Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

All interested applicants can refer to the APPLICATION page for more information.

Is there a deadline for applications?

The deadline for applications is 5.00 pm on Friday  22nd January 2010.

What are the standard admission requirements?

There are no standard admission requirements. We will base our selection assessment  on the pitch document and sample scenes that you have submitted.

Do I need to produce a portfolio? If so, what should it contain?

No, but you will need to submit the following:

1. A one-page (maximum) film outline, containing an overview of your narrative – including a beginning, middle and end.
2. One page (maximum) of supporting material, to include:
   • brief biographies of your main characters,
   • a short paragraph on the tone and/or genre of the project,
   • an indication of intended audience and why they will engage with the project,
3. 2 sample scenes in screenplay format, each being up to five pages long (maximum),
4. The duly completed application form and questionnaire.

Please keep in mind that you will be selected based on:

• the strength, creativity and originality of the story concept.
• the writer’s ability to develop this concept through an intensive workshopping and mentoring process.
• the potential viability of the project as a low-budget feature film, in the Singaporean context (estimate budget of SGD250,000).

Will I need to attend an interview?

All short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview.

How long is the programme?

The programme runs for 1 year (March 2010 – March 2011).

When does the programme start?

THE FIRST DRAFT commences in March 2010. Applicants are expected to commit fully to the programme’s timeline.

Where is the programme taught?

The residential programme will take place at a venue that will be confirmed shortly. Monthly peer group meetings will be held at Sinema Old School.

What equipment would I be expected to have?

A laptop is essential for the residential element. Access to a laptop or desktop at home or work during the course is essential.

Would I be expected to have any prior knowledge of particular software or technical skills?

You must be able to use and have access to MS Word and Final Draft software for your screenplay.

Who teaches on the programme?

Kelly Marshall, the Course Director of MA Screenwriting from London College of Communication and Tessa Sheridan, Senior Lecturer of MA Screenwriting from London College of Communication.

What are the distinctive features of the programme?

The unique approach of the course lies in its combination of a theoretical framework, which is used to structure, develop and analyse screenworks, the use of workshop-based peer review, and the process of developing and writing an industry-standard feature screenplay. This distinguishing feature based around the experience gained from learning to engage with other writers’ work. The combination of workshops, reflective analysis, and research provides the course with a distinctive approach and profile.

What do participants do when they finish the programme?

By the end of the course, provided they have completed all of the tasks and worked continuously and diligently through the programme, participants will finish the course with an industry standard first-draft screenplays of their original ideas. Their completed screenplays will be offered a first look deal with MDA – should this option not be taken up, writers are free to take their finished script out into the industry. All participants who successfully complete the programme will also receive certification bearing the logos of the partnership organizations attesting to their participation in the course.

Who will own the copyright of the draft scripts?

Copyright will remain with the screenwriter. You will be required to respect the confidentiality of the workshop environment and you sign a confidentially agreement to that effect. The MDA reserve the first right of refusal to co-invest in the production of any film based on a script developed with the assistance of this programme, subject to the respective criteria of the MDA’s funding schemes.*

Will there be funding after the course to produce the scripts?

There will be NO guaranteed funding available to bring the scripts to production. However, participants will be eligible to apply for Singapore Film Commission script development grants for future development of the projects. If co-funders and producers can be found for the scripts, then applications can also be made to the Singapore Film Commission’s New Feature Film Fund Programme.

The programme promises the completion of a script but it doesn’t mention anything about how the script, once completed, will be marketed. Will the 12 completed scripts be eventually pitched to overseas investors and agents?

Once the scripts are completed, MDA has the first refusal but the script remains the property of the writer. The SFC and MDA will help to promote the scripts they want to be involved in, while Sinema and the tutors will be providing advice on pitching and marketing your scripts during the course.

How much does it cost?

Successful participants will be required to pay $2,354 (inclusive of 7% GST). This is represents 30% of the actual course cost, after the sponsorship provided by the MDA and British Council. This amount can to be paid in full or in 3 equal installments by 5.00pm on Monday 8^th March.  Regrettably, this fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable.

Where can I get more information?

For more information, please contact programme facilitator Miss Joey Leong at +65.6336.9707 or email academy@sinema.sg, for the attention of Miss Joey Leong.

CONTACT INFORMATION

*a. Until any contractual agreements are reached all copyrights to the completed script will be vested with the originator(s).

*b. Where the MDA decides to co-invest to produce the script into a feature film, the copyright to the script and the completed feature film will be shared between interested parties in the ratio of their respective investment proportions and / or in accordance with the feature film investment agreement. The grant awarded will not affect the production budget of the film or any negotiated script fees. The final film will credit the development process in the following wording: “Screenplay developed through THE FIRST DRAFT, an MDA programme organised with the British Council and SAMP, developed and delivered by Kelly Marshall and Tessa Sheridan”.

*c. In the event that the MDA decides not to invest in a produced film based on a script developed through this programme, the MDA will require acknowledgement in the form of a credit in the completed film print. Credit wording to be negotiated, e.g: “Screenplay developed through THE FIRST DRAFT, an MDA programme organised with the British Council and SAMP, developed and delivered by Kelly Marshall and Tessa Sheridan”.