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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20260527T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20260527T190000
DTSTAMP:20260518T072219Z
CREATED:20260512T123639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T072219Z
UID:30353-1779904800-1779908400@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Webinar: Writing for the Stage with Gavin Werner
DESCRIPTION:Writing for the Stage with Gavin Werner\nA practical webinar on writing for theatre\, aimed particularly at people without formal writing training\, and focused on developing meaningful plays with limited resources through consistency\, collaboration\, and iteration. \nWebinar details\nDate: Wednesday\, 27 May 2026\nTime: 18:00 – 19:00SAST\nRegister HERE \nWhat to expect\nIn this webinar\, Gavin Werner discusses his personal approach to writing for the stage\, drawing from his experience as an actor\, director\, and playwright. Gavin came to writing relatively late and without formal training. His plays have been successfully staged over multiple runs and have been well received by critics and audiences alike\, with “Spanish Steps” winning a WGSA Muse Award for Best Produced Play. \nThe webinar focuses specifically on theatre writing\, and on the unique advantages available to playwrights: the ability for a stage play to evolve through rehearsal\, collaboration\, performance\, and audience feedback. Topics include discovering the tensions\, questions\, and obsessions that are unique to you and worth writing about\, developing dialogue through rough drafting and refinement\, and the importance of consistency as the foundation for creative breakthroughs. \nThe webinar may be particularly useful for first-time or developing playwrights who are trying to build a writing practice alongside work\, family\, and everyday life\, and who are interested in practical\, low-budget ways of developing theatrical work.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/writing-for-the-stage-gavin-werner-wgsa-webinar-2026/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Knowledge Share Session,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Writing-for-the-Stage-with-Gavin-Werner-website-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WGSA":MAILTO:admin@writersguildsa.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20260513T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20260513T190000
DTSTAMP:20260510T100254Z
CREATED:20260510T100254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260510T100254Z
UID:30346-1778695200-1778698800@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Webinar: The Business of Vertical Storytelling
DESCRIPTION:The Business of Vertical Storytelling\nWriters are no longer creating only for television and film. A new wave of mobile-first storytelling is reshaping the industry. \nJoin acclaimed actor\, producer and entrepreneur Hlomla Dandala as he unpacks the rise of vertical content and what it means for writers looking to diversify their craft and income opportunities. \nDandala will also share insights into his new mobile-first storytelling platform\, HEKTIK\, and how vertical content is opening new possibilities for creators in the digital entertainment space.  \nWebinar details\nDate: Wednesday\, 13 May 2026\nTime: 18:00 – 19:00SAST\nRegister HERE \nMeet the Speaker\nHlomla Dandala is an acclaimed South African actor\, director\, producer and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in the film and television industry. Known for iconic roles in productions such as Isidingo\, Jacob’s Cross and The River\, Hlomla has built a career that spans performance\, directing\, producing and media innovation. \nHe is also the founder of HEKTIK\, a platform focused on vertical storytelling and mobile-first content\, exploring new opportunities for creators in the evolving digital entertainment landscape.  \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members may attend free of charge. Non-members pay R 75.00.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/the-business-of-vertical-storytelling/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Knowledge Share Session,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/The-Business-of-Storytelling-with-Hlomla-Dandala-13-May-2026.-website.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WGSA":MAILTO:admin@writersguildsa.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20260506T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20260506T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T083645Z
CREATED:20260428T083645Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T083645Z
UID:30328-1778090400-1778095800@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Webinar: Writers Who Mean Business
DESCRIPTION:Writing is your craft. Business is your power. \nEstablishing a registered business requires more than talent. It requires structure\, knowledge and strategy. \nJoin Andrina Moodley from Story Oasis for Writers Who Mean Business\, a session designed to equip writers with practical tools across invoicing\, due diligence\, legal frameworks\, script registration and professional positioning. \nWebinar details\nDate: Wednesday\, 6 May 2026\nTime: 18:00 – 19:30SAST\nRegister HERE \nMeet the Speaker\nAndrina Moodley  \nCo-Founder Story Oasis\, Development Producer\, Operations Director \nAndrina is a co-founder and co-owner of Story Oasis where she serves as operations and business head. With a multidisciplinary background spanning psychology\, advertising\, film\, people management\, business operations and media\, she is an alum of Wits Business School and Nelson Mandela University.  Under Andrina’s leadership\, Story Oasis was selected for the prestigious YaBasadi Women in 4IR programme at Tshimologong Digital Precinct. In 2026\, the company collaborated with Joburg Film Festival’s Cut to Story Lab and spearheaded an upskilling programme for the City of Joburg’s Arts Alive G20 initiative in 2025. Andrina has served on the Fak’ugesi Jury\, completed the EAVE AI Skills Booster and sits on the Fable Arc Board. Her work includes steering multiple development labs such as the IBFC StoryLab and the Story Oasis Trajectory Programme. As a development producer\, she has worked across formats including shorts\, made-for-TV films and most recently\, an animated mobisode. \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members may attend free of charge. Non-members pay R 75.00.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/writers-who-mean-business/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Knowledge Share Session,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Main-Poster.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WGSA":MAILTO:admin@writersguildsa.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20260328T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20260328T120000
DTSTAMP:20260320T111200Z
CREATED:20260320T111200Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T111200Z
UID:30229-1774692000-1774699200@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Webinar: The Vertical Shift: New Formats\, New Opportunities for Writers
DESCRIPTION:Vertical storytelling is rapidly gaining traction across global platforms – but what does it actually mean for writers? Is it simply short content filmed for phones\, or does it require a different way of thinking about story\, pacing\, and audience? \nJoin us for a conversation with Harriet Meier and Julie Hall as they unpack the rise of vertical formats. Together\, they will explore what vertical storytelling is\, what it isn’t\, and address some of the common myths surrounding this emerging space. \nIn a time when the industry is navigating significant challenges\, this session will look at how writers can engage with new formats\, think differently about storytelling for mobile audiences\, and identify potential opportunities within the evolving screen landscape. \nWebinar details\nDate: Saturday\, 28 March 2026\nTime: 10:00 – 12:00 SAST\nRegister HERE \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay R 75.00. \nMeet the Speakers\nHarriet Meier \nAn award-winning writer/producer\, content creator and published author\, Harriet Meier rides a thin line between being a creative and a business woman. A past chair of the Writers’ Guild of South Africa\, Harriet is passionate about bringing Africa’s stories to the world market. She has local and international experience in film and television\, and is adapt at multi-media storytelling and writing for new platforms like Vertical micro-dramas. She is an internationally qualified trainer for Audio Description and runs a content creation and scripting company called Wild Words Content and Creative with Julie Hall as her partner. \nJulie Hall \nJulie Hall is a Screenwriter\, Story Editor and Lecturer/Mentor\nRecent TV projects include: Kings of Joburg S3 and BARE for Netflix\, and Critical But Stable and 016FM for Showmax. Julie has worked as Story Editor on multiple projects with SA’s film commissions\, including commercial break-outs: Happiness Is A 4 Letter Word\, The Kandasamys franchise of films and the multiple award-winning Valley of a Thousand Hills. Feature film scripts as screenwriter include co-writing Zulu Wedding which won the Festival Director’s Choice for First Feature at the Pan-African Film Festival LA 2020. As a script trainer\, Julie mentored on the NFVF Sediba-SPARK Narrative Screenwriting programme from its inception and served as Discipline Chair of Screenwriting for AFDA Johannesburg from 2014 to 2021. In 2025\, she served as Programme Director for the Botswana Ignite Storylab\, a Concept Development Lab for high-end TV series.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/the-vertical-shift-new-formats-new-opportunities-for-writers/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Knowledge Share Session,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/The-Vertical-Shift-with-Harriet-Meier-and-Julie-Hall-28-March-2026.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WGSA":MAILTO:admin@writersguildsa.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20260318T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20260318T150000
