Applications are now open for Screen Australia’s popular Script Factory program, featuring two workshops which will provide high-quality training in script analysis and development.

Applications for both workshops close on Friday 9 September 2011. Successful applicants will be announced in early October 2011.

Returning for a fifth time due to popular demand, the Script Developers Initiative is a three-day intensive practical workshop specifically aimed at professionals working in a development role, as well as applicants whose professional commitment is finding and working with screenwriters. Screen Australia is also offering a two-day extension workshop entitled Wrestling the Redraft, which will be offered exclusively to past alumni of the Script Developers Initiative.

Screen Australia will select 14 applicants to participate in the Script Developers Initiative and 18 past alumni of Script Factory for Wrestling the Redraft. The workshops will take place from Monday 24 October to Friday 28 October 2011 in Sydney.

Participants in the Script Developers Initiative will be introduced to a structured approach of assessing scripts and preparing a development strategy. By examining produced screenplays and reading early work by new screenwriters, participants will consider what makes a good screen story and learn to recognise screenwriting talent.

Screen Australia’s Script Factory program is a partnership with development training pioneer the UK Script Factory to assist professionals involved in the development side of filmmaking to hone their skills in a practical environment. The Australian workshops are designed to enable practitioners with high-level story-analysis skills to focus on the nuts and bolts of script development and to communicate constructively with writers.

Further information and application forms are available on the Screen Australia website:

Script Developers Initiative – www.screenaustralia.gov.au/scriptfactory

Wrestling the Redraft – www.screenaustralia.gov.au/wrestlingtheredraft