Screenwriting 101 Course at u3a Ballina

After enjoying presenting Film Making 101 three years ago at the u3a in Milton Ulladulla, I’m going to present a similar course on script writing at the local Ballina u3a.

Given that films can be made and distributed so cheaply these days, mastering the basics of screenwriting is the first step in making your own films. Without a good blueprint, the final product will suffer. This course will teach the basics.

The outline for this 8 week course is:

  1. Introduction – the basics of script writing, and how scripts fit into film making.
  2. Structure – build a sound base for your screenplay.
  3. Plot – create an interesting story that draws the audience in.
  4. Character – create realistic characters the audience cares about.
  5. Dialog – create engaging dialogue that keeps the audience involved.
  6. Feedback – use what you’ve learned to write a short script, and receive feedback.
  7. Industry – how to break into the film industry.
  8. DIY – make the film yourself, using your own script.

Course dates:

  • 12th October – 30th November
  • Mondays: 4pm – 5pm

Visit the local Ballina u3a website to join and sign up.

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Learn to Make Great Videos for next to Nothing

If you fancy learning how to make decent videos cheaply, come along to my course. It will involve watching videos, discussion, questions and answers, and practical exercises. Making videos is great fun, and it’s far easier and cheaper than you’d imagine.

You can get started with any camera or phone made in the last 5 years, sometimes even earlier. If you don’t already have one, borrow one! A computer is helpful to edit, and do other tasks, but you can get away without one as a last resort.

Of course, you can spend as much as you want, but unless you know what to buy and why, it’s not much help. I’ll also be sharing ways to make DIY kit for various purposes.

You probably won’t want to use all of these ideas for your first video, but it’s helpful to know what’s possible, and what options you have for improving your videos, no matter what your budget. Start with next to nothing, and build up as you go, if you want to.

The current class schedule is:

1 – idea: hook, story, goals + stakes + urgency, 3 acts, genres
2 – acting: ignore the camera, be natural, method acting, friends v actors
3 – camera: phone/DSLR, resolution: SD/HD/4k, lenses, shots, tripod, dolly, monopod
4 – sound: camera v external, lavalier , boom, zoom, clapperboard
5 – lighting: camera v eye, 3 point lighting, natural v indoors
6 – editing and sharing: Demos, Audacity, Phones, Facebook, YouTube, email, DVDs
7 – practical: let’s make a short film!
8 – showcase: sharing videos we have made during the course

The course runs from Friday 27th October until Friday 15th December, at 11am – 1230pm.

Visit the local Milton u3a website to join and sign up.

I hope to see you there!

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Another Short Short Film

We were given the topic of Weather for a Milton Ulladulla Videography Club short film project, and this is what I came up with.

A little on the strange side … just for a change 🙂

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A recent Short Film I Directed

This was another production of the Milton Ulladulla Videography Club, and as usual, was great fun to be part of.

It’s based on a true story, which is nice. I’ve always been a hopeless romantic!

Well, hopeful …

Wallet Of Love from Milton Ulladulla Videograph Club on Vimeo.

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A Lazy Man’s One Minute Comedy

I was feeling lazy, so I didn’t shoot any video for this short comedy. Sure, there’s some dialogue, but … well, see for yourself. And yes, there are moving pictures!

By the way, was the Jonny Depp reference too obvious?

Logline: An unusual holiday runs into a not so unusual challenge.

I’d love to hear what you think! Please leave a comment on Youtube, and I’l reply ASAP.

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I Just Won my first Film Award

Reel Escape People's Choice AwardI had a blast writing and acting in this short comedy! It’s a bit naughty (blame the writer) but won’t corrupt youngsters if they do catch a glimpse.

It was a joint winner of the People’s Choice award at the recent 2016 Reel Escape Short Film Festival in Ulladulla NSW.

It was produced by the Milton Ulladulla Videography Club, which has welcomed me into its ranks recently. If you’d like to join us, please visit:

www.muvc.org.au

We were lucky enough to have some wonderful actresses from the Milton Follies helping us out. My thanks to you all!

Logline: When a work weary couple unwind at the wrong house for their holiday break, their tranquillity is interrupted by a most unexpected group.

I’d love to hear what you think! Please leave a comment on Youtube, and I’l reply ASAP.

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A Lead Role in a Short Film

I’ve recently played a middle aged gent whose wife is trying to spice up their love life. It was shot in Byron Bay, and I really enjoyed it! Don’t worry, it’s G rated.

I’d love to hear what you think! Please leave a comment on Youtube, and I’l reply ASAP.

If you have seven minutes, and need a laugh, here it is:

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A New Project: the Feel Good Film Blog

I’ve just started a new blog that might interest you:

The Feel Good Film Blog

I’ve always been more interested in films that left me feeling happier at the end than the start, and I suspect I’m not alone. If you’re the same, have a look, and see what you think.

If you like what you read, you can register for new posts on the top right hand side, by either email or RSS.

 

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Judgement Date didn’t get funded in Kickstarter

What a shame. I was really looking forward to making the trailer, and then using that to attract interest to make the full feature film.

I suspect that my tribe just wasn’t big enough for the job. Even though I read widely on best practices for crowd funding, there’s obviously more to know and/or do.

Never mind, there’s more than one way to make a feature film …

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A Draft Movie Poster

It’s not the final product, but it’s a start …

JD Poster lowres

 

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