The Writers’ Guild of South Africa is looking for 18 experienced writers with an aptitude for teaching/training to be part of our two-week train the trainer course in Johannesburg. A maximum of two (2) candidates from each province whose mother tongue is representative of that specific province will be considered.
1. Writers’ Guild of South Africa
The Writers’ Guild of South Africa (WGSA) is the only professional association in South Africa with a mandate to protect, empower and develop performance writers in the local film, television, radio, stage, animation and new media (internet – mobile and digital distribution, and gaming) industries. The WGSA is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) and a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) which is solely dependent on fundraising. Its mandate is governed by a constitution and a council. All activities are executed by volunteer council members and a part-time Executive Officer.
2. Train the Trainer Course
The Train the Trainer project forms part of the guild’s outreach programme. The outreach programme, funded by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, falls within the WGSA’s core service delivery strategy, Professional Development Programme. The course will:
-address the necessary skills required for candidates to become trainers, delivering engaging and compelling basic screenwriting workshops;
-cover basic training skills including facilitating, needs analyses, and navigating a culturally diverse environment;
-address basic screenwriting concepts that the participants will use in facilitating a scriptwriting course.
During the training period, candidates will be expected to collaborate and develop the content for a basic screenwriting course in English. After the training, the WGSA will have the course content professionally translated into the ten other official languages. Once qualified, trainers will then return to their province to implement skills labs in those specific provinces under WGSA supervision.
3. Eligibility
3.1. Experience / Job Knowledge:
at least two years of screenwriting experience is required;
some training experience - exposed to some form of teaching, training, facilitation of meetings and workshops, etc.
knowledge of the basics of story development and scripting;
understanding of the difference in scripting for film and for television;
script editing - evaluate and edit script and development material;
screen credit as a writer is a must.
at least two years of screenwriting experience is required;
some training experience - exposed to some form of teaching, training, facilitation of meetings and workshops, etc.
knowledge of the basics of story development and scripting;
understanding of the difference in scripting for film and for television;
script editing - evaluate and edit script and development material;
screen credit as a writer is a must.
3.2. Language
must be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English and;
at least one other official South African language.
must be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English and;
at least one other official South African language.
3.3.Skills and Abilities
computer literacy (proficient in word processing, presentation and screenwriting programmes);
exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
computer literacy (proficient in word processing, presentation and screenwriting programmes);
exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
4. Application
CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATION: 31 DECEMBER 2019, 12h00
Please complete the application form below and upload the following documents in English (unless otherwise specified) for consideration in pdf format:
1) Identity document or passport
2) A letter of motivation on why the WGSA should consider your application in your home language (the language in which you will be training scriptwriters in your province)
3) A narrative statement – 5 pages maximum where you can express who you are, your desires to pursue screenwriting training, and how this course will contribute to your goal as a trainer and or screenwriter. Please include the following elements:
-your experience and expertise in the local film, television, radio, stage, animation and new media (internet – mobile and digital distribution, and gaming) industries as a writer and as a trainer.
-your experience of working successfully in a culturally diverse context, with evidence of cultural sensitivity.
-your knowledge and understanding of the Writers’ Guild of South Africa.
-your experience of working successfully in a culturally diverse context, with evidence of cultural sensitivity.
-your knowledge and understanding of the Writers’ Guild of South Africa.
4) Two screenplays written in professional format – 20 pages maximum each where:
-you are the sole screenwriter; one should be a film script and the other, TV;
-you must include a title page with your name and email address;
-if the sample is part of a much longer script, please provide a synopsis (of no more than one page) of the entire script for reference;
-the script and or synopsis can be in any one of the official South African languages (other than English) as long as you provide English translations;
-make sure that your script is registered – go to www.writersguildsa.org/script-registry for more information.
-you must include a title page with your name and email address;
-if the sample is part of a much longer script, please provide a synopsis (of no more than one page) of the entire script for reference;
-the script and or synopsis can be in any one of the official South African languages (other than English) as long as you provide English translations;
-make sure that your script is registered – go to www.writersguildsa.org/script-registry for more information.
5) A CV/Resume that
-details your professional writing experience;
- lists your screen credits and dates received;
-outlines your training experience,
-any relevant training/education you’ve received to date.
- lists your screen credits and dates received;
-outlines your training experience,
-any relevant training/education you’ve received to date.
6) Two letters of recommendations
-one of the letters can be from a former student;
-please provide the names and valid email addresses of your recommenders;
-the recommenders will be contacted from our offices to submit your letter of recommendation;
-please make sure you follow up with your recommenders to ensure they have send the letters to us. Your application will be viewed as incomplete and cannot be reviewed without it;
-all recommendation letters must be received by 2 January 2020 or your application may not be reviewed;
-we will only accept submissions directly from the recommender;
-recommendation letters submitted by the applicant directly will not be considered.