DTSTAMP:20260311T031617Z
CREATED:20260311T031617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T031617Z
UID:30219-1773838800-1773846000@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Webinar: The Grammar of Co-Creation: The Screenplay\, the self\, collaboration & coming of age with “Carissa”
DESCRIPTION:Fresh from winning Best African Film at the Joburg Film Festival and earning the prestigious Tiger Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam for their latest feature Variations on a Theme\, screenwriter-director duo Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar join WGSA’s Zunaid Mansoor (Head of Professional Development Programmes) to reflect on their creative journey and collaborative storytelling process. \nWGSA Webinar: The Grammar of Co-Creation: The Screenplay\, The Self\, Collaboration\, & Coming of Age with “Carissa”  \nJoin Jason and Devon\, whose feature film “Carissa” was partially funded by\, and later selected to premier at\, the Venice International Film Festival in 2024. The movie has been described by many Guild members as one of the most beautiful films to emanate from our country. \nAs it continues its international film festival journey at some of the most prestigious stages on every continent\, the duo are taking some time to sit with WGSA’s Zunaid Mansoor (Head of Professional Development Programmes) to share insights about the movie’s genesis\, research\, and their co-writing and co-directing process.  \nFrom preserving artistic vision through collaboration\, and changing the African narrative through the honest on-screen portrayal of underrepresented communities\, to the vagaries of telling stories on the page\, on set with the camera\, and in the editing bay – all WGSA members and non-members are invited to join as we continue to learn from and celebrate the South African cinematic imagination with our industry’s visionary screen storytellers.  \nWebinar details\nDate: Wednesday\, 18 March 2026\nTime: 13:00 – 15:00 SAST\nRegister here. \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay R 75.00. \nMeet the Writers\nJason Jacobs and Devon Delmar are co-writers and co-directors under the collective KRAAL\, based across Namaqualand and Cape Town in South Africa. Their productions reflect a strong connection to local culture and the natural world\, integrating themes of consciousness and the non-human in their narratives. The duo’s acclaimed projects include the feature film 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘢\, an official selection in the Orizzonti section of the 81st Venice International Film Festival (2024).  \nTheir feature Variations on a Theme and All I Know are slated for release in 2026 alongside Brakwater and Uprooted\, two short films. \nFeature Film Title: “Carissa” (2024) \nLogline: In a small mountain village threatened by the development of a luxury golf estate\, a young woman has to make the choice: go to the city to become a ‘success’ in life\, or take over her grandfather’s rooibos farm.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/the-grammar-of-co-creation-the-screenplay-the-self-collaboration-coming-of-age-with-carissa/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Knowledge Share Session,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/carissa.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WGSA":MAILTO:admin@writersguildsa.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20260307T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20260307T113000
DTSTAMP:20260226T152317Z
CREATED:20260226T152317Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T152317Z
UID:30188-1772877600-1772883000@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: From 1997 to 2026... Old Righteous Blues
DESCRIPTION:Writing your feature film?\nJoin SAFTA Feature Film Category Nominees. All in one conversation. \nBest Achievement in Scriptwriting- WGSA Member Carol Shore \nBest Achievement in Directing – Muneera Sallies\nBest Lead Actor – Ayden Croy\nBest Feature Film – Old Righteous Blues \nHang out with them in this interactive 90-minute coffee-shop conversation about carrying a story from page to performance to screen. \nGrab a coffee. Bring your questions. Join the conversation. \nWebinar details\nDate: Saturday\, 7 March 2026\nTime: 10:00 – 11:30 SAST. \nLocation: Online (Zoom link sent by 12pm\, 6 March 2026) \nRegister here. \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay R 75.00. \nMeet the Writer\nCelebrated screenplay-writer\, show-runner\, head-writer\, producer of both feature films\, documentaries and acclaimed television series\, Carol has been a full-time working scriptwriter and producer in the South African television industry since 1978. She has variously written and produced her own films or television scripts both here and in Canada\, under commission directly from broadcasters\, or via producers\, or overseen by other writers\, who were writing theirs. Between the years 1985 and 2019\, she has acted as show-runner\, script editor\, script supervisor\, head-writer and producer. She commenced the writing of the first two seasons of the well-known ‘Generations’ long-running soapie in 1992 with renowned Producer Mr Mfundi Vundla\, was a staff writer on eTV’s ‘Backstage’\, and was Head Writer and Creative Head of Scripts for the popular local vernacular television soap “Muvhango” for 18 years\, over 19 seasons\, with a staff writing team of fourteen.  \nIn 2008 she published her book “Writing for South African Television” published by Crink Publishers which launched at the Cape Town Book Fair in 2009\, and which is still in industry use today\, as well as available in most national libraries. \nCarol has served on the Council of the Writers Guild of South Africa as head of the Professional Development Portfolio in 2023 and continues to serve on the WGSA Professional Development Portfolio Committee.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/from-1997-to-2026-old-righteous-blues/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Knowledge Share Session,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Carol-Shore_Old-Righteous-Blues_-7-March-2026.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WGSA":MAILTO:admin@writersguildsa.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20251126T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20251126T200000
DTSTAMP:20260226T145457Z
CREATED:20251120T075512Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T145457Z
UID:30124-1764183600-1764187200@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: Co-Productions: The Under-Tapped Opportunity for South Africa to Go Global
DESCRIPTION:Want to take your project beyond South Africa’s borders? Join internationally acclaimed producer Carolyn Carew\,  one of producers from Free Women Films\,  as she unpacks why co-productions remain one of the most under-used pathways to global success. With decades of experience and credits spanning Netflix\, Canal+\, BBC\, TIFF and more\, Carolyn offers unmatched insights for filmmakers ready to scale.. \nWebinar details\nDate: Wednesday\, 26 November 2025\nTime: 19:00 to 20:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (Zoom link sent by 12pm\, 26 November 2025 – Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay R 75.00. \nMeet your speaker\nCarolyn is one of South Africa’s most accomplished and award-winning Producers in television dramas\, feature films\, documentaries\, social marketing campaigns\, and commercials. Her company\, Free Women Films\, has independently produced five feature films (2 x co-productions) & five feature documentaries (2 x co-productions)\, many hours of long-running high-end drama series\, 100s of commercials\, eight long-running youth social reality shows (Pan-African)\, and film training programs. \nMusic is My Life – Joseph Shabalala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo is SA’s official selection to the 96th Academy Awards (Best International Film and Best Documentary Film). FWF’s productions have screened on Amazon Prime\, Netflix\, BBC\, SKY ARTS\, Canal+\, ZDF /ART\, NHK\, DK\, YLE\, SABC\, Mnet\, eVOD / e.TV and on 150 African Broadcasters. \nTwo of her films she produced screened at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival in 2017 & 2018\, Berlin Film Festival 2024\, and screened at over 20 international and local festivals\, winning awards at the SAFTAS and other Festivals; her documentary won the Special Jury Prize at IDFA in 2013. FWF has co-produced with France\, Germany\, the UK\, and Canada. \nCarolyn was profiled in Forbes Africa\, 2nd Edition\, 2012\, for her formidable work and served for three years on the International Emmy Judging documentary panel. Carolyn has played a pivotal role in training SA Film/TV practitioners since 1992 and served as an inaugural councilor at the National Film and Video Foundation from 1999-2001. She has a B Soc. Sc and Post Graduate Dip in Human Resources Management from UCT\, 10 000 Business Women Goldman Sachs / Gibs Certificate. She is a member of the Producer Guild of America\, IPO and a board member of DFA.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-3-3-2-2-3-3-2-2/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Knowledge Share Session,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Carolyn-Carew-Coproductions-26-November-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20251120T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20251120T150000
DTSTAMP:20251120T075116Z
CREATED:20251113T091325Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T075116Z
UID:30118-1763643600-1763650800@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: Meet screenwriter-director duo Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar\, creators of the feature film Carissa
