‘The capacity to assess other people’s screenplays not only makes you more attuned to the potential pitfalls of writing but it can also make you more employable and a better writer’.

Tim Pye – Course Convener

"The course provided a great overview of the role of the assessor in film funding and development, but more importantly, it instilled a need to support writers and the whole creative process. And speaking personally, it did 'add a string to my bow' as I am now writing assessments for AWG and elsewhere."

Margaret Davis - SATP Sydney Participant

Presented by the Australian Writers’ Guild and AFTRS and generously supported by the South Australian Film Corporation, this course will teach you how to give constructive and balanced evaluations of other people’s screenplays.

Script assessment is the crucial first stage in the script development process. It is a written appraisal of the work which aims to inspire the writer to do further work and to provide an insight into its market potential. This course is designed to help readers deliver assessments that are knowledgeable, encouraging, cogent and speak to the writing on its own terms.

The program will give you the tools to read screenplays with heightened sensitivity and insight, identify potential, and understand the principles of quality script assessments that provide clear, concise and constructive feedback to screenwriters.

You will also learn to tailor assessments depending on the client and to understand the role of assessment in the overall development process.

The course will be convened by top Australian writer/producer Tim Pye (Changi, Scorched, Stupid Stupid Man) and will feature a number of highly regarded writers and development experts including Jan Sardi (Mao’s Last Dancer, The Notebook, Shine), Scriptworks Director, Karin Altman (Something in the Air, Blue Heelers, Cluedo) and genre expert, Boris Trbic.

As part of the SAFC’s commitment to developing an integrated pathways approach for film practitioners by bringing together all industry stakeholders to explore future directions, training and development priorities and possible collaborations, South Australian practitioners are invited to take advantage of the heavily subsidised registration fee of $425. Please note, practitioners who do not reside in South Australia are still welcome to register at the normal rate of $950.

Cost: General registration - $950 (incl. GST)
SAFC subsidised registration - $425 (incl. GST)

When: 4 sessions - 30 & 31 October and 6 & 7 November (1-5pm on Sundays and 6-8pm on Mondays)

Venue: SA Writers’ Centre, Level 2, 187 Rundle Street, Adelaide

Bookings: To enrol by telephone please phone the AWG National Office on 02 9319 0339

To enrol by email please complete this form and email to Miriam Katsambis on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.