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Two Day Screenwriting Weekender
A Masterclass
with
DIRECTOR AND WRITER
ANDREW GUNN
A Hands-On Screenwriting Masterclass for Aspiring Writers with Writer-Director Andrew Gunn.
Whether you're starting from scratch or refining your storytelling skills, this two-day intensive masterclass will equip you with the tools to craft compelling screenplays. Led by accomplished drama director Andrew Gunn (Doctor Who, Life on Mars, Waterloo Road), you’ll gain insider knowledge and expert feedback to bring your stories to life.
DAY 1 - SATURDAY 9.30 - 17.30PM
Mastering the Fundamentals of Screenwriting
Great films start with great scripts. But what makes a screenplay truly work?
On Day 1, you’ll learn the essential techniques and principles that professional screenwriters use to craft compelling, industry-ready scripts
Andrew Gunn will take you inside the screenwriting process, breaking down the craft with real examples, practical exercises, screenings and insider knowledge from his years directing premium drama and writing and developing film and television projects.
You'll explore:
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How to think like a screenwriter – and why screenwriting is a craft, not just an art.
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The fundamentals of Screen Storytelling – What grips an audience, holds their attention, and leaves a lasting impact?
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Essential Story Structure – The building blocks of almost every successful film and TV show.
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Film Screening & Analysis – Watch and analyse an Oscar-winning short film and understand what makes it work.
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Screen Writing Tools & Techniques – Discover the essential industry formats, form and software used by professionals.
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Logline Workshop – Learn how to create a logline that will capture your story and characters in a super short compelling pitch, and refine it with expert feedback.
Day 2: SUNDAY 10AM - 17.30PM
Taking Your Script to the Next Level
A great screenplay isn’t just well-structured—it’s alive. It’s filled with characters who feel real, dialogue that crackles with authenticity, and scenes that pull audiences in.
On Day 2, you’ll go beyond the fundamentals, learning how to develop unforgettable characters, craft engaging dialogue, and write visually for the screen. Andrew Gunn will guide you through industry techniques, real-world examples, and hands-on exercises, helping you enhance your craft.
What You’ll Learn
Building Strong Characters – Creating protagonists and antagonists with depth, conflict, and emotional arcs.
Exposition & Dialogue – Delivering key information naturally without slowing the story.
Subtext – The power of what’s left unsaid.
Show, Don’t Tell – Writing visually with evocative style, strong action verbs, and cinematic tone.
Scene Design – Mastering structure, beats, emotional shifts, and smooth transitions.
Screening & Live Script Analysis
You’ll read and analyze a short film script, then watch it on screen—seeing first-hand how writing choices shape the final film. A Q&A with Andrew follows, breaking down the creative decisions behind the storytelling.
LEAD TUTOR
ANDREW GUNN
This is your chance to learn from Andrew Gunn, an experienced and versatile writer-director with an accomplished career in film and television. His diverse work encompasses film, premium drama, comedy, TV movies and award-winning short films.
Having previously directed some of the most high-profile dramas of recent years, Andrew is currently developing an original six-part drama with Rope Ladder Fiction, for which he is creator and lead director, as well as being in early pre-production with two films, including THE FEARS, produced by Finite Films from his own screenplay, and MUSE produced by BH Movies.
Andrew has had the pleasure of working with some of the UK’s most acclaimed actors including John Simm in the Emmy-winning and BAFTA nominated LIFE ON MARS, Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Sophie Okonedo in DOCTOR WHO, Imelda Staunton in TV movie CLAY, David Morrissey, Harry Treadaway and Felicity Jones in CAPE WRATH, Mia McKenna-Bruce in GET EVEN, not to mention Olivia Colman, Andy Serkis and Ian Hart.
Andrew’s passion for compelling performance and potent visual storytelling is apparent from his exceptionally crafted episodes for Netflix, BBC, CH4 and ITV and his work on hit shows such as SURVIVORS, PRIMEVAL and the BAFTA-winning sitcom GREEN WING starring Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Greig.
His work has garnered multiple Royal Television Society Awards and a Certificate of Merit at the prestigious Chicago International Film Festival.
With his deep expertise in visual storytelling, character development, and creating compelling narratives, Andrew will help you hone your craft and give you the tools to write screenplays that stand out in today’s competitive film and TV industry.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from someone who has both the creative and industry experience to take your writing to the next level.
ANDREA LOUISE WATSON
Andrea will contribute to key discussions, offering practical insights and guidance from her own journey.
Andrea Louise Watson is a passionate screenwriter who has spent the past four years developing an original TV series, writing multiple episodes while navigating the industry’s challenges. Having learned firsthand the highs and lows of the writing process, she brings a unique perspective on storytelling, resilience, and what it takes to bring a script to life.
How To Book
CALL TO BOOK
PAY VIA BACS
by calling
01759 318192
07824 517599
or email
firsttakeworkshops1@outlook.com
BOOK ONLINE
Invest in Your Screenwriting Journey
for Just £295
This includes two full days of expert-led training and industry insights.
Click below to secure your spot
on Eventbrite.
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF BOOKING
Booking
• Workshops must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Cancellations
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Cancel Less than 14 days and the full amount is liable. If we can rebook your place we can refund your money.
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Once the scripts are distributed, refunds for cancellations will not be issued. Please commit to the workshop date with this in mind.
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If we need to cancel a full refund will be given to each participant
Line Learning Commitment:
When you enroll, please commit to learning your lines. They don't need to be word-perfect, but having them off the page is respectful to your scene partner and allows you both to fully connect and make the most of the experience.
Scene Partner Consideration:
Participants will be paired up to work on scenes. If you cancel after the script distribution, it can be unfair to your scene partner, who is also investing time and effort. Please purchase a spot only if you can fully commit to the specified date.
No-shows:
Additionally, we kindly request that if, for any reason, you cannot make it to the workshop, please let us know in advance. In recent times, we've observed a growing trend of no-shows, which can be disruptive and unfair to your fellow participants. Your timely communication will help us maintain a respectful and considerate environment for everyone involved.
These terms are in place to ensure a positive and fair experience for all participants. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 🎭🤝
DISCLAIMER
“The workshop is educational and should not be considered as a job interview or audition. Attending workshops is not a way to obtain employment as an actor. It is a learning/educational experience. The presence of a Casting Director is neither a guarantee nor a promise of employment. Contact with a Casting Director at a workshop rarely results in any further contact with that Casting Director, Director, Producer, or any company affiliated with that Casting Director.”
Travel costs incurred by the student are not the responsibility of FIRST TAKE WORKSHOPS Please note that in the event of cancellation due to adverse weather, transport disruption, or illness of either the industry professional or student, FIRST TAKE WORKSHOPS to take no responsibility and are not liable for any costs associated with travel/overnight arrangements that are made and paid for in advance where the event does not subsequently take place at the designated time and date. All efforts will be made to reschedule where at all possible. Your responsibility It is the responsibility of the actor to ensure that any prep required for a workshop is received and worked on in good time. It is not the responsibility of FIRST TAKE WORKSHOPS if the student is unprepared for the workshop/ and does not have suitable materials with him/her to perform. It should be assumed that no facilities to copy or print speeches will be available at the venue.