DESCRIPTION:POSTPONED\, NEW DATE TBC\n  \nJoin screenwriter-director duo Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar\, whose feature film Carissa was partially funded by\, and later selected to premier at\, the Venice International Film Festival in 2024. The movie has been described by many Guild members as one of the most beautiful films to emanate from our country. \nAs it continues its international film festival journey at some of the most prestigious stages on every continent\, the duo are taking some time to sit with WGSA’s Zunaid Mansoor (Head of Professional Development Programmes) to share insights about the movie’s genesis\, research\, and their co-writing and co-directing process. \nFrom preserving artistic vision through collaboration\, and changing the African narrative through the honest on-screen portrayal of underrepresented communities\, to the vagaries of telling stories on the page\, on set with the camera\, and in the editing bay – all WGSA members and non-members are invited to join as we continue to learn from and celebrate the South African cinematic imagination with our industry’s visionary screen storytellers. \n  \nWebinar details\nDate: Thursday\, 20 November 2025\nTime: 13:00 to 15:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (Zoom link sent by 12pm\, 19 November 2025 – Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay R 75.00. \nMeet your speakers\nJason Jacobs and Devon Delmar are co-writers and co-directors under the collective KRAAL\, based across Namaqualand and Cape Town in South Africa. Their productions reflect a strong connection to local culture and the natural world\, integrating themes of consciousness and the non-human in their narratives. The duo’s acclaimed projects include the feature film Carissa\, an official selection in the Orizzonti section of the 81st Venice International Film Festival (2024). \nTheir upcoming features Variations on a Theme and All I Know are slated for release in 2026 alongside Brakwater and Uprooted\, two short films. \nFeature Film Title: Carissa (2024) \nLogline: In a small mountain village threatened by the development of a luxury golf estate\, a young woman has to make the choice: go to the city to become a ‘success’ in life\, or take over her grandfather’s rooibos farm.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-3-3-2-2-3-2/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Knowledge Share Session,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Carissa-Webinar.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20251112T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20251112T200000
DTSTAMP:20251030T100618Z
CREATED:20251030T100618Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251030T100618Z
UID:30113-1762974000-1762977600@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: Developing and selling unscripted formats
DESCRIPTION:Join South African born\, Los Angeles–based writer and producer Dylan Ben-Israel as he shares insights from developing and selling unscripted formats in the world’s most competitive television market. In this webinar\, Dylan explores how ideas are formed\, pitch decks are built\, and what networks and streamers are really looking for in new concepts. From understanding show mandates and development trends to crafting formats that travel internationally\, this session offers a practical roadmap for creators aiming to break into the global unscripted space. Drawing on his experience with companies like Lionsgate\, Sony\, and Back Roads Entertainment\, Dylan provides real-world advice on how to turn an idea into a format\, a format into a pitch\, and a pitch into a deal. \n  \nWebinar details\nDate: Wednesday\, 12 November 2025\nTime: 19:00 to 20:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (Zoom link sent by 12pm\, 11 November 2025 – Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay R 75.00. \nMeet your speaker\nDylan Ben-Israel is a South African-born writer and producer based in Los Angeles\, where he has lived for the past six years. A produced film and television writer\, Dylan pivoted into unscripted formats after COVID and has since created and owns over 100 original unscripted IPs. He has closed multiple deals with industry powerhouses including Renegade 83/Lionsgate (Naked and Afraid)\, Back Roads Entertainment (Pawn Stars\, Joking Off)\, Sony Pictures Television (Jeopardy!\, Wheel of Fortune)\, and others. Several of his shows are currently in negotiation with major showrunners and networks globally. \nHis first U.S. unscripted project\, Marked Military—a tattoo docuseries exploring military stories—was developed and licensed by his company Storyteller Entertainment before production began\, later picked up by Media Ranch\, one of the world’s leading format distributors. This success led to representation with Buchwald Agency and subsequent format sales to major showrunners. Dylan is represented by entertainment law firm Frankfurt\, Kurnit\, Klein & Selz. A second season of Marked has been completed and is now out for international sale. \nIn scripted work\, Dylan has written the feature thriller The Dead Sea for producer Sam Feuer (Big Boy Films)\, starring Radha Mitchell\, and penned The Odds for producer Air Taub. He also wrote the horror-thriller Pinky Pinky for Mona Scott-Young (Love & Hip Hop)\, created the six-episode military drama Breaking Boots (sold to a streaming platform)\, and wrote Reconcile\, based on the life stories of decorated U.S. pilot Dan Cherry\, who served in Vietnam. He is currently packaging a young adult spy series with notable talent attached.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-3-3-2-2-3/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Knowledge Share Session,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Unscripted-Decks-with-Dylan-Ben-Israel.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20251101T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20251101T120000
DTSTAMP:20251021T094809Z
CREATED:20251016T113138Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T094809Z
UID:30101-1761991200-1761998400@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: Option agreements
DESCRIPTION:Ever wondered what it really means when someone options your script? Join the Writers Guild of South Africa for a deep dive into the business behind creative rights. Our expert panellists\, David Max Brown\, Dr Eubulus Timothy and Peter Goldsmid\,  will unpack how option agreements work – from what producers actually pay for\, to timelines\, renewals\, and when (and how) an option can turn into a full sale. \nWhether you’re a new or experienced writer\, this conversation will help you understand how to protect your work\, negotiate fair terms\, and make informed decisions when opportunity knocks. \nWebinar details\nDate: Saturday\, 1 November 2025\nTime: 10:00 to 12:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (Zoom link sent by 12pm\, 31 October 2025 – Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay R 75.00. \nMeet the panel\nDavid Max Brown \nA multi-award-winning film producer (best known for Noem My Skollie – 2017)\, David Max Brown is also a screenwriter\, director\, and editor. He is a senior lecturer in Motion Picture in the postgraduate department at AFDA Cape Town\, and responsible for student integration with the film industry. He holds an MFA (with distinction) and is currently studying for his PhD at UJ. \nDr Eubulus Timothy \nDr Eubulus Timothy is a dental surgeon\, educator\, writer\, and award-winning filmmaker known for his multidisciplinary excellence and creative vision. He was the founding Chairperson of the Cape Film Commission and served as Vice Chairperson of the Writers Guild of South Africa for over a decade. Trained under acclaimed Hollywood directors Randy Zisk and Allan Arkush\, he has developed a distinctive voice as a filmmaker and storyteller. His numerous accolades include the Harley-Merrill Screenwriting Award (Hollywood)\, Simon Sabela Awards for Best Picture and Best Director\, and the Singapore Exemplary Lifetime Achievement Award (2020). \nPeter Goldsmid \nSAFTA- and WGSA-Award-winning writer-director Peter Goldsmid (David Klatzow: Looking into Darkness\, SABC 3)\, is an African screenwriter and director\, whose work is defined by human insight and visual flair – across documentary\, drama\, and corporate storytelling. His many legal-inspired productions have led him to a practical understanding of the law as it affects writers and he has given informal advice for the WGSA for more than a decade.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-3-3-2-2-2/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Discussion Panel,Masterclass,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Options-with-David-Eubulus-and-Peter-1-November-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20251029T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20251029T190000
DTSTAMP:20251016T112624Z
CREATED:20251016T112425Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T112624Z
UID:30098-1761760800-1761764400@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: The Short Film as a Fundraising Tool
DESCRIPTION:A short film can be more than just a creative project  – it can be your ticket to funding and visibility. In this session\, we’ll explore how emerging writers can use short films to attract partners\, pitch ideas\, and build momentum for larger projects. \nWebinar details\nDate: Wednesday\, 29 October 2025\nTime: 18:00 to 19:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (Zoom link sent by 12pm\, 29 October 2025 – Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay R 75.00. \nMeet your speaker\nTshenolo is an award-winning television writer\, a producer and WGSA’s scriptwriting facilitator. With a passion for paying it forward\, Tshenolo loves working with emerging writers. In 2025\, Tshenolo trained emerging filmmakers in the audio-visual process and supervised the production of three short films and two short documentaries.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-3-3-2-2/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Knowledge Share Session,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The-Short-Film-as-a-Fundraising-tool.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250927T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250927T120000
DTSTAMP:20250916T112615Z
CREATED:20250916T112615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250916T112615Z
UID:30068-1758967200-1758974400@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: Do you want to attend an International Film Market in 2026?
