This past weekend a group of ten Manitoba based screenwriters completed an advanced screenwriting lab with Film Training Manitoba (FTM). This intensive training was designed to grow the participants skills and develop their feature film projects. During the sold-out session, LA based veteran screenwriter Collin Friesen (The Big White and Sorry for your Loss) coached the Manitoba screenwriters on how to improve and further develop their projects by refining what is known in the film industry as “the first five.”
Using a combination of theory, video clips, and discussions; Friesen provided tangible advice on how the writers could effectively re-tool their projects for maximum impact.
“FTM has an outstanding track-record of participants taking our training and then getting their projects optioned and put into production.” Said FTM’s Managing Director Adam Smoluk. He added, “Collin Friesen provided great advice about taking their project to the next level and FTM really appreciates his excellent instruction.”
During the lab, the participants submitted their first ten pages of their scripts and then on day two, they were given the opportunity to use the concepts and re-submit their work for a table read with a group of actors. Hearing their work performed was designed to support the learners in gaining more insight into upscaling their projects with the aim of targeting producers that might option their projects.
“FTM’s training courses are industry-driven and serve to develop Manitoba’s local industry. I found this session extremely valuable and I’m looking forward to developing my project with the advice and support I received.” Said Manitoba based film professional John B. Lowe.
FTM is planning on conducting additional screenwriting training in 2022-23.
FTM is a non-for-profit charity and member of the Province of Manitoba’s sector council program (through the Department of Economic Development and Jobs). FTM conducts workforce development and training to build a highly skilled and adaptable film industry to support the activities of Manitoba production companies. FTM collaborates with members of the film and television industry to identify the training needs within the community.