Short Film Script Development Workshop
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Course Info
What’s included?
Over the course of the workshop, filmmakers will take their concept from an initial idea to a clear, compelling short film premise, complete with compelling characters, meaningful conflict, and real emotional resonance. The approach prioritises creative exploration and peer review, while introducing professional frameworks used in international short film market.
To do this the group will watch and discuss a selection of award-winning and festival-recognised short films from around the world, exploring what makes them effective across cultures and contexts. Through guided conversations, participants will examine what allows short films to travel beyond their place of origin and connect with viewers globally. These discussions will help participants identify some universal filmmaking concepts at the heart of strong short films.
Alongside these screenings and discussions, the workshop will include a range of practical creative exercises designed to unlock and develop original ideas. Guided free-writing sessions will help participants generate raw story material, while image-based prompts will be used to stimulate visual thinking. Group discussions will provide a supportive space to test these ideas, encouraging participants to reflect on what feels most authentic in their work. By the end of the process, participants will have explored several story possibilities and identified the ideas that feel strongest, most compelling, and ready for further development.
Participants will leave the course with:
- A clearly articulated short film concept
- A defined protagonist, motivation, and antagonistic force
- A basic story arc or scene outline
- A strong foundation for writing a short film script
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for:
- Emerging filmmakers and writers
- Film students or recent graduates
- Visual artists transitioning into narrative filmmaking
- Creators interested in international festivals and co-production contexts
Schedule
Day 1 – Finding the Story (Idea Generation)
Morning
- Welcome and course overview
- Introduction to international short film storytelling
- Screening and discussion of short films
- Theme discussion: universal stories and emotional resonance
- Idea generation & guided free-writing exercises
Afternoon
- Image-based idea development
- Further writing exercises
- Small group sharing and discussion
- Screening and discussion of other short films
- Identifying and refining the strongest story ideas
Day 2 – Shaping the Story
Morning
- Recap and introduction to short film structure
- Exploring character motivation and desire
- Internal vs external journeys in short films
- Understanding conflict and antagonism
Afternoon
- Developing story ideas through guided exercises
- Small group discussion and peer feedback
- Facilitator feedback and group reflection
Terms and Conditions
By completing this booking, you confirm that you have read and agree to the London Film School Workshops and Short Courses Terms and Conditions (linked below). You have the right to cancel within 14 days of purchase for a full refund unless the course has already begun, in which case your right to cancel may be reduced or lost. After this period, bookings are non-refundable except where the course is cancelled by London Film School. In such cases, liability is limited to a refund of the course fee only. London Film School shall not be liable for any additional costs, including travel or accommodation. All courses are subject to availability and may be amended or cancelled where necessary.
Tutor
Geoff Bellhouse
Screenwriting, Screenwriter, Short FilmsGeoff Bellhouse
Screenwriting, Screenwriter, Short FilmsGeoff is a filmmaker with a deep understanding of both the creative and collaborative processes involved in short film development. He began his journey in cinema at Septima Ars Film School in Madrid, where he directed two 16mm short films. He later completed a Master’s in Filmmaking at The London Film School, graduating in 2010 after working on numerous award-winning independent shorts and documentaries.
Over the past decade, Geoff has actively developed his craft through participation in several prestigious international talent labs, each of which has significantly informed his creative and pedagogical approach. He was selected for the European Short Pitch Scheme hosted by NISI MASA, where he developed the short film Life under the mentorship of acclaimed Italian director Fabio Grassadonia. He was an alumnus of the Berlinale Talent Campus, a globally respected platform that fosters the next generation of cinematic voices. Geoff’s films have screened widely across Europe, earning recognition at top-tier festivals. His short ROOTS premiered at the 56th BFI London Film Festival, while his Film London supported short ANITA screened at both the 57th BFI London Film Festival and multiple other international film festivals. Geoff further honed his screenwriting skills through AdaptLab, a year-long development programme run by the Torino Film Lab, focused on the art of literary adaptation for the screen.
These experiences across labs and festivals have not only shaped Geoff’s storytelling but also his ability to nurture and guide emerging writers. His exposure to a variety of narrative traditions, collaborative environments, and development frameworks makes him uniquely qualified to lead intensive screenwriting workshops, helping students take their stories from first draft to festival-ready scripts.
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