Frequently Asked Questions
What are you looking for in my writing sample submission?
Your submission should be as close to 500 words in length as you can get it. Write a letter, a short story, a script, an essay -- choose your form -- but write about why this program interests you, what you hope to learn from the program, and where you hope to go from here. We want to make sure that you can write with some fluency, but most of all we want to know that this program is right for you and that you’re right for the program. E-mail your submission to Lynn Tarzwell at tarzwel@algonquincollege.com, fax it to 613-727-7707, or snail-mail it to the College.
I already have a diploma/degree. Do I need to submit a written piece?
Yes. Even if you meet or exceed the program requirements, these pieces help us get to know you a bit before you arrive, and to tinker with the courses to suit the needs of the incoming group. Space in the program is limited, so we encourage you to submit this promptly.
I don’t have two or more years of post-secondary education. Does that disqualify me from the program?
Maybe, maybe not. If you have two or more years of media, theatre, journalism or other scriptwriting-related experience, clarify this in your written piece. It’s worth a shot! Many of our best students lack the “paper qualifications” but are passionate storytellers with a knack for visual writing.
What’s “Hothouse”?
The Hothouse Reading Series showcases short excerpts from students’ plays which are read by professional actors under the artistic direction of Paul Dervis of the New Ottawa Repertory Theatre. Audiences are invited to ask questions and offer constructive feedback at intermission and the end of the evening. The experience is galvanizing for writers – a theatre full of people focused on the characters you have brought to life – and offers you invaluable information on where your strengths are, where you need to rewrite and work harder.
Somebody told me you go on a pitching trip to Toronto in the spring? What’s that about?
The Toronto Pitch Trip (AKA “The Journey to the Centre of the Universe”) is one of the outstanding experiences in this program. All the students go to Toronto at the end of March and meet with executives at major broadcasters and production companies to pitch their film or TV series ideas. We also meet agents, distributors, accomplished screenwriters and if possible attend industry events during our three-day stay. But remember: this is not a sales trip. It is a fabulous opportunity to get to meet important players in the industry and get their excellent feedback on your projects. No other writing program, as far as I know, gets this kind of access.
Who are the profs in the program?
All the professors are industry professionals; most are full time freelancers in television, theatre, etc. and only teach one class at the college – yours -- to share their expertise and insight with up-and-coming writers. They are all absolutely current in their fields and dedicated to helping you prepare to become future colleagues.
Will I make professional contacts besides the profs?
We have an active and vibrant Advisory Board which helps in two ways. First, they work with the coordinator to keep the curriculum practical and current. In addition, the producers, screenwriters, directors, writers (of everything from comedy to animation to stage plays) and actors who sit on our board do, on occasion, serve as guest speakers, script readers and job contacts for our students. Also, students will meet other professionals on the Toronto Pitching Trip we take every spring.
Will I meet other people in the industry?
Absolutely! Guest speakers from the local film, television, theatre, and production community will be regular visitors to your class. They share war stories, give you tips and advice on “how-to-get-there-from-here”, take questions, and often take pitches. In second term, you’ll be working alongside industry professionals in your Field Placement, increasing your skill set and your network of contacts.
What sort of computers do you use and do I need my own?
We use PC-Windows based computers, although we have some Mac computers with Final Cut Pro on which you’ll learn to edit videos that you’ve shot. You will also have daily access, although we share it, to a lab with computers loaded with Final Draft scriptwriting software. However, we also provide MS Word formatting templates and tutorials for film, theatre, television, video and PSA scripts which will help you to layout scripts properly when you don’t have access to Final Draft.
All Algonquin College students are provided with an e-mail account, access to the internet, dial-up access from home, and use of two Access Centres, rooms with over 150 computers dedicated to student access 24 hours a day. However, you are about to become a writer, or you already are one, so you will need your own PC or Mac at home as well, preferably with Windows or Windows-compatible software. In the past, many students began the course without a computer and soon decided to invest in one.
How many hours will I spend doing my work?
On average you will spend 19 to 20 hours of contact time with professors, and an additional 20 (or more) hours are required for your work outside of class. Students have spent far fewer hours, but one thing you will learn about writing: it takes time. In second term you will have slightly more classroom time to use for assignments as well as individual conferences with professors about your work.
I need to work while I am in school. How many hours can I spend at my job?
We know that many students work to help to support themselves to pay for their education. However, if you work more than 20 hours per week, you will likely begin to find your workload overwhelming. Some jobs are available on-campus as part of government student work programs, which may be easier to fit in with your workload Information about these positions is available from the Students' Association.
How much will I spend on books and supplies?
We have attempted to keep the cost of books and supplies to around $150 for the year. We also, provide many handouts, guides to information, recommended reading lists and sample scripts. The program also maintains a library of books which students may borrow for limited periods of time. Students will spend money on supplies for home use - printer cartridges, paper, etc. However, you can print most of your assignments at the College Access Centres, so you can keep your expenses quite low.
What kind of assignments will I be doing?
You will be working on screenplays, stage plays, television and (perhaps) radio scripts, corporate videos, new media projects, as well as learning basic video production skills. The work load is heavy. We try to stagger assignments to enable you to concentrate on projects, and as the year progresses, you will begin to focus more closely on your specific area(s) of interest. However, we are interested in introducing you to as many areas of writing as possible, because you never know what opportunities might arise, and we hope to prepare you for as many of these as possible.
How big are the classes?
We can take as many as 30 students, but usually we have about 25 in our class. This means you get lots of support, individual attention and feedback. You also get to know your classmates really well, and most students find at least one wonderful writing partner/friend in the group. Alumni keep in touch for years after they’ve graduated, sharing job information and encouraging each other’s writing.
Can I take the program part time, or maybe just the Screenwriting course?
The program is designed so courses complement each other, so the Screenwriting course goes into character development in depth and you transfer that knowledge to writing for TV and video. Dialogue and how actors “use” a script is explored in playwriting, writing to a specific audience in New Media and Non-Broadcast video, etc. It is possible to do the program over two consecutive years, but far from ideal. If you only want to take one course, you’re probably better off to take a night or weekend course in your area of interest.
Can I start the program in January?
Currently we run only one section, from September to April.
Are there any scholarships, etc.?
We do have a couple of small awards based on the quality of student scripts, and hope to add to these in the future. We also direct students to competitions that have cash or equivalent prizes, and teach you how to find funding for your projects. We do not, unfortunately, have entrance scholarships or bursaries. However, the College has a number of resources for cash-strapped students; an appointment with our Student Success Specialist usually resolves most of these issues ASAP.
What are my job prospects as a Scriptwriting graduate?
This is the hardest question. More and more writers are needed, particularly as television and new media expand. You will reap what you sow. We offer you tons of information and mentoring, many contacts, as well as business skills. Those who take the program and their work seriously and maintain flexibility about the type of work they will seek and accept, will find work. In other words, if you want only to write the great Hollywood screenplay and refuse to consider working on corporate videos--EVER!--you are less likely to meet with success.
I still have questions! Who can I talk to personally?
Feel free to contact me by e-mail or phone (see below) at any time. I may take a few days to respond to you during the summer, but don’t worry, I’ll reply and be as helpful as I possibly can.
Lynn Tarzwell - Scriptwriting Program Coordinator
613.727.4723 ext. 7888
tarzwel@algonquincollege.com
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