Screenwriting

Facilitator Barry McEvoy and the “First Look 2016” screenwriters.

RESERVING NOW FOR COURSES LISTED BELOW!

FIRST LOOK SERIES OF NEW SCREENPLAYS! May 19th, 26th and June 2nd, 2022
JOIN US FOR THIS FREE EVENT!

COVID-19 Updates:
All Screenwriting classes are going ahead via remote live interactive video over ZOOM with the tutor as well as some live engagements. See course details below!

Most writing courses encourage you to write what you know. Our classes encourage you to write what you can imagine, given what you know. This course series is taught by internationally renowned actor/screenwriter, Barry McEvoy (Veronica Guerin, Dreamworks, Parallel Pictures, Workhorse and Touchstone, among others – click name for full bio!).

Barry McEvoy’s philosophy stays away from unhelpful labels and tropes like conflict and obstacles, replacing them with less sports driven terms like pressure and paradox and metaphor.

The aim is to avoid the superheroes-type screenplay-by-numbers approach that has brought the world a seemingly endless supply of cliché, tired, and unoriginal films and television series.

We currently have TWO levels of screenwriting courses detailed below: Intro to Screenwriting (6-weeks) and Screenwriting – Experienced and Improvers Level with a presentation of work.(10-weeks). See course details below.

As always, we continue to have very small class sizes (7 – 10) to maintain an excellent standard, with experienced and dedicated facilitators with high-level professional industry experience.

See our many TESTIMONIALS at the bottom of this page.

See more about Barry McEvoy and his work doing individual screenplay coverage in his website here: Out Come the Knives

PRESS AND RADIO:

Have a listen to this dynamic and engaging Film Network Ireland podcast interview with Barry McEvoy as he shares about his work in the international film world and his passion for teaching:
https://audioboom.com/posts/7360335-73-barry-mcevoy-producer-writer-director? fbclid=IwAR0of7_1eZZpUKH4pz88M7KJ43OUYryegGPdNmwQXRYi1i8RknP49KZ-vlk

Read Barry’s article from Script Magazine on “Paradox, Pressure and Metaphor in “Joker”:

https://scriptmag.com/screenplays/paradox-pressure-and-metaphor-in-joker?fbclid=IwAR23QlSgYXXJyx-FJOCpGZEYXucObpdaccnL16TYNP7fn5kDiKurPrRy0tY

Listen to this interview with Barry on soundcloud, by Frances Flannery of Flaneur Productions: http://www.soundcloud.com/francesflannery

Current & Upcoming Options

Course #23: Intro to Screenwriting (6-week course) June-July 2022 on Zoom

A screenplay is a collection of scenes, laid out like beads on a necklace. Most screenwriting courses focus front and centre on the big picture, on the hero’s journey, on story and plot structure. This is putting the cart before the horse. In this 6-week course we set out to create unpredictable characters… then put them in great scenes. We focus on the basics of clean screenplay formatting, and on stage directions that never waffle.

We look to banish writer’s block forever with tailor-made pressures on a character and with settings and scenarios that are loaded with symbolism, irony and depth.

Areas to be covered:
The generation of original content, depth of character, dialogue that sings, the power of images and setting, clean formatting and stage directions, and most importanatly, the belief in your own personal taste, tone and style. Film making as a collaborative art: agents, producers and "the Business". No experience is needed for this course; just the enthusiasm to write the film that YOU would love to see.

Access to ZOOM is required for this course.
We will be keeping the same SMALL CLASS SIZE of only 10 students in order to maintain the highest standard of tutoring and full interaction. There will be constant interaction with specific writing assignments for you that will be shared within the course. You must have access to the internet via a laptop or tablet, with earphones/microphone and camera in order to participate in this class on ZOOM.

When: TUESDAYS 7:00-9:30pm, June 14th - July 19th, 2022 on Zoom
Where: Via ZOOM live interactive video with the tutor
Instructor: Barry McEvoy (click for full bio)
Fees: €290, minimum non-refundable deposit of €100 due within 3 days of reservation. Remaining balance due June 1st, 2022 , two weeks prior to the start of the course. Refund only in the event of Flying Turtle cancellation. No credit/refund if student misses class.

