Storyworks is a programme focused on developing film scripts. Participants improve their screenwriting skills while their projects receive expert guidance. The ultimate goal for each project is funding and production. Producers, directors, editors and other members of the creative team were invited to participate in the programme to allow every person’s skills in storytelling on the screen to be honed and developed to the best of the team’s potential. The programme is designed to accommodate different levels of experience and ability.

Storyworks 2016 was be tutored by Professor of Screenwriting at the University of Southern California David Howard, script development consultant and teacher at the University of Southern California, Martin Daniel and international film consultant Mary Kate O Flanagan, who delivers training in screenwriting through project development to industry professionals worldwide. The tutors are working with a number of people in the industry ranging from beginners to international award-winning screenwriters. Storyworks 2016 took place from the 13th to the 19th March, 2016.

Through an open call, applications invited writers to submit outlines for feature-length projects. The selected writers and creative collaborators took part in sessions which focused on developing skills in narrative for the screen. This programme was designed for projects which were ready for intensive development. The aim is to develop the skills of the creative team at this stage and guide each project, in order to give them the best chance of attracting finance and ultimately, reaching as wide an audience as possible. The tutors are working with a number of people in the industry ranging from beginners to international award-winning screenwriters. Storyworks 2016 took place from the 13th to the 19th March, 2016.

With continued sustained input, Storyworks is expecting to bring three or four of these projects to the point where the screenplays are production-ready by 2017/2018. By this time, a number of aspiring film producers and scriptwriters will have received training in storytelling for the screen. Between 2015 and 2018, the individuals previously trained would also take on training others in a cycle of development and capacity building. The project sees small groups of aspiring film producers and screenwriters develop their technique by 2018.

Storyworks is taking place in collaboration with the Malta Film Commission, Arts Council Malta, Spazju Kreattiv and with the participation of MCAST.

Photos: Jonathan Borg