Writers!

See your work come to life

Many projects have 'found their people' and support through our workshops - often going into production or furthering development.

At the very least you'll walk away with a renewed sense of enthusiasm & support from people who appreciate what you're doing. And that's important!

Set Ready Film's designed by a writer, to be the best possible experience for writers. You're welcome to ask for feedback, come along and observe, and give a talk or Q &A.

Keep it low key or ask us to promote your work far & wide. Come along (even play a team role) or stay at home. You decide.

Submit a scene

Who can join in?

Film practitioners at all levels (although it is aimed at the needs of emerging level creatives.)

Where & when

Semi-regularly in Canberra & beyond.

(Contact us if you'd like to run a workshop in your area).

Usually on a Sunday from 1 - 4pm: see upcoming dates

Based at and proudly supported by Film Plus.

Canberra Technology Park, 49 Phillip Avenue, Watson ACT.

We'll email you with where and how to find us. At Film Plus: go through the main entrance, Ground Floor.

Can I submit a script?

Yes! It just needs to be 2 pages, with 2 - 3 roles. The work must be your own, which you hold all rights to.

Please email it to: setreadyfilm@gmail.com.

We accept submissions from everyone, but give first preference to emerging and ACT-based writers.

Read more about what helps a script work well for the exercise.

Submit a script

Community Guidelines

Canberra Gamedevs were kind enough to let us borrow a few words from their community guidelines:

* Treat everyone with respect - Depending on the level of disrespect shown, anyone who fails to do this will be warned or banned immediately. This includes making damaging statements about a person.

* Racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic or any other exclusionary language will not be tolerated.

* Feedback is always welcome, however please ensure it is delivered in a manner that is constructive and helpful.

Let's create an inclusive and constructive space so we can learn from each other and make sure everyone feels safe and welcome.

Accessibility

Set Ready FIlm is FREE and intended to remove barriers to access.

(You can make an optional donation towards expenses.)

FAQ

Is it just for emerging level practitioners?

Professionals and mid-level practitioners are encouraged to join in.

We'll match teams to have varying experience levels.

Will I get the team role I prefer?

We'll ask you for your first and second preference when you sign up.

The role you get depends on demand.

Can I submit a script?

Yes! It just needs to be around 2 pages, preferably 2 roles. The work must be your own, which you hold the rights to.

Please email it to: setreadyfilm(at)gmail.com. You can submit from anywhere in the world. We try to give preference to local, and emerging writers.

What is the cancellation policy?

Please only sign up if you can commit. If you cancel, you cancel the workshop for three others., who spent time preparing.

I’d like to practice my screen discipline, but it isn’t listed

We've added lighting and sound as new options - participants will need to arrange their own lighting gear / sound equipment.

You can suggest another role/discipline through the sign up form and we’ll do our best to add it.

Why can’t we have more time to prepare?

The scenes shot aren't meant to be polished, but a creative learning exercise. Time limits prevent perfectionism and reflect the time constraints of production.

Can we keep / publish the footage?

If team members and writers all agree and work out a way, that’s fine. Otherwise, teams are asked to delete everything.

Do I need to bring a camera? How do DPs prepare?

You'll be invited to bring a device or camera, but it's not necessary.

Directors will prepare a shot list for DPs. You can also contact each other if you wish to discuss.

Based on feedback from DPs when designing the workshop, we encourage Directors to be prepared and plan the shoot.

I’m a writer: what kind of scene works?

Generally 2 - 3 pages max, with 2 - 3 characters. We've had scenes submitted from short films, longer screenplays, as well as stand-alone scenes. It's fine to submit a work in progress - that you really want to develop through this workshop!

Clear conflict is good - two 'opposing forces' with very different perspectives and goals. Conflict = drama. Look for a beginning, middle and end within the scene.

Ideas for choosing a scene:

Scenes where the 'tables turn' - where there's a surprise or power shift.
Scenes open to interpretation.

Can I submit a script with more than 2 roles?

Send it through. If we have enough sign ups, yep.

I'm a Director: how do I prepare?

If it's your first time directing there'll be a short online / phone catch up in case you have any questions.

Think about what's going on in the scene, and possibilities for ways to play it.

Restrict your self to 3 setups. It's going to be a very short timeframe.

You'll plan a shot list (four setups max) and send it to your DP, ideally on the morning of the workshop.

The four shot constraint aims to keep the shoot manageable, and encourage creativity. Check out Resources & Inspiration below for shot types, tips for working with actors and planning coverage.