DESCRIPTION:The WGSA Professional Development and Membership team is planning on making use of the DTIC’s SSAS (Sector Specific Assistance Scheme) in 2026 to take WGSA members to Film markets abroad. The two markets we intend to attend in 2026 is the Galway Film Fleadh and Series Mania. \n From 2015 to 2018 the WGSA successfully made use of this scheme and many of our members who took advantage of this opportunity benefitted from the experience and exposure (WGSA Markets and Festivals). \n In 2018 the DTIC discontinued the programme\, but this year it was revived; however the attendance criteria has changed. \n The WGSA would like to discuss this opportunity\, the do’s and don’ts\, and the attendance criteria\, with interested writers. If you are not a member of the WGSA as yet\, you are welcome to attend the session. \n Thea Aboud\, WGSA Operations and Strategy\, will discuss the criteria. Zunaid Mansoor\, WGSA Council member for Professional Development and Jacques du Rand\, WGSA Council member for Membership and WGSA Chairperson\, Busisiwe Ntintili will discuss market attendance\, what to expect from a market and preparation for attending a market. \nWebinar details\nDate: Saturday\, 27 September 2025\nTime: 10:00 to 12:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (Zoom link sent by 12pm\, 26 September 2025 – Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay R 75.00.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-3-3-2/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Discussion Panel,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ssas-poster.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250917T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250917T190000
DTSTAMP:20250903T072914Z
CREATED:20250903T072914Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250903T072914Z
UID:30057-1758132000-1758135600@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: Writing for Children’s Animation with Omotunde Akiode
DESCRIPTION:Writing for Children’s Animation with Omotunde Akiode \n  \nJoin us for Writing for Children’s Animation with Omotunde Akiode\, a Nigerian screenwriter with 15 years of experience across live-action hits and acclaimed kids’ shows\, including Netflix’s Supa Team 4 and Kiya. With her passion for comedy and deep knowledge of children’s media\, Omotunde will share insights into how great kids’ television is crafted. \nWhat to expect: \n\nKey child development milestones across different age groups\nHow television content differs for various age brackets\nFundamentals of story structure in children’s programming\nCase studies of successful children’s TV shows and what makes them work\n\nWebinar details\nDate: Wednesday\, 17 September 2025\nTime: 18:00 to 19:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (Zoom link sent by 12pm\, 17 September 2025 – Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay R 75.00. \n\nMeet your Speaker\nOmotunde Akiode is a Nigerian screenwriter with 15 years of experience working on live action Nigerian shows such as Tinsel\, Nigeria’s longest running soap opera\, MTV Shuga Naija series\, Ajoche\, Battleground\, Enakhe\, Dear Mother and Spider. She started focusing afterwards on children’s animation shows and has worked on shows such as Boy\, Girl\, Dog\, Cat\, Mouse\, Cheese by Watch Next Media\, Netflix’s Supa Team 4 African animation series\, Kiya by E-One/Frogbox\, Jungle Book Preschool series by Baboon Animation\, Mini Beat Power Rockers by Mundolocco Studios\, Argentina\, Empress Sissi by TV Mundo\, Italy. The list continues and she is always open to working with studios all over the world. She is passionate about writing for children’s animation and has a special leaning towards comedy. She has an M.Sc in Architecture\, certificates in Filmmaking and Digital Arts\, and is currently studying for an MA\, Comedy Writing. She participated in the 2022 Netflix/Realness Institute Development Executive Trainee program. She is currently an adjunct lecturer\, teaching Children’s Media Studies at Pan-Atlantic University\, Lagos\, Nigeria\, where she also resides with her daughter and dogs. Her hobbies are reading\, films\, travel\, documentaries and anything funny or endearing. She is represented by Hudson Agency\, New York\, USA.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-3-3/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Masterclass,News,Online Session,Screenwriting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Omotunde-Akiode-Writing-for-Childrens-Animation.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250823T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250823T103000
DTSTAMP:20250807T064719Z
CREATED:20250729T070456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250807T064719Z
UID:30011-1755939600-1755945000@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: Big Stories in Small Packages
DESCRIPTION:Big Stories in Small Packages: Writing and Making Short Films as an Indie Filmmaker in South Africa Dean Ravell and Stephen Nagel\n  \nJoin the Writers Guild of South Africa for an essential workshop empowering writers to explore the dynamic world of short films and indie filmmaking! Discover how short films can be your powerful calling card\, kickstarting careers\, refining your storytelling\, and giving you creative control. \nThis session will cover: \n* Writing for Shorts: Best practices for tight\, impactful narratives. \n* Writing Cinematically: How to use visuals to tell your story. \n* From Page to Screen: Making the indie leap with practical production insights. \n* Being an Independent Filmmaker in South Africa: Opportunities\, challenges\, and building your creative tribe. \n* Lessons from the Trenches: Real-life examples\, breakthroughs\, and what to know before your first short. \n\nWebinar details\nDate: Saturday\, 23 August 2025\nTime: 9:00 to 11:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (Zoom link sent by 12pm\, 22 August 2025 – Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay R 75.00. \nMeet your Speakers\n  \nDean Ravell \nDean Ravell is an award-winning screenwriter and director based in Cape Town\, and a Writers Guild of South Africa council member. Holding an Honours Degree in Media\, Theory and Practice from UCT and an Impact Film Producer certification\, he has written and directed numerous short films\, including Detour\, Frozen Yoghurt\, and Plunder. Dean co-founded BTG Productions and is currently developing a GBV-focused feature film with a leading South African production company. \nStephen Nagel \nAn award-winning screenwriter and director from Cape Town\, Stephen Nagel crafts captivating\, character-driven stories with powerful visuals. A UCT Screenwriting graduate\, his films like MIA&I\, Day Zero\, and Protégé explore authentic human experiences across various genres. Stephen\, co-founder of BTG Productions\, is currently developing feature scripts and TV pilots\, including a commissioned crime thriller for streaming.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-3/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Masterclass,News,Online Session,Screenwriting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Dean-Ravell-and-Stephen-Nagel-Writing-and-Making-Short-films-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250816T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250816T120000
DTSTAMP:20250729T071045Z
CREATED:20250729T071045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250729T071045Z
UID:30016-1755338400-1755345600@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: Writing the Short Film with Gasan Sallies
DESCRIPTION:Writing the Short Film with Gasan Sallies | 16 August 2025 | 10:00 – 12:00\n  \nJoin us for an inspiring session with filmmaker Gasan Sallies\, as they unpack the journey of turning a concept into a fully funded production. From idea to script to screen — hear how this young South African creative navigated the development process and secured funding to bring their vision to life. \n\nWebinar details\nDate: Saturday\, 16 August 2025\nTime: 10:00 to 12:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (Zoom link sent by 12pm\, 15 August 2025 – Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay R 75.00. \nMeet your Speaker\nGasan Sallies is a South African filmmaker whose journey began in animation\, visual effects\, and screenwriting\, and has since grown into a dynamic career spanning both commercial and narrative work. His creative portfolio includes a wide range of projects\, from the 2D animated short Swim to the award winning short film Boeta\, which was also selected at the Amsterdam liftoff International Film Festival. \nHis kykNET Silwerskerm short film Straatrotte which combined live action and animation was named Festival Favorite and received two special jury mentions. He co-wrote the M-Net feature Twisted Christmas and most recently produced\, wrote and directed the kykNET Silwerskerm short Tussen Die Kwashale\, the drama film combines his passion for telling emotive stories with the use of some Visual Effects\, continuing his passion for pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. \nGasan was selected to attend the prestigious Telluride Film Festival’s Filmmakers of Tomorrow symposium\, where he participated in intensive mentorship sessions with cinema legends including Francis Ford Coppola\, the Dardenne Brothers\, Xavier Dolan\, Ken Burns\, Guy Maddin\, and Kim Morgan. \nCurrently\, Gasan works across both the commercial and film industries\, bringing his distinctive vision and technical craft to life as a Producer\, Writer\, Director\, and Visual Effects Artist. His work is driven by a deep commitment to storytelling that resonates with emotional truth\, cultural identity\, and cinematic innovation.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-3-2/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Masterclass,News,Online Session,Screenwriting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Gasan-Sallies-Writing-the-Short-Film-16-August-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250806T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250806T180000
DTSTAMP:20250710T081452Z
CREATED:20250528T095941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250710T081452Z
UID:29912-1754503200-1754503200@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: Planning and Structuring a Limited Series with Karen Jeynes
