SCREENWRITING COURSE, by Matthieu de Braconier (English language)
Schedule: May 2022, 7 & 8 – 10am-6pm – Fee: Euro 190 (160 if you are also registered to the ‘Diplôme’ curriculum)
Address: Raindance – Centre Créatif Dansaert – 7/11, Rue d’Alost – 1000 Brussels
Subscriptions or infos brussels@raindance.org
Screenwriting tutor and active screenwriter Matthieu de Braconier (short biography below) will start off the two-day masterclass with a brief recap of traditional American screenwriting theory (the three act redemptive structure, most commonly used development terminology, screenplay formatting and an overview of screenwriting principles as thought by McKee or Truby). The theory’s success and place in the film industry makes it increasingly important to be aware of it. At the same time, its authors almost guru-like status and slightly prescriptive propositions tend to lead to formulaic writing. There are less prescriptive tools and processes a screenwriter can learn to master that can help him/her create his/her own story, define his/her own style, and write an original, meaningful and powerful screenplay. Matthieu proposes to share the most valuable ones he encountered during this week-end course.
What’s a story idea? How does it differ from a high concept? From a character idea? How to generate and clarify ideas?
Developing a ‘visual’ narrative language; how to tell your story through images.
Designing your structure; how to tailor your structure to your needs.
Learning the tools that build a story; plot, points of view, conflict, stakes, values, meaning.
Creating compelling characters & clarifying their ‘needs’ and ‘wants’
Writing dialogue.
Managing writer’s block and other existential writer obstacles.
We will analyze the key differences between writing a short and feature films.
We think this week-end will help you understand the essence of screenwriting, improve your skills, allow you to start working on your first film project or rethink your current project more confidently.
After the course, for inspiration and information purposes, we will provide you with the English scripts of multi awarded and internationally acclaimed feature films (Tarantino’s, Coen’s or Wes Anderson’s…).
This class we be held only once a year.
FYI: Matthieu also speaks French and Dutch so there should be no problem translating specific terms or answering your questions in these languages.
Contact us for more information brussels@raindance.org
MATTHIEU DE BRACONIER – biography
Trained
in philosophy, systemic psychotherapy and creative writing, Matthieu’s most recent
production, AFTER LOVE, is the debut feature by Aleem
Khan which was supported by BBC Films and BFI. AFTER LOVE was awarded
the Cannes 2020 Critic’s Week label, and was selected for
the 2020 Telluride lineup, TIFF industry selects and the Rome Film
Festival. Before that he produced BAFTA nominated and BIFA
awarded ONLY YOU by Harry Wootliff starring Laia Costa (Victoria,
Piercing) and Josh O’Connor (The Crown, God’s Own Country).
Matthieu’s
first feature as screenwriter; ALL CATS ARE GREY, premiered at the Rome
International Film Festival and went on to win several awards. His
second; THE ELEPHANT AND THE BUTTERFLY, was produced by the Dardennes
brothers and exec produced by Martin Scorsese. He is presently writing projects
at different stages of development, including Film4, BBC and BBC Films
commissions.
A Sundance Institute alumni and BAFTA-nominated
producer, his credits also include co-producing LONDON RIVER by
Oscar-nominated Rachid Bouchareb (DAYS OF GLORY), producing Aleem Khan’s
award-winning short film THREE BROTHERS, and executive producing the UK
Film Council and Film4’s Cinema Extreme short film scheme that launched a
generation of talent including Andrea Arnold, Rupert Wyatt and Andrew Haigh.
