Workshop: My First Script
9-13/11
online
CLOSED TO PUBLIC
The workshop is conceived as active individual engagement in a screenwriting project, mentored by expert script doctors. Based on the entries from all over the world submitted to our open call for participation, our selection committee has chosen six screenwriting projects by filmmakers, authors, or co-authors currently working on their first draft for a feature film screenplay. The author of the best project will receive online mentorship for the next six months.
The participants will also work with our guest mentor, David Pope, who is joining us through collaboration with the training and networking platform MIDPOINT.
Script Doctors
Antonio Nuić
He is a writer and director. He graduated in film and TV directing from the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb, where he has been working as a professor since 2013. He directed one of the stories in a feature-length anthology film Sex, Booze and Short Fuse (2004), after which he went on to write and direct All for Free (2005), Donkey (2009), Life Is a Trumpet (2015) and Mali (2018). He is Artistic Advisor at Zagreb Film Festival, as well as Chairman of the Croatian Film Directors’ Guild.
Ognjen Sviličić
He is a writer and director. He obtained his degree in film directing from the Zagreb Academy of Dramatic Art, where he now teaches scriptwriting. Author of several feature films: Wish I Were a Shark (1999), Sorry for Kung Fu (2003) and Armin (2007) (all premiered in the Forum program at Berlinale), and These Are the Rules (2014), which premiered at Venice (Orizzonti). His scripts include What Iva Recorded (directed by Tomislav Radić), The Melon Route and Metastases (both by Branko Schmidt), Slovenian Girl (by Damjan Kozole), etc. He wrote a novel, The Head of the Big Fish. His latest film, The Voice, premiered at the Busan International Film Festival, after which it screened at the Warsaw Film Festival.
David Pope
Savjetnik za scenarije, scenarist i edukator s međunarodnim iskustvom. Surađivao je s producentima i scenaristima nominiranima za Oscara i BAFTA-u te nacionalnim filmskim fondovima. Najrecentniji filmovi na kojima je radio su Truth and Justice (2019.), Take It or Leave It (2018.) i The Lost Girls (postprodukcija), u kojem glume Joely Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave i Iain Glen. Radi kao konzultant/moderator za Rotterdam Lab u CineMartu i suosnivač je Stowe Story Labsa. Često radi kao savjetnik za scenarije na međunarodnim programima za MIDPOINT Institute.
Croatia
55 Sqm, Ivana Vuković
Synopsis
A generational social drama with elements of humour about newlyweds Lena and Tino who wish to start an independent life. Lack of living space and money forces them to move in with Lena’s family over the summer. With the family’s constant pressure on what to do and how to live, Lena finally discovers what she doesn’t want out of life, while Tino temporarily returns to the protected role of a son.
Project status
In development.
Croatia
Dawn of the Dark, Nikica Zdunić
Synopsis
Lika, early 20th century. Zora predicts a happy future with Milan through cloud gazing. But when the cow’s milk smells weird and the wind foreshadows a storm, he leaves her knowing she is pregnant. The old woman from the distant village which only the “wenches with child” mention cannot help her, the seed is alive. No one wants her, so the older, lonely butcher Ante marries her. But his loneliness turns to jealousy.
Project status
In development. Financing for script development secured via the Croatian Audiovisual Centre.
Spain
The Fourth Age, Javier Barbero
Synopsis
Antonio is an old man who has lost the will to live, but will find it again thanks to an unexpected journey with his niece Azul. Once again, he will experience the emotions and feelings from the life he has forgotten after the death of his wife. Antonio will suddenly feel that rush for life and live his final moments to the fullest, for those he has lost along the way.
Project status
In development. Co-producer (Pecado Films) secured.
Greece
Through, Antonis Tsistrakis
Synopsis
Pavlos returns to his hometown for his mother Maria’s funeral. There, he meets his father, Mpampis, whom he hasn’t seen for a long time. However, Maria has left one letter to each, challenging them to do what she always wanted to do as a family, but never got the chance – pass through a huge canyon and try to redefine their broken relationship. After some thought, they decide to go.
Project status
In development.
Montenegro
Scarab, Mladen Vujačić
Synopsis
Unemployed artist Marko (26) lives with journalist Ana (23). Marko occasionally sells paintings and figurines, but it’s not enough. When Ana’s mother dies, Marko’s friend gets an idea at the funeral and suggests that Marko should paint “custom” coffins. Having no income, Marko accepts. While Marko’s friends bring in more customers, he finds artistic meaning in his new job.
Project status
In development. Script development funds secured from the Film Centre of Montenegro. Developed at BEST PITCH – PriFORUM Script Development Workshop, Prishtina Int’l Film Festival
Serbia
Yugo Florida, Vladimir Tagić
Synopsis
Zoran is a chronically tired worker in a reality show whose task is to monitor what is happening in the house during the night. His only problem is that nothing is happening. When his father Vesa falls ill from cancer, Zoran becomes restless. He was an atheist all his life, but Vesa demands that Zoran takes him to a monastery to confess his sins. They go on a trip in Zoran’s old Yugo Florida.
Project status
In development.
