Do you have what it takes to be a script-writer and editor?

The South African film and video industry is expanding and the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is offering free part-time training opportunities to individuals who wish to train as script editors in the film and television arena.

“The successful candidates will go through an intensive Sediba Spark Screenwriter’s Training Programme, where they will be required to team up with a writer in developing concepts which are engaging and have wide audience appeal,” said the foundation’s communications manager Naomi Mokhele.

“This part-time training programme runs for five months, comprising of one workshop per month held during weekends. Workshops will be held in Johannesburg,” she added.

Mokhele said NFVF will arrange and pay for travel and accommodation for those based outside Gauteng and selected individuals will be required to attend a compulsory induction prior to the commencement of the programme.

“The dates of the first workshop will be communicated to successful candidates,” she said.

Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification or extensive experience in the film and television industry

• Experience of writing intellectually challenging and coherent reports, articles and/or essays for a degree programme, newspaper or magazines, a web blog, a creative or professional writing programme.

• A satisfactory understanding of storytelling based either on one of the following:

1. Study of drama, film, television or literature in a university honours degree course

2. Completion of a screenwriting or script editor’s professional development programme or,

3. Experience as a published short story writer, novelist, storyline writer, script writer or script editor for a television drama series or feature film screenplays.

How to apply for the programme

The following information should be sent in with your application to be considered for the programme:

1. A completed application form

2. Curriculum Vitae – please ensure that you identify the level of your proficiency in English and the indigenous African languages that you speak, read and can write in professionally.

3. A one-page motivation letter in which you provide a summary of your passion for the kind of film and television dramas you want to make and why, and of your knowledge and experience of the theory and practice of writing for the novel or the dramatic form in theatre, radio, television or the cinema.

4. Two examples of your report, article or essay writing.

Applications should be submitted via email on or before 21 July to Pretty Mthiyane training@nfvf.co.za. Faxed applications will not be accepted

The state of South Africa’s film and video industry

Local actor, writer, music composer, director and producer Sam Phillips says the South African film and video industry needs more of such training in order to ensure the production of quality material.

“There is a lot of enthusiasm from the youth but no proper guidance,” Phillips said, with reference to the current surge of youth-produced content that is broadcast.

According to Phillips, the lack of investment by South Africa’s private sector often results in international actors landing roles that portray the lives of South Africans – the movie Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom starring British actor Idris Elba is a classic example – due to the high international interest.”Corporate South Africa does not put money into filming.”

This also affects the quality and standard of local productions – “I think the industry is not properly structured. The training is not up to standard because there’s not enough money.”

He said productions such as eKasi: Our Stories – a South African television drama anthology series – are very low budget and take the industry two steps backward as they encourage low-standard scripts.

Details: Pretty Mthiyane 011 483 0880.