Digital Womens Network

Day One: PROTAGONIST UNBOUND
What makes us remember, quote, even emulate the characters we see on the screen?   What elements of character attract actors?  What is the relationship between character and structure?  This lecture, through the use of clips and examples, will show how writers can reveal a main character's secrets, desires, fears and flaws, drawing the audience fully into the story.

Day Two: THE VILLAINS, THE TRICKSTERS, AND PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN  The importance of the secondary character. A quick look at recent Oscars for Supporting Roles is always a good reminder of how special and even pivotal supporting roles can be. This lecture will give practical suggestions and examples of how to turn symbolic characters like "the Shadow," "The Shapeshifter," " The "Mentor" into flesh and blood characters.

Wendall Thomas’ Biography

For the last twenty years, Wendall Thomas has worked in Los Angeles in various roles from casting director to writing and developing projects for companies including Disney, Paramount and Universal.  In addition to writing and consulting, she has lectured throughout Europe for the likes of Arista and Lighthouse Media Centre, consults for ACE in Paris, and is in her ninth year as Adjunct Professor of Screenwriting in the Graduate School of Film and Television at UCLA.  She was recently named a Star Speaker for the Los Angeles Screenwriting Expo '06.

To reserve a place please contact Northern Film & Media (www.northernmedia.org) by 9 March 2007. A place will only be reserved once a completed booking form has been received.

Date    Tuesday 20 & Wednesday 21 March 2007
Tutor   Wendall Thomas
Time    10.00 am – 5.00 pm
Venue  Northern Film & Media, Millican Room, Central Square, Forth St, Newcastle, NE1 3PJ
Cost     FREE