Learn from the masters

To make a great film you need three things — a great script, a great script and a great script,” said the master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock. Reaffirming this notion is Anjum Rajabali’s workshop on screenwriting. Scriptwriter for films like as Rajneeti, Satyagraha and Aarakshan, and executive committee member of the Film Writer’s Association (FWA), the veteran is all set to host a five-day comprehensive workshop on screenwriting. In it’s 5th year now, the idea was to mentor budding minds and give their thoughts a trajectory. “Being a member of the FWA, I realised that writers in our country are bubbling with ideas, but don’t have mentors to guide them. We have been conducting these workshops on an annual basis now and the response has been heartening,” says Anjum.

“Screenwriting is perhaps the most important and delicate function in filmmaking. In India however, people don’t have many opportunities to learn the art and writers are often self-taught. This is a five-day comprehensive workshop that’ll give aspirants an introduction to writing and will help them hone their skills,” he adds. The module covers the entire journey of a script from story-idea to final dialogue draft, illustrating the different stages of idea, premise, theme, plot, character, structure, scene construction, and dialogue.

The syllabus also includes an extensive session on mythology. “We will also hold a special session on Indian Mythology with special reference to the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the content and dramatic form of which have had an overarching influence on Indian screenwriting,” he points out.

In the interactive master classes, writers like Jaideep Sahni (Chak De India), Sriram Raghavan (Badlapur), Juhi Chaturvedi (Piku and Vicky Donor) will share their creative and professional struggles, explain their style and approach to writing, and offer a wealth of tips for new writers. The final session will be on industrial issues like writers’ rights, contracts, copyright questions, film industry protocols, union protection, and generally on the professional aspects of screenwriting.

Screening of some classic movie clips and full-length movies will be used as a tool for better understanding. “We will be screening three films, which are yet to be finalised. They’ll be along the lines of Masaan and Little Miss Sunshine,” he adds.

From March 30 to April 3, 10 am to 5 pm At 5th Veda Auditorium, Whistling Woods International, Film City, Goregaon (East) Fee: Rs 7,500 for FWA members Rs 10,000 for Non-FWA members For more information and to register for the workshop, call 30916003 or email: kanchi.parikh@whistlingwoods.net