How to write better ‘big print’ in screenwriting by analysing action and focussing on what characters do.

In a screenplay there are two major components: the dialogue and the action. These components are different and should be working together to create a visual and an audible dynamic. In this workshop we will focus on the visual. Looking at action or big print, the workshop will unpack different examples of big print before working in small groups and creating your own big print focused story.

This is a practical workshop that offers skills and tools to aid you to write a more compelling screenplay.

Learning outcomes

As part of this workshop, participants will learn to:

Understand what 'big print' is.
Focus on what characters do.
Create narrative in big print.
Create compelling big print.

Format

This is an online workshop with a focus on writing craft; it will be hosted via Zoom. This workshop is suitable for screenwriters of all levels and writing backgrounds.

About Stephen

Stephen is an AFI nominated and multi award winning writer and script editor with five features credits (City Loop, Blurred, Monkey Puzzle, The Reef and Drown – which he also produced). His work has played at the Toronto, Tokyo, Sydney and Cannes film festivals.

He has hours of award winning produced theatre work (QTC ‘Drown’, La Boite, ‘Scar’ QPAT ‘Juice’ and ‘Blurred’, QUT ‘Crushed’ , UCQ, ‘Burnt’ Barking Gecko Theatre Company ‘Turtle Island’ ‘Wet Dogs’ Newcastle Theatre Company. ‘Porn’) and television work (Neighbours, Spirited, Blinky Bill, Crash Palace).

He has developed myriad television shows for Channel 9, ABC, SBS Foxtel and Fox in Los Angeles. Stephen is also one of the country’s most sought after script editors having helped writers to draft, through the state funding systems in NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.

He was a screenwriting, producing and screen studies lecturer at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School from 2016 – 2021 and runs the successful LOST KITTEN script program that mentors over 50 writers across the world.

For more information about Queensland Writers Centre’s Program of Events and answers to FAQs, please visit: www.queenslandwriters.org.au/program-info

Contact the host of Screenwriting: Mastering Big Print with Stephen Davis