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Programme Values

Filmmaking is a collaborative art form that takes into account not only the desires of those creating it, but also those who will consume it. The Academy of Images and Letters was established with this in mind, and all stakeholders should be aware of this reality in order to:

  • Create a safe and welcoming environment that promotes diversity and inclusivity. This means ensuring that creators not only have the freedom to create, but that there are no boundaries limiting their creativity, and that they have the support of the programme and all stakeholders throughout the creative process.

  • Foster a strong sense of community among filmmakers, encouraging collaboration and mutual support. Instead of being competitive, filmmakers should celebrate each other's successes and help each other grow.

  • Encourage responsible storytelling that is both thought-provoking and meaningful. This means avoiding provocative stories for the sake of being provocative, and instead focusing on well-crafted stories that inspire conversations and bring people together.

  • Establish an environment that allows filmmakers to fully express themselves and tell their stories in the most impactful way possible. This includes providing access to resources and tools that enable them to bring their artistic vision to life.

  • Implement a programme that is guided by the principle of “exchange”. By bringing together storytellers from different backgrounds and experiences, we can create a learning community where participants can broaden their perspectives, learn new skills, and gain inspiration to pursue their creative work more effectively.

  • Develop partnerships with other organisations and institutions to expand the reach of the programme and create new opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their work.

  • Offer ongoing support to programme participants beyond the programme period, providing resources and guidance as they continue to grow and develop as artists and storytellers.

Programme Format

SCREENWRITERS’ STUDIO

This workshop is designed for individuals who want to develop and improve their fiction writing skills specifically for screenwriting in a professional studio art setting. Each writer is expected to submit at least two drafts of two different short scripts. The mentor will assign a number of readings and/or viewings, potentially on a weekly basis if time allows. Additionally, each writer will be required to submit a response at the beginning of every workshop session.

Each workshop session will begin with a 20-30 minute craft talk, followed by either a reading and discussion or a workshop of a writer's story. After each session, typically the following day, the instructor and other writers in the program will provide written notes and critiques on the submitted work. Through rigorous editing, critique, and craft suggestions, one of the submitted short scripts from each writer will be selected to be directed by one of the directors in the program.

SCREENWRITERS’ STUDIO

DIRECTORS’ STUDIO

This workshop is designed for aspiring directors who want to enhance their skills in a professional studio art environment. During the workshop, directors will have the opportunity to present a scene every two weeks. These scenes can be filmed using available resources, such as mobile phones, and then edited together in a simple editing suite. The main focus of the workshop will be on directing performance, rather than overall filmmaking ability at this stage. However, there will be discussions on how all the elements come together in the end.

At the beginning of each presentation, directors should hand over a small file containing their director's preparation to the workshop instructor. Weekly viewings will be assigned, and directors will be required to submit a report at the beginning of each session following the viewing.

Towards the end of the programme, directors will select one script from the submissions made in the screenwriters workshop and direct a complete short film. These films will be professionally shot, and directors will receive full support from the programme to create the best film possible.

Once the films are completed, directors will need to submit a binder that includes details of their creative approach, such as script breakdown, re-writes, mood boards, storyboards, references, notes for actors, and journal entries. These binders will be returned to the directors at a later stage.

DIRECTORS’ STUDIO

CINEMATOGRAPHERS’ STUDIO

CINEMATOGRAPHERS’ STUDIOCINEMATOGRAPHERS’ STUDIO

This is a hands-on programme designed for individuals with a passion for photography and a desire to develop their skills in storytelling. Participants will have the opportunity to shoot professionally, with a focus on creating compelling narratives.

Throughout the programme, cinematographers will stage, light, and shoot scenes that are no longer than four minutes. After each shoot, they will receive feedback from the instructor and other cinematographers in the programme. Cinematographers will also be assigned weekly viewings and will be required to submit a report at the beginning of each session following the viewing.

Each session will begin with a 30-minute craft talk, followed by a discussion on the weekly viewings. However, on days when cinematographers are staging scenes, these discussions will continue on an online forum.

At the end of the programme, cinematographers will collaborate with a director from the director's workshop programme to shoot a complete short film. Once the films are completed, cinematographers will need to submit a binder that includes their creative approach, including script breakdowns, mood boards, shot lists, references, and journal entries. These binders will be returned to the cinematographers at a later stage.

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