Writing Courses
Home > Professional Development > Writing Courses- Short courses
- NZWG Resources
- Other Resources
Becoming a successful scriptwriter, as with any specialist skill, requires a significant period of apprenticeship usually comprising several years.
The best advice that can be given to writers who wish to learn their craft is to write.
However training courses, whether long or short, can serve as a useful introduction or refresher. Courses can provide newer writers with an understanding of the basics and assist more experienced writers to hone their skills.
Writers of all levels will find some of the following helpful.
Short Courses
Whitireia Polytechnic has an established online scriptwriting course. Contact Programme Co-ordinator Pip Byrne at p.byrne@whitireia.ac.nz.Waiariki Polytechnic is also offering an online screenwriting course with tutor Owen Bullock. Starts 18 August. Cost $571. Contact
NZWG Resources
- The NZWG library, with over 1,000 items including books, scripts, DVDs, audio and videotapes and scriptwriting magazines, is the largest specialist library on the subject in NZ. Borrowing is restricted to NZWG members. Items may be posted out throughout the country. We have recently been able to add the Timpson Collection of nearly 1,000 classic and modern feature movie and television scripts to the library.
- Courses are advertised in the NZWG ebulletin The WriteStuff that is published each fortnight. This publication is distributed to NZWG members only.
- The NZWG stocks Syd Field’s Screenwriting Workshop on DVD for purchase.
- The NZWG stocks John Truby’s Great Screenwriting Course on DVD for purchase.
- Workshops on the business of writing as well as on the craft of writing are offered by the WG from time to time. Guild members are given priority information and bookings. (Please note: The Guild does not hold a separate database for distributing information other than to members.)
Other Resources
- The NZ Screen Council website contains a list of accredited screen industry training courses.
- Script To Screen offers regular panel discussion and networking events, principally in Auckland.
- Onfilm is the only industry specific magazine published in NZ.