Sediba

The Sediba Programme was devised in 2005 as a direct result of the NFVF being inundated with script proposals in which the writers were able to articulate interesting ideas, but were insufficiently equipped to realize as scripts. Instead of simply rejecting these ideas, the NFVF carefully evaluated the potential of the writers to succeed if provided with training in the fundamental principles of story. When writers are selected for this training, a number of other additional factors were taken into account, e.g. they would have had to be engaged in the industry for some time in some capacity, should have had some training, preferably tertiary training at a film institution, and/or a very good idea for a story. In rare cases, newcomers with passion, commitment and a great idea may also be eligible. This programme is divided into:

• Sediba Spark Narrative Fiction Scriptwriting Programme
• Sediba Spark for Documentaries Programme
• Sediba Masters Scriptwriting Programme
• Sediba Advanced International Financing Programme for Producers

1. Sediba Spark Narrative Fiction Scriptwriting Programme

This programme began in 2007 and is conducted one weekend a month over five months, devoted specifically to the development of feature film writing & script editing talent. The course involves teaching and student led seminars which deal with the foundational principles of story telling for the big screen including premise, logline, character arcs, mythic structure- main plot and sub-plots, stakes, dialogue, subtext, world of story and genre. Teaching combines published texts as well as audio-visual material. The aim is that at the end of the training candidates would have understood the above concepts and be able to apply these to the first act of their screenplay which is the final submission for the programme from the writers. The academic level is pitched at university honours level, year 4. The highest achievers in each cycle are then selected for the Masters Programme.

2. Sediba Spark for Documentaries Programme

As a direct result of the positive feedback about Spark for Narrative Fiction and being inundated with great ideas for documentaries, the NFVF launched Spark for Documentaries in April 2008. The programme is designed to enable candidates to understand how to conceptualise a story with a clear premise and logline, how to research their story and identify principal characters and then to write a proposal that would interest a funder or broadcaster. In addition, the candidates are expected to develop their scripts from this thoroughly worked out proposal to a standard that would attract development and production financing.

3. The Sediba Masters Programme

This programme aims to inspire an approach to screenwriting that celebrates invention and creativity so that participants may pursue fresh and original takes on themes. Feature film screenwriters and script editors are trained together on the course.

The programme provides participants with the understanding of the role that structure, point of view, narration, narrative form and the controlling idea play in communicating meaning to a film. It also highlights how the writer contributes to determining the visual motifs of the eventual film.

This short programme therefore enables individuals with a keen interest and strong motivation to acquire the necessary advanced skills, knowledge and understanding to be able to write – or as a script editor, to assist writers to write – commercially-viable feature film scripts for local and international markets.

The programme is pitched between 4th year university honours and masters level. Learning and development takes place one weekend per month over twelve months combining a wide reading and viewing list, student led seminars, tutorials and one on one script development sessions. The aim is for the candidates to deepen their knowledge beyond the foundational principles of screenwriting and to develop their individual concepts to third draft script stage.

It is the NFVF's ambition that writers who successfully complete the Sediba Masters Programme will be adequately prepared to engage with potential producers in a bid to raise the required finance for the production of their films.

Candidates have to be preferably indigenous language speakers, have a tertiary education in literature, journalism, publishing, advertising or film and demonstrate a passionate interest in literature, theatre and stories for the big and small screen.

Shortlisted candidates are required to attend a 5 day concept development workshop before they are officially accepted onto the programme.