Hey all,

The following workshops are part of the Summer Institute of Film and Television 2008 in Ottawa, Ontario. There are only a few days left to register, but we'd love to see some aspiring or established screenwriters out for a week of seminars, networking and pitching opportunities, and advance screenings. I've included some basic information below, but full details are available at http://www.cstc.ca/sift.


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INTRODUCTION TO SCREENWRITING with Keith Davidson (THE DECEIVER, CHARLIE NOIR)

If you’ve dreamed of writing a screenplay and have some confidence in your ability to write, this introduction to the craft of screenwriting is for you. You'll focus on analyzing screenplays and films, getting your idea down on paper by writing a pitch, and getting your screenplay read.

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:::featured screenwriting workshop:::
WRITING FOR TELEVISION with Charles Lazer (7TH HEAVEN, ROAD TO AVONLEA)

Learn to write honestly and to trust your voice while making television that audiences want to see. You’ll focus on structure and scenes that are about something, the differences between story and plot and interesting and complicated, and characters with strong desires and dialogue that plays. This workshop will have a special visit from DAVID BARLOW, CREATIVE PRODUCER AND WRITER OF CBC’S hit drama series THE BORDER.

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THE FEATURE SCREENPLAY with Gerald Wexler (ST. URBAIN’S HORSEMAN, MARGARET’S MUSEUM)

In this indispensable workshop you'll find out what is needed to hone your script and make it market-ready. You’ll focus how to create the perfect pitch, how to add a professional polish to your script, tips for selling your first (or latest) screenplay, and advice on how to make sure the scripts you sell make it to production.

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WRITING FOR VIDEO GAMES: FROM MARIO TO MASS EFFECT with Richard Cooper (former Creative Director at Artech)

Richard Cooper (recently published novelist with Jukebox) will share how writers are integrated into the video game design process, while focusing on the differences and similarities between writing for video games and other visual mediums, the game development process from A-Z and writer’s role in development.

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For complete workshop and registration details visit http://www.cstc.ca/sift or check out our Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2391051946. If you know of anyone who might be interested in participating in a SIFT workshop, please forward them this message!