AFCOOP announces a new group for screenwriters!

The AFCOOP Screenwriters’ Circle is a group of writers that meet once a month to discuss their most recent works. Regular meetings provide feedback and notes on a writer’s script, as well as offering fresh new eyes in order to help make your script the best script that it can be!

The Screenwriters’ Circle is about communication, collaboration and constructive criticism. The aim is create a secure environment where writers of all experience levels can meet and improve their craft.

The group is open to AFCOOP members and non-members alike. The only requirement is a finished draft of a shot script (maximum 12 pages approx), as well as being open to feedback from fellow writers. Scripts must be submitted via email 2 weeks before the meeting in order for participants to make notes and present them at the Circle.

Deadline for first round of submitting scripts (12 pages max): Oct. 31st 5pm
Submit:  office@afcoop.ca OR in person at the AFCOOP Office

First meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 13th, 6pm – 9pm
RSVP: office@afcoop.ca

Objectives

1. To create a safe, consistent environment that will allow for the open, respectful sharing of ideas and collaboration.
2. To improve and refine existing screenwriting skills.
3. To provide constructive criticism of a fellow writer’s screenplay, as well as learning how to accept constructive criticism and get the most out of notes.

Requirements

1. The work submitted must be a COMPLETE draft, from beginning to end (with a middle in there somewhere). It is impossible to provide accurate critique on a work that lacks those components. 12 page max. in proper screenplay format.
2. The writing submitted must be your own original writing.
3. Arrive on time, when the Circle starts and be respectful of the organizers’ time as well as the time of fellow writers.
4. A dedication to improving your writing, as well as your understanding of craft.
5. Open to accepting/ giving constructive criticism about your writing.

Procedure

The Circle works in the following format:

1. Once all participants are present, a script is picked to go through critique first.
2. The Circle starts with each member talking about positive aspects of the work (not just personal opinion, but actual elements of the work that are strong). 5 minutes per person.
3. The Circle then gives notes, one at a time, on the elements that need improvement in the script. This can include suggestions, though they should be prefaced and made clear that they are not craft issues, but creative possibilities. 5 minutes per person.
4. The writer is given 10 minutes at the end to ask specific questions and bounce ideas off the other members.
5. Repeat for the remaining scripts.

Facilitator: Brett Hannam

A graduate of the Canadian Film Centre, Brett Hannam is also a Fellow of the Praxis Centre for Screenwriters. In addition to receiving support for a feature script through Corus Made With Pay Fund, he was also a participant in the Atlantic Film Festival Screenwriting Lab in 2011. His current short, DEEP END, was made through the Atlantic Filmmaker’s Cooperative and has played at Frameline International Film Festival, BFI London Lesbian and Gay Film festival, and Newport Beach Film Festival, among others. He is currently developing several feature-length scripts.