This Presidents’ Day, Sinclair will host a group of students for a creative writing workshop entitled “Historical Fiction on Film: From Pitch to Page.” According to the event’s keynote guest, a host of film-related writing skills will be covered at this year’s Jack Bennet Young Writer’s Workshop.
The workshop this year will be led by Professor Joyce Barnes, Director, and Screenwriter of the movie “Col. Charles Young: An American Patriot.” Participating students can expect to receive a full overview of the writing skills required to adapt stories to the big screen.
“Film is a visual medium so I am hoping to impress upon them the different stages of writing for a film, including scripts, pitches, and storyboarding,” Barnes said. “I want students who have an interest in filmmaking to know that it is doable here in Ohio. You do not need to go to Hollywood or study film to be a successful movie maker.”
Barnes is encouraging students who may not necessarily be interested in filmmaking to attend.
“There are a lot of opportunities that aspiring filmmakers can leverage, including film festivals and streaming,” Barnes added, “Even if they had not thought about making films, just come and see what it’s all about.”
For the second year running, the workshop will be held virtually. Over 20 students are expected to participate, according to event coordinator Professor Sarah Kiewitz.
“Everything they learn here they will be able to apply to other disciplines,” Kiewitz said. “Whether storyboarding, scriptwriting, or elevator pitches, all of the skills we cover will be pertinent to other types of writing.”
Kiewitz believes that this workshop will help students in other academic areas as well.
“I’m really passionate about the skills we present at this workshop,” she said. “I am excited for the young people seizing opportunities that will help make their transition to college less difficult. Anything about writing that is going to give them depth and skills will automatically improve their academic output later in life.”
The event is free and will be held from 1-3:30 p.m. on Feb. 21. Registration is also open to children in grades 6-12, as well as their teachers.
Ismael Mujahid
Reporter