Overview

The Screenwriter's Journey is a 40-hour course based in analyzing writing structures with an emotional approach, so that the student is able to internalize them not as shackles that hamper their creativity, but as tools to be used at their leisure.

While understanding the story structures that make up any kind of narrative, the students are invited to take a deep dive in their personal feelings regarding their art and worldview to finally answer the hardest question there is: how do I write a good story?

What is it?

This is a 13-lecture screenwriting course, based in Paulo Freire’s teaching method, where the pedagogy itself is developed through narrative techniques, with theoretical and practical exercises. You’ll be able to enhance your creative writing and storytelling capabilities, while developing several different tools to avoid writer’s block.

Who is it for?

For everyone who want’s to further explore the art of storytelling. The course was developed to be both comprehensive and in-depth, in a way that the students will be able to take away different things depending on their level of prior experience. Along the last four years, it has been attended by almost 300 students of all backgrounds and ages, from complete newcomers up until professionals with decades of experience.

What will I do?

All classes have both exposition and workshop portions, where the students are invited to test out several different writing tools and techniques in fast-paced exercises fashioned to mimic writer’s rooms experiences.

What will I end up with?

Each student will have the opportunity of developing their own project along the course, and results vary wildly. Depending on the student, it could be a season outline, a short-film script, a full feature film argument, a pilot, an animation project or a simple idea.

Apart from the 13 lectures, in three select Fridays there will be time dedicated to receive one-on-one feedback from the teacher, who is a professional script doctor. Those feedback sessions are completely optional, but highly encouraged (after all, a regular doctoring session can be very, very expensive).

However, regardless of the development of a personal project, over the 13 classes you'll develop your skills, drive and sense of purpose as a screenwriter.

Is there homework?

There is no obligatory homework. However, every student can make their own curriculum and writing plan, and will receive thorough feedback for the material they present.

Where?

The classes will be held online, so you could be anywhere! Watch your lecture while enjoying the marvels of autumn nights, stargazing at the top of Arthur’s seat or simply drinking hot cocoa in the coziness of your bed.

When?

Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6pm to 9pm (UK), starting on the 16th of April and going up until the 28th of May.

How to Apply?

To apply for the course, you must send an email to caio@irmaosguerra.com.br with the subject: "The Screenwriter’s Journey - (your name)”, and say that you want to apply.
The course fee is £150, to be paid via deposit. In case you are not able to pay, you can apply for a partial or full scholarship: all you need to do is ask for it in the application email.

There’s a set number of scholarship vacancies, dedicated for low income students. Please write a short text explaining the reason why you need the scholarship, so that I can be sure to select the ones who need it the most. Don’t feel bad about applying for a scholarship; I’d much rather have an interested student with scholarship in the course than lose them because of monetary reasons.

If you’re still unsure and have any questions, please feel free to ask anything via email and I’ll happily answer as soon as I can!