The Novice Screenwriter

Pavel Barter had never written a single page of a screenplay before attending our Project Development - Feature Screenplay course. Now his feature project, RUNNING WITH THE PACK, will be produced by John McDonnel, whose short, SIX SHOOTER, won an Oscar in 2006 for Best Live Action Short Film.

"The course was a fascinating exploration into the psychology of character, story and script. Initialize offered a perfect balance of encouragement and information, assisted by a small class size and constant referral to the students’ projects. Most importantly, in this age of cynical tutors and regimental script-writing formulas, the course was brimming with energy and personalised feedback. This is the only course I've needed to take!”

The Trained But Uncredited Screenwriter

Uncredited screenwriter Kirsten Harder took part in a Project Development - Feature Screenplays course. Three months later she had signed a development deal with Valerian Film for her feature script, A BREED APART. The project is now a co-production with Magma Films in Ireland.

"I had attended some leading European script-development programmes, such as the MEDIA supported EDeN (Phil Parker), Talents and S.C.R.I.P.T. But I was stuck with my project. It wasn't getting much industry interest and I felt like I should start another screenplay. However, after taking the Initialize course with Ian Davies, I transformed the screenplay and it immediately got attention. The focus on character psychology, tone and some detailed story analysis really made the difference."

The Professional Screenwriter

Adrian Mead is an ICM represented screenwriter and filmmaker. He won a BAFTA for his first feature film NIGHT PEOPLE and is currently writing for the BBC TV series WAKING THE DEAD. He attended the Project Development course Bridging the Gap to the Market.

"Quite simply if you are serious about a career as a screenwriter, you need to do the Initialize Films course "Bridging the Gap to the Market". It provides you with a CAREER STRATEGY, the most essential tool you need to achieve success".

The Novice Filmmaker

Novice filmmaker Carla di Bonito took part in the Initialize Producers' Lab - Athena programme for women producers. Following the course she produced a short film, TALKING TO MARCUS, starring Laurence Olivier nominee Jack Ashton.

"Athena was a great experience, a fantastic learning opportunity and I was really impressed with the mentoring aspects which have given me a much clearer idea of my goals and of my career path. It certainly made a big difference to my chances of getting this film made. And following the course the group have continued to meet so we all have a strong network of colleagues and friends to help us on further projects. I'm now working on my first feature project SONIA AND CONNOR. I can't recommend Athena highly enough!"

The Commercials Director

Director-Producer Leslie Ali took part in the Initialize Producer's Lab - Athena programme for women producers. Following the course she was commissioned to make a short film for Film London's short film programme PULSE.

"Athena was a fantastic opportunity to meet and learn from other women
with a passion for film. I would recommend it highly for those who've
been looking to get involved and make shorts, but have been discouraged
for lack of opportunity, knowledge and network contacts. Athena has
given me the confidence to pursue doing what I love most; two months
after the course's completion I'm making my first short for Film
London".

The Experienced Documentary Filmmaker (1)

Documentarian Geoffrey Smith took part in the Initialize Films Producer's Lab - Interdoc, which provides detailed feedback and advice on how to access international finance. Following the course Geoffrey gained funding from BBC Storyville.

"I loved it, it was a breath of fresh air and I would heartily recommend it to anyone else."

The Experienced Documentary Filmmaker (2)

Documentarian Peter Woditsch employed Initialize to help him structure his feature documentary proposal SECRET MUSEUMS. Following the consultancy, Peter received production funding from ARTE.

"The really important difference with Initialize and other consultants is that they are deeply involved in your project and offer many new insights. This gives a huge amount of confidence and helps the author to open widely, creating more craft and depth in your project"

For more information on specific training and project development programmes click on the links below:

Screenwriters
Producers
Documentary Filmmakers and Documentary Producers

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