DESCRIPTION:Planning and Structuring a Limited Series with Karen Jeynes\n  \nHow do you structure a limited TV series? What are the secrets\, and pitfalls\, of making a story last just the right amount of episodes? We’ll talk cliffhangers and episode openings\, the difference between linear and streaming\, local and international trends\, and different methodologies. \nWebinar details\nDate: Wednesday\, 6 August 2025\nTime: 18:00 to 20:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (Zoom link sent by 12pm\, 24 June 2025 – Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay R 75.00. \nMeet your Speaker\nKaren Jeynes has worked extensively as a writer and director for stage and screen\, most recently as the writer\, co-director and creative producer of Die Nuusmakers for Kyknet\, comedy series The Morning After\, and drama series Recipes for Love and Murder\, now in production on its second season. Other productions she has developed and overseen with creative partner Thierry Cassuto at Both Worlds are Point of Order\, Comedy Central News\, and Parlement Parlement\, and the documentary Africa and I\, as well as working as the head writer for ZANews: Puppet Nation. She is currently busy with her PhD on autistic representation on South African television through the University of Pretoria.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Masterclass,News,Online Session,Screenwriting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PLANNING-AND-STRUCTURING-A-LIMITED-SERIES-WITH-KAREN-JEYNES.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250712T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250712T120000
DTSTAMP:20250710T081916Z
CREATED:20250710T081916Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250710T081916Z
UID:30004-1752314400-1752321600@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: The Editor as Co-Writer with Khalid Shamis
DESCRIPTION:The Editor as Co-Writer with Khalid Shamis\n  \nWriting\, it is famously said in filmmaking\, is rewriting. If that is the case\, then editors would insist that editing\, the process of piecing visuals and sounds into a whole\, is the final rewrite. That writing is merely an extension of the writing process. So much so that one Hollywood editor has referred to editing as “the writing in documentary films”. \nIt is this final step of writing and authorship of a film or series that multi-award-winning filmmaker Khalid Shamis will discuss in his conversation with writers. It is a topic that has inspired countless books and coffee shop debates. Khalid does not claim to have or that he will offer a definitive answer. But basing his talk on a quarter century of editing\, he will seek to reinvigorate the discussion\, and offer writers an editor’s perspective on the many layers of filmmaking and storytelling. \nWebinar details\nDate: Saturday 12 July 2025\nTime: 10:00 to 12:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (Zoom link sent by 12pm\, 11 July 2025 – Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay R 75.00. \nMeet your Speaker\nLondon-born Libyan-Capetonian\, Khalid is a documentary director\, producer and editor with a filmmaking practice spanning over more than 25 years. Having studied film language in London Khalid has worked in the film industries of the UK\, Middle East and Southern Africa. Khalid works and researches as a doctoral fellow at the Centre for Humanities Research (CHR) at the University of the Western Cape. \nKhalid is founder and director of Rough Cut Lab Africa RCLA\, a support programme for African documentaries at the rough-cut stage. \nKhalid’s practice is strongly dedicated to the pedagogy of independent filmmaking and story construction in Africa\, teaching and consulting in and outside film institutions and organised frameworks. He describes his practice as moving at vastly different paces while his own films have taken several years to finish. Khalid constructs and completes numerous films every year as an editor\, turning his practice into “A strange place of directing directors\, guiding first time filmmakers\, imbibing worlds alien to [his] own\, containing and creating another’s vision\, manifesting the dreams of the subjects in the films and being taken by the voice of the material itself”.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Masterclass,News,Online Session,Screenwriting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Khalid-Shamis-THE-EDITOR-AS-THE-CO-WRITER.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250705T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250705T110000
DTSTAMP:20250619T063046Z
CREATED:20250619T063046Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250619T063046Z
UID:29927-1751706000-1751713200@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: Final Draft Training Session with Hanné Koster
DESCRIPTION:Final Draft Training Session with Hanné Koster\n  \nIn this session\, we will take a look at the possibilities that Final Draft offers a writer in developing and structuring their script. Some aspects will be demonstrated on Final Draft 13. We will explore how Final Draft can save you time and provide a framework for organising your thoughts and ideas. \nWebinar details\nDate: Saturday 5 July 2025\nTime: 9:00 to 11:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (Zoom link sent by 12pm\, 4 July 2025 – Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay R 75.00. \nMeet your Speaker\nHanné Koster is an award-winning television director\, documentary filmmaker and writer. She is one of the Writers Guild of South Africa’s scriptwriting trainers and used to be a lecturer at the then Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. \nShe has a Master’s degree in Creative Writing and has completed multiple international scriptwriting courses. She is always eager to learn about technology and the possibilities it presents and to share this knowledge with others.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Masterclass,News,Online Session,Screenwriting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Final-Draft-Training-Session.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250531T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250531T100000
DTSTAMP:20250514T054819Z
CREATED:20250514T054753Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T054819Z
UID:29900-1748685600-1748685600@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: The Producer's Role - Carolyn Carew
DESCRIPTION:The Producer’s Role with Carolyn Carew\n  \nExplore the critical role of producers in bringing feature films and TV dramas to life – from raising finance and navigating sales and distribution\, to collaborating with international co-producers under South Africa’s treaty agreements. This session unpacks the strategic\, creative\, and logistical responsibilities that shape global storytelling. \nWebinar details\nDate: Saturday\, 31 May 2025\nTime: 10:00 – 12:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (Zoom link sent by 12pm\, 30 May 2025 – Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay R 75.00. \nMeet your Speaker\nCarolyn is one of South Africa’s most accomplished and award-winning Producers in television dramas\, feature films\, documentaries\, social marketing campaigns\, and commercials. Her company\, Free Women Films\, has independently produced five feature films (2 x co-productions) & five feature documentaries (2 x co-productions)\, many hours of long-running high-end drama series\, 100s of commercials\, eight long-running youth social reality shows (Pan-African)\, and film training programs.  \n  \nMusic is My Life – Joseph Shabalala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo is SA’s official selection to the 96th Academy Awards (Best International Film and Best Documentary Film). FWF’s productions have screened on Amazon Prime\, Netflix\, BBC\, SKY ARTS\, Canal+\, ZDF /ART\, NHK\, DK\, YLE\, SABC\, Mnet\, eVOD / e.TV and on 150 African Broadcasters.  \n  \nTwo of her films she produced screened at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival in 2017 & 2018\, Berlin Film Festival 2024\, and screened at over 20 international and local festivals\, winning awards at the SAFTAS and other Festivals; her documentary won the Special Jury Prize at IDFA in 2013. FWF has co-produced with France\, Germany\, the UK\, and Canada.  \n  \nCarolyn was profiled in Forbes Africa\, 2nd Edition\, 2012\, for her formidable work and served for three years on the International Emmy Judging documentary panel. Carolyn has played a pivotal role in training SA Film/TV practitioners since 1992 and served as an inaugural councilor at the National Film and Video Foundation from 1999-2001. She has a B Soc. Sc and Post Graduate Dip in Human Resources Management from UCT\, 10 000 Business Women Goldman Sachs / Gibs Certificate. She is a member of the Producer Guild of America\, IPO and a board member of DFA.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers-2-2-2-2-2-2-2/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Knowledge Share Session,News,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Carolyn-Carew-The-Producers-Role-31-May-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250521T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250521T190000
DTSTAMP:20250501T075429Z
CREATED:20250501T075429Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250501T075429Z
UID:29893-1747850400-1747854000@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: WGSA Muse Awards - Expectations from a Judges Perspectives
DESCRIPTION:WGSA Muse Awards: Expectations from a Judges Perspectives with Vicki Bawcombe \n  \nVicki has judged many rounds of the WGSA Muse Awards\, and in this session she shares her insights into the judging criteria and what makes some scripts stand out from the rest. As you gear up for that polish before you submit\, join us online for some dos and  don’ts\, a WGSA Muse success checklist and plenty of time for your questions. \nWebinar details\nDate: Wednesday\, 21 May 2025\nTime: 18:00 – 19:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (Zoom link sent by 12pm\, 20 May 2025 – Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay R 75.00. \nMeet your Speaker\nVicki is a writer\, script editor and screenwriting teacher who has been a proud member of the Writers Guild of South Africa (WGSA) since its inception. In a thirty-year career she has written for TV\, radio\, theatre and film in a wide range of genres. Recent credits are the movies Klip Anker Baai which can be seen on Prime and Masinga – the Calling\, a Showmax original\, and the TV drama Die Nuusmaakers which flights from 27 May 2025 on Kyknet.