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Course #24: Screenwriting - Experienced and Improvers Level (10 classes) - RESERVATIONS BY WRITING SAMPLE

CLASS SIZE FOR THIS COURSE IS LIMITED TO ONLY 6 STUDENTS....
This 10-week ZOOM and LIVE course aims to leave you well on your way toward the completion of an original, full length, feature film screenplay.

From inception to performance, this class requires a commitment of at least 5 pages per week. With a focus on originality and the creation of complicated, unpredictable characters, classes will see coverage and feedback of your weekly writing as well as suggestions toward the development of your protagonist and premise. It begins with you pitching: scenarios, ideas, characters and concepts and ends with the FIRSTLOOK showcase evening of your best 10 pages presented by professional actors in front of a live audience.

This development class rigorously avoids the traditional route of story and structure ahead of character and creativity. A route which has given the world an endless stream of rote and unimaginative films and television.

Previously developed writing will not be accepted. The aim is for the birth of a fresh, new work

If accepted, you will be required to submit a Pitch Worksheet, containing potential premise and character ideas, to insure you are able to hit the ground running from the start of the course. This must be completed no later than May 25th, 1 week prior to commencement. Failure to make this deadline may result in you losing your place in the class.

Completion of the 6 week Intro course is greatly encouraged but not mandatory. If you have not taken the intro course, then admission is based on a 3-page sample of your previous screenwriting.

Course Overview is on ZOOM, unless noted as LIVE IN PERSON:

Class 1: The pitch.

Class 2: Development of your protagonist.

Class 3: Unpacking your premise. The brainstorming of various and creative ways to provoke, prod and pressure your protagonist.

Class 4-5; Writing and feedback

Class 6: LIVE IN PERSON writing and feedback (July 6th)

Cass 7: One to one mentoring and feedback session

Cass 8: Writing and feedback

Week 9: Finalise logline. Selection and editing of 10 page extract.

(gap of 3 weeks)

Week 10: LIVE IN PERSON Firstlook public showcase performance (Thursday, August 18th)

In addition to your partially completed screenplay, you will leave the course with an original premise, strong title and logline and a clear and representative 10 page sample extract of your best work.

Access to ZOOM is required for this course.
We will be keeping the same SMALL CLASS SIZE of only 6 students in order to maintain the highest standard of tutoring and full interaction. You must have access to the internet via a laptop or tablet, with earphones/microphone and camera in order to participate in this class on ZOOM.

When: -Wednesday Evenings 7:00-9:30pm June 1st - July 27th, 2022 (On ZOOM except July 6th class LIVE at Flying Turtle Studio) - Plus LIVE First Look Thursday August 18th (note 3-week work gap July 27th-August 18th.) in central Dublin location.
Where: Via Zoom and Live at Flying Turtle Studio at 27 Pearse Street, Dublin D02K037 in combination as noted.
Instructor: Barry McEvoy (click for full bio)
Fees: €495, non-refundable deposit of €195 required within 3-days of reservation. Remaining balance due in full May 18th,two weeks prior to the start of the course. Refund only in the event of Flying Turtle cancellation. No credit/refund if student misses class.

RESERVE NOW

Testimonials

“This Screenwriting course is by far, the best, no holds barred, peel it right back creative Screenwriting course I’ve ever taken. It’s intense, enjoyable and most of all rewarding beyond compare.” – James O’Connell

“I am the author of two books; both true stories about my life. So I never had to use my imagination. That all changed when I met Barry McEvoy. He’s the type of guy who will open your eyes to an imaginary world. If you want to do a course that will change your life, look no further.” – Paul Keany (The Cocaine Diaries, The Party Animals)

“Within his coverage and development work, Barry always remains respectful and at the service of your creative process: he knows this is your journey. Your story always remains your own, but Barry will come on board of the same boat you’re sailing and will use his expertise to suggest you the best route. It is a pleasure to have developed my script “A Natural History Of Invertebrates” under Barry Mc Evoy’s guidance and I’m looking forward to work again with him in the future.” – Chiara Viale (Writer/Director: The New Music, A Natural History of Invertebrates)

Please contact us to reserve or if you have any further questions.

Flying Turtle Productions

at the Abbey School of Drama, Dublin