CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR THE SCREENWRITER IN YOUR LIFE
2 one day courses early next year –
CREATIVITY FOR SCRIPTWRITERS – London Saturday January 31st 2026
This course is designed not just for screenwriters but for all dramatic writers (screen, theatre, audio, etc). A day of fun exercises and creative prompts intended to release your creativity, help you to create memorable, idiosyncratic characters, stimulate story ideas – and in general inject your writing with a burst of creative energy and inspiration, in a supportive setting – I can guarantee this day will be FUN.
Course guest – writer and political activist ANDERS LUSTGARTEN. Anders is an alumnus of the Channel 4 screenwriting course. Anders initially made his name as a brilliant political playwright – his plays have been produced at the Royal Court, the Soho Theatre and many other theatres; and then as a novelist, while continuing to develop screenwriting projects. Anders is currently writing the Hollywood movie adaptation of his 2nd novel (soon to hit bookshops), KILL BILLIONAIRE. His first novel is the excellent THREE BURIALS.
https://script-consultant.co.uk/creativity-for-scriptwriters/
ONE DAY INTRODUCTION TO SCREENWRITING – London Saturday February 14th 2026
As much a celebration of the wonderful craft of screenwriting as an introduction to its essential elements, suitable for both newcomers to screenwriting and for more experienced writers who want a quick and uplifting refresher – with two brilliant guests on the day – script editor / consultant KATE LEYS. Kate is a hugely experienced and well-qualified industry figure, who has been involved in the development of scripts on many brilliant feature films and TV shows, a former head of development at Film 4. If you haven’t heard Kate speak before, you are in for a treat. Kate will be analysing the screenplay of a film or TV episode of her choosing – an appreciation and analysis of a great script.
At the end of the day, we will be joined by one of the UK’s leading screenwriting talents – NATHANIEL PRICE. Nathaniel is an alumnus of both the NFTS Screenwriting MA course and the Channel 4 screenwriting course. Most recently, he wrote the acclaimed BBC TV adaptation of Bernadine Evaristo’s MR LOVERMAN. He has also written on shows such as Tin Star, Noughts And Crosses and The Outlaws. Nathaniel has also had original scripts produced in both theatre and radio.
https://script-consultant.co.uk/one-day-introduction-to-screenwriting/
And my book on screenwriting –
SCREENWRITING: THE CRAFT AND THE CAREER.
The book was published by Nick Hern Books in January this year. It has some very generous endorsements from the likes of David Nicholls, Chris Chibnall, Charlie Covell, Grace Ofori-Attah (and quite a few others), has received some very nice Amazon reviews and the latest news is that it’s being translated into Chinese!
The book distils my 30 years experience working with scripts and writers and is something I’d been working on for a few years before publication. As the title suggests, it’s not just about all aspects of the craft of screenwriting but also addresses what you do with your scripts once written – how to get them – and you as screenwriter – into the professional, money-earning world of the screenwriting industry – whether that’s in film or TV.
Here are a few quotes from the reader reviews on Amazon –
‘I have read lots of Screenwriting books, yet this one feels wonderfully fresh and modern, with great examples of work to watch that spans from the oldest of movies to the most recent. Philip’s book encourages us to give lots of time and consideration to how we create, with new ideas about where we can turn for inspiration.’
‘This is a fantastic book that any aspiring screen writer should read. Philip has an enormous wealth of knowledge and experience and there is a lot of gold in this book. Even if you’re not aspiring to write scripts (eg if you’re a novelist) the sections on generating story ideas are incredibly helpful and should send writers scurrying off with a notebook and a newspaper looking for story ideas in the latest headlines.’
‘This is an essential for any screenwriter, particularly those still rising through their career. Using modern examples, the first 3/4 of the book gives succinct and accurate instructions on the craft of a good screenplay, everything from character, plot & stakes etc, right through to the presentation of the script which, even as an experienced screenwriter, I found massively helpful – industry standards change so it is helpful to gain this knowledge from someone with experience in reading thousands of scripts. The second part of the book is dedicated to the profession of the writer: how to break in, how to network and how to sustain a career. What makes the book stand out amongst others, is that the author uses his own, current experience as a producer and highly regarded script editor to shed light on the industry. It is hopeful and optimistic, but serves as a reminder that you have to put the work in.’
‘As a producer who also writes, I bought this book for a writer just starting out — but ended up buying a copy for myself too. Screenwriting by Philip Shelley is absolutely brilliant. It’s clear, practical and deeply insightful, reflecting the years of experience Shelley brings as the founder of Channel 4’s acclaimed 4Screenwriting course. This isn’t just another “how-to” manual — it’s a real blessing for the industry. Whether you’re an emerging writer looking for structure and inspiration, or an experienced creative wanting to sharpen your craft, this book delivers. Shelley has distilled the essence of great storytelling and development into something accessible, warm, and motivating. A must-have for any screenwriter’s shelf — and one I’ll keep recommending to writers and colleagues alike.’
https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/screenwriting
Also available on Amazon.
SCRIPT READING AND DEVELOPMENT Q&A, November 19th 2025
…and one more course before Christmas – This is a semi-regular zoom session for a maximum of 8 people in which I will try to answer all your questions about the world of script reading, script editing and script development.
A chance to not only ask all the questions you have but to get advice on your CV, how to approach potential employers, where the opportunities currently exist in the industry, more general principles of how to get work and maximise your professional potential, a chance to meet 7 other people with similar interests and ambitions, to share experiences and knowledge with your peers – and the opportunity to be part of an exclusive WhatsApp group where you can carry on the conversation, share tips and ask advice.
https://script-consultant.co.uk/script-reading-development-qa/
The next newsletter will be on Friday November 21st,
Best Wishes & Happy Writing
Phil
PHILIP SHELLEY
Friday November 7th 2025