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers-2-2-2-2-2-2/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Knowledge Share Session,News,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Vicki-Bawcombe-WGSA-Muse-Awards-Expectations-from-a-Judges-Perspectives.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250514T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250514T190000
DTSTAMP:20250424T105005Z
CREATED:20250424T105005Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250424T105005Z
UID:29889-1747245600-1747249200@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: Making a Life in Theatre
DESCRIPTION:One Playwright’s Leap from Policy to Practice with Mike Van Graan\n  \nHow to make a living in and through theatre…that is the holy grail for theatre-makers the world over\, and particularly in a country like South Africa.  We have passion\, dedication\, talent\, skills and we do not at all mind hard work and long hours – all ingredients for success we are told.  And while we may achieve some recognition for our work through decent reviews\, the odd award and even a commission or two\, these do not translate into a decent\, sustainable livelihood.  Is it true then\, that Mrs Worthington – or Mrs Khumalo – shouldn’t put their daughters on the stage?  Or that writers should always have another source of regular income to support their creative work? Or are there possibilities for living off one’s talents and passions as theatre writers in particular?  Join Mike van Graan as he talks about his current journey. \nWebinar details\nDate: Wednesday\, 14 May 2025\nTime: 18:00 – 19:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (Zoom link sent by 12pm\, 14 May 2025 – Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nNB: Registration is essential.WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay ZAR 75.00 \n  \nMeet your Speaker\nMike van Graan is a South African playwright and producer based in Cape Town. \nMost recently\, he served as the Coordinator of the Sustaining Theatre and Dance (STAND) Foundation\, an initiative to support the South African dance and theatre sector through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. \nHe has extensive experience in policy formulation and advocacy and in building artists’ networks\, both in South Africa and across the African continent.  Mike was the founding Secretary General of Arterial Network\, a pan-African organisation advocating for the cultural dimension of development\, human rights and democracy.  He served on the expert facility of UNESCO’s 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions from 2011-2018. He was the head writer of the team that produced Breathing New Vision into Theatre and Dance: National Theatre and Dance Policy\, commissioned by South Africa’s Department of Sport\, Arts and Culture in 2021/22. \nAfter the first democratic elections in South Africa in 1994\, he was appointed as a Special Advisor to the minister responsible for arts and culture where he played an influential role in helping to develop post-apartheid cultural policies. \nAs a playwright with 40 plays under his belt\, he is regarded as one of South Africa’s foremost contemporary playwrights having garnered numerous awards and nominations for his work. \nHe is the 2018 recipient of the Swedish Hiroshima Prize for Peace and Culture\, the same year that he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Pretoria in recognition of his work as a playwright\, and as a cultural activist. \nFor more information\, see http://mikevangraan.co.za \n 
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers-2-2-2-2-2/
LOCATION:Online via MS Teams
CATEGORIES:Knowledge Share Session,News,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Making-a-life-in-Theatre-with-Mike-Van-Graan-Instagram.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250319T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250319T190000
DTSTAMP:20250307T065241Z
CREATED:20250307T065241Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250307T065241Z
UID:29818-1742407200-1742410800@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: Back to Basics - The Screenplay Format
DESCRIPTION:The Screenplay Format with Theoline Maphutha\n  \nThis session will provide a simple\, practical approach to formatting your screenplay to industry standards. We’ll cover the fundamental principles of the screenwriting format and examine how each script element contributes to storytelling. While we’ll touch briefly on different types of scripts across various mediums\, the primary focus will be on writing a film scene – demonstrating how all these elements come together in practice. \nWebinar details\nDate: Wednesday\, 19 March 2025\nTime: 18:00 – 19:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (Zoom link sent by 12pm\, 19 March 2025 – Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nNB: Registration is essential.WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay ZAR 75.00 \n  \nMeet your Facilitator\nTheoline Maphutha is a screenwriter\, industry advocate\, and trainer with nearly 20 years of experience in film and television. Over 14 of those years have been dedicated to training performance writers at various levels and championing their rights as a Writers Guild of South Africa (WGSA) member. She played a key role in advocating for performance writers during the public participation of the Copyright Amendment Bill in Parliament and was honoured with the prestigious WGSA Service Excellence Award. \nIn addition to her work as a writer and advocate\, Theoline is a trained script reader. Over the past decade\, she has reviewed and analysed 500+ scripts across genres for competitions and awards\, including the WGSA Muse Awards. She has also served as a judge and panel chair for the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs). \nShe holds an MFA in Screenwriting from the American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory\, where she was a World Cinema Class teaching assistant and the screenwriting instructor for the inaugural Young Women In Film initiative (a collaboration with the Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation)\, teaching high school girls the fundamentals of screenwriting. The AFI thesis film\, Junior\, which she co-wrote\, was nominated for Best Short Film at the Pan African Film & Arts Festival. Cinturón Negro (Black Belt)\, another co-written short\, gained international recognition in Argentina and Spain\, including a special LGBTQIA+ award. \nTheoline began her screenwriting career as a researcher and writer on corporate video projects and SABC 2’s Living Land\, a lifestyle programme spotlighting agriculture. She’s a Berlinale Talents Durban alum\, and her directorial short film\, Sidetracked\, is currently in post-production with support from the National Film and Video Foundation. \n 
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers-2-2-2-2/
LOCATION:Johannesburg; Cape Town; Durban
CATEGORIES:Knowledge Share Session,News,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/The-Screenplay-Format-by-Theoline-Maphutha-19-March-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250305T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250305T200000
DTSTAMP:20250219T083440Z
CREATED:20250219T083410Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250219T083440Z
UID:29790-1741201200-1741204800@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: Back to Basics
DESCRIPTION:Plot set-ups and pay-offs with Ben Johnson\n  \nHow do set-ups and pay-offs shape a compelling story? What role does a character’s flaw play in narrative development? Join Ben Johnson as he unpacks binary development and the storytelling techniques that keep audiences engaged. \nSession Details: \nDate: Wednesday\, 5 March 2025 \nTime: 19:00 – 20:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (The Zoom link will be distributed via email by 12pm on 5 March 2025. Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nRegistration closes at 18:00 SAST on 4 March 2025. \nNB: This session will not be recorded. \nMeet your Facilitator\nBen Johnson is a versatile storyteller who crafts compelling cross-genre narratives that resonate across cultures\, transforming profound human experiences into stories that illuminate the universal struggle between darkness and light. \nHe grew up in a previously disadvantaged community in South Africa during the apartheid years. His strict upbringing was peppered with loads of personal trauma\, rebellion\, and domestic violence. As a result\, his stories explore the theme of fatherhood\, and feature characters who either embrace or fight their inner darkness. Ben comfortably straddles a career in both film and television. He’s a seasoned feature writer with 14 commissioned scripts under his belt\, including two novel-to-screen adaptations\, an international martial arts co-production between South Africa and Thailand\, and most recently a biopic for one of the directors of BBC’s DOCTOR WHO. \nAs a headwriter\, storyliner and scriptwriter in the African television space\, he’s amassed over 500 episode credits and worked on 16 shows\, including FIFTY THE SERIES for Ebony Life TV\, on Netflix. He’s been hired to lead series developments\, worked as a story consultant\, and served as headwriter on a number of shows\, including the South African adaptation of UGLY BETTY. In 2022\, he was hired to create and head write an original series for Netflix. \nHis script editing clients include the Kwazulu-Natal Film Commission(KZNFC)\, the National Film and Video Foundation(NFVF)\, and the Namibian Film Commission(NFC). He has served as a council member of the Writers Guild of South Africa(WGSA ) and a judge for both the WGSA Muse Awards and the South African Film and Television Awards(SAFTAS). \nBen is a NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY Fellowship Alumnus whose screenplays have placed highly in both local and international script competitions. His thriller script\, CANAAN\, won the feature diversity category of the 2019 Final Draft Big Break Contest. Ben was invited to Los Angeles to participate in the Final Draft Awards\, and was consequently signed to a literary manager. In 2020\, Ben was invited to pitch two of his scripts at the Berlin Film Festival’s Africa Finance Hub. His current feature\, RIVER RUN\, is being shopped in Hollywood with academy award winner\, Troy Kotzur\, attached as lead. His 13 part drama series DARK DAYS\, goes into production in 2025. \n  \nWGSA members attend for free \nNon-members pay R75. Details on the RSVP form
