Workshops

2013 WORKSHOPS AT THE FESTIVAL

The Workshops are supported in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Woods Hole Foundation.

Click here to see the list of workshops at the 2013 Woods Hole Film Festival, July 27 – Aug. 3rd

WINTER/SPRING

FEBRUARY 22 – 24, 2013

3rd Television Writers Symposium, in association with the Woods Hole Inn

The Drama behind the Drama

A vivid introduction to the inner workings of dramatic network television, this two-day Symposium will dissect all the pieces of success in hour-long drama writing.
Meet TV drama veteran P.K. Simonds (executive producer of “Ghost Whisperer” and “Party of Five”) who will lead your journey. Film writing gets more attention in teaching programs and in the media, but the majority of jobs and income are derived writing for network and cable TV. Simonds has spent combined over 25 years in the network TV trenches and he will share his experience with you.

The weekend starts with a wine and cheese reception on Friday night, then all day Saturday and a final session on Sunday morning.

The Symposium will go from macro to micro, beginning with an overview of the industry, exploring the differing roles of the writer in TV versus film, then deconstructing the process of writing and producing a single TV episode. Says Simonds, “We want to break the business down and make it more understandable. How does a writers room work? How are stories developed and seasons planned? Who is responsible for a single script? What is the balance of power between the players? Is it possible to do your job in Hollywood without selling your soul?” To illustrate the creative process in action, participants will then be invited to share their stories with the group.
Simonds will lead a story discussion, the same way it happens in professional writers rooms, to try to help writers develop their ideas. We’ll conclude by discussing important first steps for writers to take to break into the industry. Writers will network, share ideas and enjoy the stark beauty of Cape Cod in winter. Applications are currently being accepted. Fee to attend is $150 per writer. Accepted attendees will be offered a
discounted lodging package at the Woods Hole Inn in Woods Hole ($199 for two nights including breakfast). Book the Woods Hole Inn by calling (508) 495-0248.

Application required. Apply today – click here.

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HOW TO WATCH A FILM

SAT. March 9 (10 a.m.- 4 p.m.) & SAT. MARCH 16, 2013 (10 a.m – 4 p.m.)

Why, often, do the films we like so much get such bad reviews from critics? What makes a good movie? Learn how to choose and watch films with a more discerning eye. See the difference between a film that is purely entertainment or one that is something more. Understand what the filmmakers are conveying underneath the story and how the visual language of film helps tell the story. Whether you want to see films more clearly, write a review for your own satisfaction, or want to become a professional film reviewer, this two day workshop will give you new insight into the world of filmmaking and film viewing.
The goal of this workshop is to take participant beyond the role of a passive spectator at the movies, and to explore how films are made and
critically received from a cultural, ideological, and theoretical standpoint. Rather than viewing a film as entertainment or art, participants are encouraged to develop their critical thinking skills for the appreciation of film form and how it relates to culture and ideology, and to demonstrate an ability to discuss and write about these topics.

Instructor: Jean-Paul Ouellette

Fee: $75

Advanced Registration Required – click here

DIY Memoirs

SAT. March 30- SUN. MARCH 31, 2013 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

This two day workshop will teach participants how to tell their personal story. Would you like to preserve your old videos, family photos and special stories for posterity? Using simple, low-budget equipment, you can convert the shoe-boxes of pictures and film into a meaningful storytelling video to share with friends and family. This two-day workshop will provide you with the steps to create a simple and effective video memoir, complete with graphics, artwork, music, narration and video. No prior video experience necessary.

Instructor: Jean-Paul Ouellette

Fee: $75

Advanced Registration Required – click here