Writer's Corner - Monthly Virtual Workshop (UK)

This monthly virtual workshop is here to help aspiring screenwriters with career and writing advice. This virtual workshop is run by the Head of the MFJF Writer's Jon Gilbert
Jon's aim is to give you the insider's view and practical advice he wishes he had known when he started his film career.
The workshop is 90 minute long, delivered via Zoom, this is meant to be an interactive format so please come prepared with questions you've always had about starting your screenwriting career.

Event Details

• Where: Zoom (details provided post sign up)
• For Who: Aspiring Screenwriters
• Cost: Free

This 90 minute Q&A has no set agenda, but will talk around the main question we all have, how do you start and develop a successful screenwriting career?
With that as the overarching theme, we will cover some or all of the following depending on your questions:

• How can you break into the writing world and get your material recognised?
• If you’re not in the industry, which entry-level positions should you look for?
• What do these positions offer as far as honing your skills? And once you have it, how do you take those next steps and what strategies work?

• What are the avenues to success? Contests, professional courses, internships, producer assisting - which are best for you?
• What do these paths look like on a practical level?
• Ways to legitimise your writing in the eyes of producers and co-workers on set or in the office.
• What are the skills beyond the typing you’ll need to be successful?
• What does a writer actually do on set?
• How does a writer's room function?

• Creating and improving your own writing style
• What makes a script stand out?
• What type of material should you focus on?
• What will you want in your portfolio to attract agents or representation?
• How do I get my script sold or get hired onto a show?

The way that you can get the most from this Q&A is to have some questions ready to ask. There is no wrong questions, so do not ever feel hesitant, just ask!

Jon is a screenwriter with a twin passion for psychological thrillers and human interest stories, who has developed projects with production companies including Kudos, Big Talk, Range and Bedlam, as well as with the BFI, and collaborated with directors such as Joel Schumacher and Jaume Collet-Serra.

He wrote for the Channel 5/Netflix thriller THE TEACHER, starring Sheridan Smith, and C5’s LOVE RAT, with Sally Lindsey and Neil Morrisey, as well as co-writing award-winning feature film THE ZIGZAG KID, starring Isabella Rossellini.

Jon started out in the industry reading scripts for Universal Pictures, the Works, and the BFI, subsequently working extensively as a teacher and script consultant at places such as the London Film School and the Met Film School, where he was a senior screenwriting tutor and Programme Leader of the BA in Practical Filmmaking.

This workshop costs nothing to join and participate in. However, spaces are limited so please do not delay, book your please now!

To register please follow this link:

Anyone can attend regardless of prior film industry experience or knowledge.

The only strict requirement we have is you must be 18 years of age or older.

This workshop is ideal for:

• those who have ambitions of becoming a screenwriter
• career changers interested in knowing more about a potential new start in the film industry
• or even those with several professional credits wanting to meet more industry professionals to seek advice

You do NOT need to be a member of My First Job in Film to attend the day.

Event Venue

Online