Ever had that spark of an idea, a story burning to be told, and wondered how to translate it from page to screen? Imagine your characters leaping to life, your dialogue echoing in a cinema or theatre, your story captivating an audience.

Now you can take the first step toward that reality.

For the very first time, the Jacana Literary Foundation is offering a unique opportunity to tap into their writing courses, on your terms. For those of you who missed out on award-winning scriptwriter Neil McCarthy’s ‘A Scriptwriters Toolbox’ course, you can now access all four workshops for limited time only. This is your chance to learn from the head writer of two of South Africa’s most popular soap operas, Isidingo and Rhythm City – a true expert in the business. In each recording, Neil effortlessly illuminates the elements that bridge the gap between page and screen.

This isn’t a course with set schedules. It’s a flexible, immersive experience designed to fit your life. Learn in your pyjamas, at your kitchen table, or in your favourite cosy corner. You set the pace.

‘The Idea’: What components are you looking for when hunting for a viable story concept for the screen? How to build a protagonist that can take you on your journey. How to sharpen your appetite for conflict.  What is a logline, and how do you craft one? What’s the difference between a movie idea and a TV idea? How the lens of “genre” might help to sharpen your idea.

‘The Structure’: How important is structure in a script, and how much do you need to know about it before you start writing? What is the standard structure for a filmed story? Cliffhangers, story beats, reverses and dark-nights-of-the-soul, do I need to pay attention to any of these buzzwords? How do you find the ending before you even start?  Do I need treatments, breakdowns, character descriptions and slug-lines?

‘The Script’: What is the standardised layout of a written script? How do I write to a very specific running time? How do I structure a scene and how do I know when one is over? What’s the big deal about writing dialogue and how important is it? How much attention should I pay to the budget for the project I am creating?

The Development: What do I do once I have written what I think is a brilliant script? How to collaborate with others. How to pitch a project and where to sell them.  Writing in teams or in partnerships. Script notes and how to deal with them. Script-editing and rewrites.  What is a writer’s role during the shooting process?

Each recording costs ZAR300. Sign up for all four and save 25%, you only pay ZAR900! To apply the discount, ensure you have selected the special offer. Should you select each recording individually, the discount will not be applied.

Recordings will be shared within a 24-hour window after your order has been placed.

Offer valid until 30 June 2025.