Mark Aitken

What inspires us to write? Where does inspiration come from? Where does inspiration begin and does it ever end? Do we actually need inspiration to write? These questions often arise when ideas seem hard to come by but they might equally be asked after a writer has completed a successful piece of work. We all have good ideas - but sometimes it's hard to find the ones we need most and realise how that process happened. And along with a good idea, elements of chance, co-incidence, serendipity and even mystery can all contribute and assist in developing writing skills. This course for screen writers is about inspiration, how it's experienced and how we act on it. We will offer a range of 'aids to inspiration' that encourage spontaneity, collaboration and creative alchemy. Words, photos, sounds, film clips and music will all be introduced on the course so as to trigger ideas and prompt people to write. In addition, the course will be peppered with 'subversive strategies' in the form of instructive cards that writers select and then act on. There will also be opportunities for writers to perform and record their writing and edit it with film clips provided by the course. No technical experience is required but participants will write throughout the week. All of these techniques will be available for writers to take home and use themselves. Writers will acknowledge their work processes in a collaborative environment and discuss where their ideas come from and how they're developed. They will also be encouraged to share authorship and literally let go of their ideas.

Mark Aitken has been making films for 20 years and teaching since 1990. He has written, produced and directed short films, commercials, music videos, a digital feature and award winning documentaries. He teaches at Goldsmiths University and facilitates scriptwriting courses for the Arvon Foundation while making documentary films.