Writing Your Short Film
This practical course will introduce you to the wonderful world of short film, help you generate and hone your own ideas, and create the time and space for you to write the first draft of your own short film script.
In an intentionally small group, you’ll take part in lectures and practical written exercises to help you get to grips with character, structure and pitching your ideas, as well as writing treatments and making mood boards and pitch decks - everything you'll need to get your short film ready for the world!
Most importantly, you’ll receive support and feedback from an experienced writer and teacher.
Each participant will receive notes on their first draft, and a 45 minute follow up meeting to discuss feedback and next steps (in person or on Zoom).
This course is for all levels, and would be especially suitable for anyone coming from another medium - novels, short stories, theatre - looking to give short film a go.
Once you've paid for the course here, you'll receive an email within 48 hours with more information, and an email a week prior to the course with joining instructions and some links to materials to help you prepare.
Where: Zoom
When: 8 classes - Monday evenings, 6.30 - 8.30pm (UK Time), from Monday 23rd June - Monday 25th August (no classes on 21st July/4th August)
nb: I’ll open the classroom at 6.00pm for anyone who would like to join for coffee and a chat, and the sessions themselves will start at 6.30pm, prompt.
I'm committed to making film and television accessible to everyone and will be offering two FREE spaces on this course to people on low or no income, no questions asked. These free spaces will be made available at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 22nd May and offered on a first come, first served basis.
For anyone who can afford it, the 'Pay It Forward' option will help to pay for these places.
Michael Lee Richardson
Michael Lee Richardson is a writer and filmmaker based in Glasgow. Michael’s short film, My Loneliness is Killing Me – directed by Tim Courtney – won a BAFTA Scotland Award in 2018. It has been shown on BBC Scotland, and at film festivals around the world. Michael has written and directed a number of queer shorts, and has film and television projects in development with a range of different broadcasters and production companies.
Michael has also written for radio, and published poetry, prose and children’s nonfiction. Michael is passionate about telling rich, authentic stories about queer and working class lives and culture.
An experienced teacher, Michael has delivered workshops and courses for a range of organisations, including Scottish Book Trust and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Michael has programmed for a range of festivals and organisations, and is part of the selections committee for Glasgow Short Film Festival.
Outside of writing, Michael likes 80s makeover montages, witches, and going to the shops.