011

Where: Central Institute of Technology 30 Aberdeen St Northbridge

Cost: $80 (AWG members $60)

Bookings: Email Alan Payne, AWG WA Manager: eventswa@awg.com.au In the subject heading, please write ‘SURNAME' Genre Workshop'. Please provide a brief outline of your background, and a telephone contact number. 


Closing Date: 5.00pm Wednesday 8 June  Limited places, early booking recommended. 

Enquiries: Alan Payne, AWG WA Ph: (08) 9227 9885

SIMON VAN DER BORGH
A graduate of the UK National Film & Television School’s Screenwriting programme, Simon van der Borgh worked as a senior lecturer at the National Film School  in Leeds before joining the Australian Film, Television and Radio School in 2011. He co-created and oversaw Screen Australia’s Springboard program, helping emergent Australian film talent develop and produce short films that support their first features, and has devised and delivered screenwriting workshops for Screen Australia and the State Agencies in Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. Simon also works regularly as a script consultant on feature projects with leading Australian film talent. As a screenwriter Simon has worked in Hollywood with directors such as Peter Medak, Nick Hamm and Roger Spottiswoode (on an early draft of The Children of Huang Shi starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Radha Mitchell) and he is currently in development with Curtis Radclyffe on Shadow of the Witch. His screenplay of In Tranzit attracted John Malkovich and Vera Farmiga onto the movie, which was released worldwide in 2009.