Program Start Dates:
October
The writing program is designed to replicate the process and environment of the film and television industry. Our faculty of renowned writers, with credits such as Mr. D, Frontier, Inspector Gadget and Sneaky Pete, add more insights and credibility to the industry-like environment. Classes are styled after industry writing rooms and feature table-reads, on-set show-running and industry-standard editing software. You will learn how to pitch, write, produce and edit for all formats of film and television, and have the unique opportunity to bring your original scripts to life as film and television productions.
WHAT SETS
THE PROGRAM APART
Cross Collaboration
At Toronto Film School, you’ll have the unique opportunity to bring your projects to life, collaborating with peers across creative programs and building a cross-industry network of entertainment professionals. You’ll pitch, write, cast, and shoot your own sitcoms, dramas, and short films, working with acting, production, and video game students.
Real World Education
You’ll learn through practical, industry-oriented projects and build a comprehensive professional portfolio. The classroom acts as an industry-style writing room where students review and critique each other’s work, from pitches to beat sheets, outlines and drafts. You’ll experience the writer’s role through the entire filmmaking process!
Industry Professionals
You’ll be mentored by working film and TV writers as well as story editors on the pulse of the industry. Instructors bring real world industry practices into the classroom and also share invaluable industry connections and insider networking opportunities.
Accelerated Learning
The program’s focus on immersive and experiential education will prepare you with an industry-ready portfolio and the technical, creative and business expertise you need to launch your writing career in film and television.
Small Class Sizes
In small classes with one-in-one instruction and mentoring, you’ll have the greatest opportunity to reach your full potential. You’ll also build invaluable relationships with classmates and professional networks with peers across creative programs.
Study in the Heart of Canada’s Entertainment Industry
You’ll study in the heart of downtown Toronto, steps away from the lively Dundas Square. The city provides an inspirational backdrop with such world-class cultural festivals as the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Reel World Film Festival, Hot Docs, and North by Northeast (NXNE).
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SCREENWRITING FUNDAMENTALS
You will learn the basics of screenwriting, including character creation, dialogue writing, scene construction, story editing, documentary writing, short format writing, commercials, broadcast news, factual entertainment and new media writing. You will develop an understanding of the script as the blueprint for production and how writing fits into the production and editing process.
COMEDY WRITING
You will develop late night comedy materials as well as spec and original sitcom scripts, from concept through to beat sheet, outline and draft. You will work with acting students to shoot a scene from your original pilot scripts.
DRAMA WRITING
You will examine one-hour drama series and write a spec script for an exiting series, from concept through to beat sheet, outline and drat. You will then develop the concept for an original dramatic series and write the pilot.
FEATURE FILM WRITING
High-level, industry story editors will take you through the collaborative process of writing an original feature film. You will write and re-write feature acts with regular feedback from your instructors and peer story editors. Your final original script will be brought to life with an industry-style table read, by Toronto Film School acting students.
BUSINESS OF FILM
You will develop an understanding of the legal and business side of the industry, including copyright law, finance, marketing, distribution, funding projects and working with agents.