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers-2-2-2/
LOCATION:Johannesburg; Cape Town; Durban
CATEGORIES:Knowledge Share Session,News,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Plot-Set-ups-Pay-offs-with-Ben-Johnson-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250222T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250222T230000
DTSTAMP:20250210T092754Z
CREATED:20250210T092754Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T092754Z
UID:29779-1740214800-1740265200@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: Final Draft Training Session
DESCRIPTION:In this session\, we will take a look at the possibilities that Final Draft offers a writer in developing and structuring their script. Some aspects will be demonstrated on Final Draft 12\, and we will also discuss the differences between Final Draft 12 and 13. \nWe will explore how Final Draft can save you time and provide a framework for organising your thoughts and ideas. \nSession Details: \nDate: Saturday\, 22 February 2025 \nTime: 09:00 – 11:00  SAST \nLocation: Online (The Zoom link will be distributed via email by 12pm on 21 February 2025. Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nMeet your Facilitator \nHanné Koster is an award-winning television director\, documentary filmmaker and writer. She is one of the Writers Guild of South Africa’s scriptwriting trainers and used to be a lecturer at the then Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. \nShe has a Master’s degree in Creative Writing and has completed multiple international scriptwriting courses. She is always eager to learn about technology and the possibilities it presents and to share this knowledge with others. \n  \nWGSA members attend for free \nNon-members pay R75. Details on the RSVP form
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers-2-2/
LOCATION:Johannesburg; Cape Town; Durban
CATEGORIES:Knowledge Share Session,News,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Final-Draft-Training-Session.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250219T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250219T190000
DTSTAMP:20250127T093018Z
CREATED:20250127T084505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T093018Z
UID:29752-1739988000-1739991600@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: The 3-Act Structure for Emerging Writers with Sechaba Morojele
DESCRIPTION:Sechaba Morojele: The Three Act Structure\n  \nDoes a good structure give you a strong story\, or does a good story give you a strong structure? \nJoin Sechaba Morojele\, an award-winning filmmaker with nearly 30 years of industry experience\, as he unpacks the power of the 3-act structure in storytelling. \nMeet your speaker\nSechaba Morojele brings nearly 30 years of experience in the TV and film industry. With a BSc. Degree in Statistics from the University of Manchester\, he worked as a Statistician in England and South Africa before pursuing an MFA in film directing from the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. His thesis film\, Ubuntu’s Wounds\, won numerous awards\, including Best Short Film at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles and the Director’s Guild of America (DGA) Student Award for outstanding achievement in directing. The film aired on HBO for two years. \nSechaba is a versatile industry professional\, working as an actor\, writer\, director\, producer\, and script editor. His recent acting work includes roles such as Dr. Sid in Netflix’s Queen Sono and Rubin in BET’s Isono. Through his production company\, Provoke Entertainment\, he has produced three TV series for SABC1 and SABC2. Sechaba is also a preferred script editor for the NFVF and KZNFC\, having script edited Silverton Siege\, Mandla Dube’s acclaimed Netflix original film. \nSession details: \nDate: Wednesday\, 19 February 2025 \nTime: 18:00 – 19:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (The Zoom link will be distributed via email by 12pm on 19 February 2025. Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nPerfect for writers\, directors\, and anyone passionate about crafting compelling narratives. Don’t miss this insightful session! \nNB: Registration is essential.WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay ZAR 75.00
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers-2/
LOCATION:Johannesburg; Cape Town; Durban
CATEGORIES:Knowledge Share Session,News,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sechaba-Morojele-3-act-structure-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250215T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250215T120000
DTSTAMP:20250213T073447Z
CREATED:20241210T070403Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250213T073447Z
UID:29727-1739613600-1739620800@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: The Adoption/Rejection\, Impact and Regulation of Artificial Intelligence - Part 3
DESCRIPTION:Event has been postponed. Date TBC\n  \nThe Adoption/Rejection\, Impact and Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Within Cultural and Creative Industries in South Africa – Part 3 \nBy popular demand\, join Zunaid Mansoor and Guests\, as we continue our robust\, hard-hitting\, prismatic conversation and interviews tackling AI’s impact on screenwriting\, filmmaking\, content creation\, academic scholarship\, public funding for the arts\, and on our democracy and leadership. \nOne Job Lost Is Too Much! \nCopying or Sampling Text Without Permission\, Acknowledgement and Fair Compensation is Theft! \nAI Generated Text presented as the Fruits of Human Labour is Fraud! \nNo\, to Manufactured Consent! \nNo\, to Structural and Systemic Coercion! \nYes\, to Human-Centrality! \n  \nSession Details:\nDate: Saturday\, 15 February 2025 \nTime: 10:00 – 12:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (The Zoom link will be distributed via email by 12pm on 14 February 2025. Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nMeet your speaker:\nZunaid Mansoor is a professional script editor\, story development consultant\, screenwriting lecturer/researcher\, and creativity coach serving live-action\, animation\, documentary\, video game\, literary fiction and creative writing. He also serves as an independent film fund advisor and script editor with the NFVF\, KZN Tourism and Film Authority\, and the Durban Film Office. \nThe U.S. and South African governments named him the Amy Biehl Awardee as the top Fulbright Scholar in 2007 – his field of study was Screenwriting. After completing an MFA at Oscar-winning film school\, Chapman University’s Dodge College\, he worked at CBS’ The Bold and The Beautiful\, and for Oscar-nominated producer\, Alexandra Rose. \nAs Senior Lecturer and National Head of Screenwriting at AFDA Johannesburg for 12 years\, Zunaid served some 10 000 students of film and screenwriting. Known for his servant leadership\, devotion to community service\, his nurturing of authentic voices for the page and screen\, and his results-driven\, in-demand consultation\, his alumni and clients have been nominated and decorated several times for the Student Oscar\, the SAFTA\, WGSA Muse Award\, the NEFTI Prize\, the 48-Hour Film Project\, the KykNet Silwerskerm and awards in all continents. Several of them were selected as Berlinale Talents\, Durban Talents\, MultiChoice Talent Factory participants\, and have films/series/doccies/content on Netflix\, Amazon Prime\, Showmax\, SABC\, DSTV channels\, YouTube and TikTok. They are commissioning editors and managers with MultiChoice\, and have been listed as part of the Mail & Guardian Top 200 Youth. \nHe serves as a jury member for SAFTA\, the WGSA Muse Awards\, the Simon Sabela Film & TV Awards\, and for the UFVA Screenwriting Competition for U.S. film schools. He was appointed to the Oscars selection committee for South Africa with the NFVF. An award-winning public speaker\, Zunaid has guest lectured at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls\, the Durban University of Technology\, UKZN\, the University of Southern California\, and Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. He was honoured in 2024 when he was selected to co-facilitate the isiPhethu Screenwriting Programme during the Durban International Film Festival alongside the legendary\, Mr. Edmund Mhlongo. \nIn 2009\, his South African-based feature film screenplay was selected to be pitched to the president of Creative Artists Agency\, Richard Lovett\, in Los Angeles – the world’s largest and most prestigious talent agency. At just 16 and 18\, Zunaid was the youngest accredited journalist in the world at both the World AIDS Conference in 2000\, and the World Conference Against Racism in KwaZulu-Natal\, in 2001. He is also a proud alumnus of UKZN where earned law and social sciences degrees cum laude\, passing his attorney’s admission exam in 2006 \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members attend for FREE. Non-members pay ZAR 75.00
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-workshop-the-business-of-writing-2-3-2-2/
LOCATION:Johannesburg; Cape Town; Durban
CATEGORIES:Masterclass,News,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Zunaid-Mansoor-15-February.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250208T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250208T120000
