FilmOffaly launches new course for budding screenwriters

FilmOffaly, a project of Offaly County Council, has launched a new course in screenwriting to be held at the Tullamore Court Hotel next month.

The Screenwriters’ Lab, starting on November 11, is a hands-on five-week course designed to develop the tools, confidence and support to write scripts for film and TV.

Over the course, students will learn the mechanics of screenwriting through group work and practical exercises, while working on a short film idea of their own.

The course is free to applicants based in Offaly and will be a mixture of in-person and online learning.

The tutor for the course is IFTA-nominated writer, director and producer Patricia Kelly. Kelly is the founder of MnáMná Films and her debut feature Verdigris was nominated for five Irish Film and Television Awards, winning twelve festival awards.

Her work is defined by bold storytelling, layered characters and underrepresented voices, with a growing slate of projects that aim to connect deeply with audiences at home and internationally.

“As a filmmaker, I know how vital early support and guidance can be… It’s an honour to guide writers in Offaly on their screenwriting journey and to play a part in nurturing the next wave of talent with this new FilmOffaly Screenwriting Lab," Kelly said.

Further details on how to apply can be found at Filmoffaly.ie. Places are limited, the deadline to apply being November 3.

“We’re very lucky to have Patricia on board, and she has devised an excellent course that will immerse writers of all levels in the world of screenwriting. It’s a highly creative course, and I think the students are going to have a lot of fun working on their ideas.

"We welcome writers from all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from traditionally underrepresented groups who have fascinating stories to tell," FilmOffaly’s Darren Lee said.