DTSTAMP:20250127T094224Z
CREATED:20250127T093810Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T094224Z
UID:29766-1739008800-1739016000@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: The Writers’ Room: How Does It Work? With Bongi Ndaba
DESCRIPTION:The Writers’ Room: How Does It Work?  \nJoin celebrated writer and showrunner Bongi Ndaba as she unpacks the magic of the writers’ room: \n✨ How many writers does it take?\n✨ What does each one do?\n✨ How do they align characters\, plots\, and dialogue? \nWith her vast experience on iconic shows like Generations and Uzalo\, Bongi’s insights are not to be missed. \nMeet your speaker\nBongi Ndaba\, celebrated for her remarkable contributions to South African television and cinema\, will lead this enlightening session. Ndaba’s journey from the theatre stage to becoming the creative force behind acclaimed series such as Generations and Uzalo\, has positioned her as a leading figure in storytelling across continents. Her approachable and insightful guidance makes her the perfect mentor for writers embarking on their creative journey\, eager to learn from a seasoned storyteller. \nSession details:\nDate: Saturday\, 8 February 2025\nTime: 10:00 – 12:00 SAST\nLocation: Online (The Zoom link will be distributed via email by 12pm on 7 February 2025. Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nThis session is for Professional Writers \nNB: Registration is essential.WGSA members may attend free of charge. We also invite members of our sister organisations Safrea and DFA to attend free of charge. Non-members pay ZAR 75.00 \n 
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-workshop-the-business-of-writing-2-3-2-2-2-2/
LOCATION:Johannesburg; Cape Town; Durban
CATEGORIES:Masterclass,News,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bongi-Ndaba-The-Writers-Room.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250205T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250205T190000
DTSTAMP:20250127T092905Z
CREATED:20250124T072656Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T092905Z
UID:29748-1738778400-1738782000@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: Fundamentals of Screenwriting for Emerging Writers with Sizwe Fortune Zuma
DESCRIPTION:Fundamentals of Screenwriting with Sizwe Fortune Zuma \n  \nReady to bring your stories to life? \nJoin multi-award-winning writer\, performer\, and lecturer Sizwe Fortune Zuma for Fundamentals of Screenwriting! With expertise in scriptwriting\, character development\, and crafting captivating stories\, Sizwe’s experience spans teaching at Wits University and presenting Heart and Soul on Radio Pulpit. \nWhether you’re just starting or want to sharpen your skills\, this is your chance to master the basics. Don’t miss out! \nMeet your speaker:\nSizwe is a performer\, multi-award winning writer and lecturer. He is currently presenting a programme called Heart and Soul for the biggest Christian Radio Station\, Radio Pulpit. As a performer\, he gets roles for television\, film and voice work. As a lecturer\, he taught Visual Storytelling 2B and Screenwriting 3B at the University of the Witwatersrand. \n𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 \nDate: Wednesday\, 5 February 2025 \nTime: 18:00 – 19:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (The Zoom link will be distributed via email by 12pm on 4 February 2025. Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nRSVP here: \nWGSA members attend for free. Non-members pay R75
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-online-session-fundamentals-of-screenwriting-for-emerging-writers/
LOCATION:Johannesburg; Cape Town; Durban
CATEGORIES:Knowledge Share Session,News,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/The-Fundamentals-of-Sciptwriting-Sizwe-Zuma-Poster.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250122T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250122T190000
DTSTAMP:20241128T081029Z
CREATED:20240828T081102Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241128T081029Z
UID:29571-1737568800-1737572400@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: Scripting for Documentaries with Peter Goldsmid
DESCRIPTION:Scripting for Documentaries with Peter Goldsmid \n  \nA session on documentary storytelling with Peter Goldsmid\, an award-winning writer and director. On 22 January 2025\, he will explore the strengths and limitations of fiction story structure for emotionally engaging documentary narrative. Creatively dealing with reality offers challenges\, unexpected joys and pitfalls; Peter will offer suggestions and examples of how to make the best of all three. \nSession details \nDate: Will confirm as soon as Speaker is up and about \nTime: 18h00 – 19h00 SAST \nLocation: Online (The Zoom link will be distributed via email by 12pm on 22 January 2025. Please add pdpassistant@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nRegistration closes on 21 January 2025 at 18h00 SAST \nWGSA members attend for free. Non-members pay R75 \n  \nMeet your Speaker\nPeter Goldsmid began his career as a film editor and film critic\, reviewing for The Star and other print media\, before transitioning into writing. He was inspired to adapt Athol Fugard’s magical play\, The Road to Mecca\, into a feature film—a project he had longed to direct for years. Ultimately\, he accomplished both\, and the film won Vita Awards for Best Script and Best Production. \nSince then\, Peter has continued writing\, primarily to create opportunities for himself as a director and independent producer. His work includes four seasons of the documentary-based legal drama series Justice for All for SABC 2. His experience with documentaries also led to the creation of the SABC 2 mini-series Riemvasmaak\, set during the forced removals under apartheid\, which won the 2008 SAFTAs for Writing\, Direction\, and Producing. \nPeter’s documentaries have been shown at film festivals such as Cannes\, the United Nations Association Film Festival\, and Encounters. His 2010 documentary Difficult Love\, made with lesbian visual activist Zanele Muholi\, was broadcast by SABC and on Dutch and Swedish television\, as well as nearly a hundred film festivals worldwide. More recently\, Our Land\, focusing on land rights activists from the Alliance for Rural Democracy\, was the Runner-up for the 2023 Encounters Youth Experience Award. \nA major catalyst for Peter’s growth as a writer was his six years teaching screen\, television\, and documentary writing at AFDA\, Cape Town\, culminating in an MFA (cum laude) in 2020. He has since led documentary courses for both the NFVF and SAE. Currently\, Peter is writing\, directing\, and producing a True Crime series on femicides for SABC 3\, David Klatzow – Looking into Darkness. \n 
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-workshop-the-business-of-writing-2/
LOCATION:Johannesburg; Cape Town; Durban
CATEGORIES:Masterclass,News,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Peter-Goldsmid-Scripting-for-Documentaries-22-January-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250118T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20250118T120000
DTSTAMP:20241211T070337Z
CREATED:20241211T070337Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241211T070337Z
UID:29730-1737194400-1737201600@writersguildsa.org
SUMMARY:WGSA Online Session: Pushing to the Extreme of Theme with 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹
DESCRIPTION:Pushing to the Extreme of Theme with 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹\n  \nRobert McKee calls it ‘taking the forces of antagonism to the end of the line’\, whilst others call it the ‘negation of the negation’. In this interactive session for working writers\, Julie will explore what she calls the Value Framework\, which is working strongly with the central theme or dramatic issue of your story. We will discuss why sticking to a central theme is so crucial in writing for cinema or TV\, discuss ways to identify the central theme\, and then to work with it to its strongest dramatic potential. \n𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀\nDate: Saturday\, 18 January 2025 \nTime: 10:00 – 12:00 SAST \nLocation: Online (The Zoom link will be distributed via email by 12pm on 19 January 2025. Please add communications@writersguildsa.org to your contact list) \nMeet your Speaker\nJulie Hall is a Screenwriter\, Story Consultant\, Lecturer\, and Voice Over Artist. \nTV Series worked on as Head writer include BARE for Netflix\, the dramedy 016FM for Showmax\, Tempy Pushas Seasons 2 & 3\, Mamello Season 1\, Bedford Wives and Ikhaya Season. \nJulie has worked as Story Editor on multiple projects with SA’s film commissions\, including commercial breakouts: Hard To Get\, Happiness Is A 4 Letter Word\, Keeping Up With the Kandasamys\, Kandasamys\, The Wedding\, Trippin’ With The Kandasamys and Kandasamy’s The Baby. More recent releases include Indemnity (Netflix) and the multiple award-winning Valley of a Thousand Hills (Netflix and Festival Circuit). Feature film scripts as screenwriter include co-writing the rom-com Zulu Wedding which won the Festival Director’s Choice for First Feature at the Pan-African Film Festival LA 2020. Julie mentored on the NFVF Sediba-SPARK programme from its inception and served as Discipline Chair of Screenwriting for AFDA Johannesburg from 2014 to 2021. Julie has a special interest in Animation and works as a Creative Producer on select projects \nNB: Registration is essential. WGSA members attend for FREE. Non-members pay ZAR 75.00
URL:https://writersguildsa.org/event/wgsa-workshop-the-business-of-writing-2-3-2-2-2/
LOCATION:Johannesburg; Cape Town; Durban
CATEGORIES:Masterclass,News,Online Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersguildsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Julie-Hall-Theme-18-Jan-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR