Sessions for 2026
NOTE: The filmed sessions from all past festivals will also be available to 2026 ticket holders via our new LSF Video Archives site.
Over the three days of the London Screenwriters’ Festival we will run over one hundred seminars, workshops and networking events for professional screenwriters. We film most sessions, so if you miss one, or two clash, you’ll be able to catch up later online. Get your tickets HERE.
Main London Festival Sessions (Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th April, 2027)
Wednesday, April 8th
10:00 Festival Week Special One Day Session
The Emergent Heroine: Elevate YOUR Screenplay in this Intensive One Day Workshop
When: Wednesday, April 8th 10:00 to 17:00 // Where: Regents University AND streamed online (available for one year) // How much: £47.99 //
Defy the Blueprint, Explore Hidden Patterns & Transform Your Screenplay into the Story You Were Meant to Write.
Thursday, April 9th
10:00 Festival Week Special One Day Session
Your Script: Good to Great, A Professional Screenwriters Approach to Breaking Story with Scott Myers
When: Thursday, April 9th 10:00 to 17:00 // Where: Regents University // How much: £47.99 //
How to turn great ideas into producible pitches, treatments and screenplays at scale and speed.
Thursday, April 9th (evening)
18:00 Pre-Festival Networking
Thursday Night Networking and Kick-Off Party
Bedford’s Bar
Launch your festival experience with a night of connections, conversations, and creative energy!
Friday, April 2nd
09:00 Festival Opens
Let the Storytelling Begin! Festival Opening With Chris Jones
Tuke Hall
Ignite your creative spirit as we launch into three extraordinary days of craft, connections, and opportunities.
9:50 to 10:10 BREAK
10:10 Sessions — Friday, April 2nd
How To Be A Career TV Screenwriter: From Continuing Drama to Cosy Crime and Thrillers
Tuke Hall
If you want to write for the broadcasters, streamers and enjoy a long career as a screenwriter, this will be a cracking hour with two writers doing just that.
How To Write Romantasy That Bites Back with Lucy V Hay
Herringham Hall
Learn how to craft cinematic, high-stakes romantasy that blends dangerous fantasy worlds with intense emotional stakes, irresistible chemistry, and commercially powerful storytelling for page and screen.
11:00 to 11:30 BREAK
11:30 Sessions — Friday, April 2nd
Dialogue Spotlight: Expressing Your Character’s Voice with Scott Myers
Tuke Hall
Bring your characters to life by crafting dialogue that advances the story while revealing personality, individuality, and a voice so distinct it leaps off the page.
Creating A Hit TV Show: Forensic Analysis of ‘The Bay’ with Daragh Carville
Herringham Hall
Since its 2019 debut, The Bay has captivated up to 8 million UK viewers and reached audiences in 140+ countries. Co-creator Daragh Carville reveals how the hit crime drama was made and evolved behind the scenes.
Script Chat with Rebecca Wojciechowski and Andy Bayliss
Room T004
Andy and Rebecca will answer your questions following their session on a TV Writing Career.
Writers & Agents: The Truth, The Myths, and The Deal, with Julian Friedmann First Session
Room T011
First of a repeating session: In this open, honest, and interactive Q&A session, leading literary agent Julian Friedmann lifts the curtain on the real dynamics of the writer–agent relationship in 2026.
12:20 to 12:40 BREAK // Lunch Begins
12:40 Sessions — Friday, April 2nd
Screenwriting At Mach 6: Too Many Ideas and Not Enough Time? What to focus on to get traction in 2026 with Hayley McKenzie
Tuke Hall
Should you be focusing on film or tv? Writing a short film script or getting into vertical dramas? In a world with no clear pathway to a screenwriting career, and too many ideas, how do you avoid wasting your time or spreading yourself too thin? This session will help you figure out what to focus on in 2026.
The Emergent Heroine: Reframing the Hero’s Journey with Kimberley Lipschus
Herringham
Break free from the traditional Hero’s Journey and discover a narrative framework that mirrors your story, and the stories you want to tell on screen.
Writers & Agents: The Truth, The Myths, and The Deal, with Julian Friedmann Second Session
Room T011
Second of a repeating session: In this open, honest, and interactive Q&A session, leading literary agent Julian Friedmann lifts the curtain on the real dynamics of the writer–agent relationship in 2026.
13:30 to 14:00 BREAK // Lunch Ends
14:00 Sessions — Friday, April 2nd
Scene Description Spotlight: Expressing Your Writer’s Voice with Scott Myers
Tuke Hall
Bring scripts to life with the Three P’s of Narrative Voice.
What Actors, Directors and Script Editors ACTUALLY Do With Your Finished Screenplay… Script Edit Live
Herringham Hall
Live and dynamic script redraft, edit, slash and burn… Only for the brave writers! Scripts must be submitted in advance.
Script Chat with Hayley McKenzie Following Her Session Too Many Ideas and Not Enough Time?
Room T004
Join the exceptional Hayley McKenzie for an interactive Q&A following her session, Too Many Ideas and Not Enough Time?
Writers & Agents: The Truth, The Myths, and The Deal, with Julian Friedmann Third Session
Room T011
Second of a repeating session: In this open, honest, and interactive Q&A session, leading literary agent Julian Friedmann lifts the curtain on the real dynamics of the writer–agent relationship in 2026.
15:10 to 15:30 BREAK
15:30 Sessions — Friday, April 2nd
Elevate Your Screenplay and Career: Why You Need MORE Than Brilliant Words To Pitch Your Project in 2026
Tuke Hall
A great script isn’t enough anymore. Find out how to build tangible value around your project and position yourself as a compelling creative partner in 2026’s competitive landscape.
The Secrets Of Professional Script Development, with Clive Frayne
Herringham Hall
A rare, insider session where Clive Frayne reveals how professional, objective script development can transform any draft into a market-ready, investor-ready screenplay in just months, without conflict, guesswork, or creative compromise.
Script Chat with Lucy V. Hay Following Live Script Edit
Room T004
Lucy will answer your questions following her session Live Script Edit
Script Chat with Scott Myers Following Scene Description Spotlight
Room T011
Scott will answer your questions following his session Scene Description Spotlight
16:20 to 16:50 BREAK
16:50 Sessions — Friday, April 2nd
Wake The Reader With Shock, Awe and Vulnerability: The Art Of Getting Noticed and Signed with Eleanor Greene
Tuke Hall
Learn to leverage hooks, curiosity, and yes shock, awe and vulnerability, not just in your stories, but in your professional relationships too.
The Gentleman: Raucous, Ridiculous, Bombastically British and Utterly Entertaining
Herringham Hall
Get the inside story of how the smash hit Guy Ritchie Netflix show was written and made.
Script Chat with Clive Frayne after his session The Secrets Of Professional Script Development
Room T004
Clive will answer your questions following his session Script Development Secrets
Script Chat with Barry and David following their session Elevate Your Screenplay and Career
Room T011
Barry and David will answer your questions following their session on how to elevate your screenplay and career.
17:40 to 18:00 BREAK
18:00 Sessions — Friday, April 2nd
YOUR Story is Emotion in Motion, with Paula Milne
Tuke Hall
The aim of a perfect pitch is not just to make them remember your plot, but how you made them feel.
Writing And Making Audiodrama with Dirk Maggs (Festival Highlight Session)
Herringham Hall
DON’T PANIC! Creating Audio Recordings of genre drama opens up a limitless universe. Join Dirk as we perform, record, produce and premiere a new story written by an LSF delegate.
Script Chat with David Caffrey
Room T004
Dave will answer your questions following his session on the Netflix smash hit The Gentleman
Script Chat with Eleanor Greene
Room T011
Eleanor will answer all your questions about TV commisioning during this Script Chat.
18:50 to 19:10 BREAK
19:10 Sessions — Friday, April 2nd
The Pitch Factor: Your 45-Second Shot at Glory!
Tuke Hall
Got nerve, a killer script, and a fiver? Step into our high-stakes pitching arena where speed meets swagger – and only one walks away with the cash!
Friday Night Networking Party
Bedford’s Bar
It’s time to unwind and have some fun with your fellow delegates!
Saturday, April 3rd
09:00 Day 2 Starts
A Psychological Toolkit for Successful Writers with Jo Clegg
Tuke Hall
A fast-paced mindset session to help writers overcome self-doubt, boost productivity, and finally finish their scripts.
09:50 to 10:10 BREAK
10:10 Sessions — Saturday, April 3rd
How to Generate, Develop, and Assess Story Concepts with Scott Myers
Tuke Hall
Master the teqhniques to generate, develop, and assess winning story concepts, because choosing the right idea is the most important decision you’ll make as a screenwriter.
King Of Comedy: Writing Funny for the Small and Big Screens in 2026 with Dan Mazer
Herringham Hall
Comedy legend Dan Mazer reveals how to find your comedic edge, adapt to shifting sensibilities, and pitch your project in today’s ever-changing entertainment landscape.
11:00 to 11:30 BREAK
11:30 Sessions — Saturday, April 3rd
Why Stories Matter: Power, Truth, and the Narratives We Live By with John Yorke
Tuke Hall
John Yorke unpacks the universal principles of storytelling and their extraordinary power to shape culture, belief, and reality.
Stop Waiting and Make Something: How Making Your Own Work Creates Momentum, Visibility, and Improves Craft with Lucy Linger
Herringham Hall
Find out how making your own work, however small, builds craft, creates momentum, and changes how the industry sees you with LondonSWF success story Lucy Linger.
Script Chat with Dan Mazer
Room T011
Dan will answer your questions following his session
12:20 to 12:40 Break // Lunch Begins
12:40 Sessions — Saturday, April 3rd
Writing for The Spectacle Genres: How to make children’s magical reality, fantasy, action and adventure jump off the page with Emma Reeves and James Dormer
Tuke Hall
From pitching and world-building to writers’ rooms and agents, Emma Reeves and James Dormer unpack the craft and career of genre screenwriting.
Don’t Choose The Wrong Format For Your Idea with Emma Millions
Herringham Hall
We all have a zillion brilliant ideas, but we often force great ideas into the wrong format. TV? Film? Limited series? Short? And can you pivot your pitch in real time?
Script Chat with Lucy Linger
Room T004
Join Lucy Linger for an interactive Q&A following her earlier session, Stop Waiting and Make Something.
Script Chat And Book Signing with John Yorke
Room T011
John will answer your questions following his session
The Elevator Pitch
Darwin Building Elevator
One trip up, one trip down. And you don’t know who you’re pitching until the door opens.
Extended Lunch Break // Networking
Extended lunch break while one session continues to run.
13:30 to 14:00 BREAK // Lunch Ends
14:00 Sessions — Saturday, April 3rd
12 Tips on How to Write a Spec Script That Gets Noticed By Hollywood with Scott Myers and Megan Halpern
Tuke Hall
Drawn from nearly 100 Black List writers, Scott Myers reveals the craft secrets and industry wisdom that turn great scripts into Hollywood’s most wanted.
Mastering the Maze: Writing Sophisticated Genre Thrillers with Christopher Smith
Herringham Hall
A film that is a filmmaker’s film, a screenwriter’s screenplay, and a masterclass in how to keep an audience guessing and on the edge of their seat.
Logline Clinic Live! With Bob Schultz
Room T011
Watch your logline transform from good to irresistible in this dynamic, interactive workshop on telling a whole story in 10 words.
15:10 to 15:30 BREAK
15:30 Sessions — Saturday, April 3rd
Portrait Mode, Blockbuster Impact: How Vertical Drama Is Rewriting the Rules of Screenwriting
Tuke Hall
A deep dive into the explosive rise of vertical drama and how screenwriters can master the storytelling mechanics driving the fastest-growing scripted format in the world.
Crafting Stories for Children and Family Entertainment with Rob Sprackling and Catherine Williams
Herringham Hall
How do you write stories that reach millions? Rob Sprackling and BAFTA winning Catherine Williams reveal the craft and business of children’s and family entertainment.
Script Chat with Christopher Smith
Room T004
Christopher will answer your questions following his session
Script Chat with Scott Myers and Megan Halpern
Room T011
Join the indubitably knowledgeable Megan Halpern for their script chat.
16:20 to 16:50 BREAK
16:50 Sessions — Saturday, April 3rd
From Screenplay to Greenlight: Creating the Ultimate Pitch Package with Neil Thompson
Tuke Hall
Go beyond the script and learn how to package your project into a dynamic pitch that moves it from page to pipeline.
Phil and Ted Do Multi-Character Narratives
Herringham Hall
Join LSF Regulars Ted and Phil as they reveal the tricks of the trade when it comes to those brilliant films and shows where there may be no single and clear protagonsist but LOTS of intersecting stories and characters.
Script Chat with Rob Sprackling
Room T004
Rob will answer your questions following his session
Script Chat with Dan Lowenstein
Room T011
Dan will answer your questions following his session. Details to follow.
17:40 to 18:00 BREAK
18:00 Sessions — Saturday, April 3rd
Being a Writer in 2026: Breaking In, Staying True, and Building a Career with Michael Foott and Andrew Ellard
Tuke Hall
A practical guide to breaking in, staying authentic, and surviving as a professional writer in today’s screen industry.
‘Thirteen’: A visceral, prescient and essential masterclass in WHAT and WHY we should be making movies like this today
Herringham Hall
A masterclass in truth and momentum, as Catherine Hardwicke shows how Thirteen transformed raw voice into industry-shaking impact.
Script Chat with Phil Hughes and Ted Wilkes
Room T004
Ted and Phil will answer your questions following their session
Script Chat with Neil Thompson
Room T011
Neil will answer your questions following his session
18:50 to 19:00 BREAK
19:00 Sessions — Saturday, April 3rd
Saturday Night At The Movies: Twilight
Tuke Hall
Join us in Tuke Hall for a very special screening of Twilight with director Catherine Hardwicke
Full Throttle: The Ultimate Saturday Night Networking Party
Bedford’s Bar
An unforgettable night of celebration, networking, and creative chemistry!
Sunday, April 4th
09:00 Day 3 Starts
Stop Waiting, Start Shooting: The Rise of the Micro-Budget Feature
Tuke Hall
As the traditional indie film market falters, is the future for writers the £1K–£100K feature they can make themselves?
It Takes Two to Tango: Collaborative Scriptwriting with D. Scott-Jones
Herringham Hall
Two writers, one vision: a hands-on masterclass in finding, building, and sustaining creative partnerships that make your scripts stronger.
09:50 to 10:10 BREAK
10:10 Sessions — Sunday, April 4th
The Final Scene: Ending Your Movie To Keep Everyone Talking About It
Tuke Hall
After you’ve landed your pitch, how do you separate WHY you’re writing your story from WHAT it’s actually telling you on the page?
Branded Films: How YOU Can Write For AND Get Funded With Major Brands, Bypassing Traditional Routes To Finance
Herringham Hall
Crafting compelling longform stories with brands. Discover how to align creatively, integrate authentically beyond product placement, co-develop effectively, and pitch for funding.
Talent Campus Alumni: Exclusive Session with Catherine Hardwicke
Room T011
For Talent Campus Alumni Only
11:00 to 11:30 BREAK
11:30 Sessions — Sunday, April 4th
The Top Secret Top Ten Of Screenwriting Craft: Elevate Your Script In One Hour with Megan Halpern
Tuke Hall
Flying in from LA, Black List expert Megan shares HER take on what makes a script unputdownable.
Writing for Broadcast in 2026: From Page to Screen with ‘The Feud’
Herringham Hall
A practical deep dive into how The Feud went from script to screen and how to write bold, broadcast-ready TV on a modern budget.
Script Chat with Anastasia Marshall
Room T004
Join Anastasia’s script chat with an open Q&A as we continue the conversation on building creative partnerships and unlocking new routes to funding.
Script Chat with Will Thacker, Central Film School
Room T011
Join Central Film School’s Will Thacker for his script chat.
12:20 to 12:40 BREAK // Lunch Begins
12:40 Sessions — Sunday, April 4th
Who Is In It? The Vital Importance Of Writing For Cast and Attracting Talent
Tuke Hall
How do you write characters that actors are desperate to play, and that then help get your film financed, all without compromising your story?
Write for Animation, To Infinity and Beyond!
Herringham Hall
A practical, behind-the-scenes guide to breaking into animation writing, exploring how great stories are shaped through collaboration, craft, and industry insight.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Ask About Talent Campus
Room T004
A behind-the-scenes look at Talent Campus with Chris Jones and past participants, what it is, what you’ll gain, and whether it’s right for your writing journey.
Script Chat with Aschlin Ditta and Andy de Emmony
Room T011
Ash and Andy will answer all your questions following their session “Tactics To Get Your TV Screenplay Greenlit in 2026”
13:30 to 14:00 BREAK // Lunch Ends
14:00 Sessions — Sunday, April 4th
Fix It In Prep with Catherine Hardwicke
Tuke Hall
From indie roots to blockbuster success, Catherine Hardwicke proves the real magic happens before the camera even rolls.
Catch You Later: A Forensic Deep Dive Into A Smash TV Thriller, From Concept to Broadcast, with Tom Grieves
Herringham Hall
What does it really take to take a crime thriller from a spark of an idea to a primetime broadcast slot?
Script Chat with Alizée Musson
Room T004
Join Alizée Musson for her script chat and book signing.
15:10 to 15:30 BREAK
15:30 Sessions — Sunday, April 4th
Your Truth, Your Perspective, YOUR Story! Leveraging The Authentic And Honest To Break Through with Kayleigh Jones and Francesca Martinez
Tuke Hall
Courage, honesty, heart, humour and tears. It’s what stories are all about. When we share our truth from this place, audiences are moved, inspired and entertained. And THAT is gold.
Adapting California Schemin’: Turning a Real-Life Scam into James McAvoy’s Big-Screen Gold
Herringham Hall
If you’re drawn to true stories, character-driven drama, or films that walk the tightrope between ambition and downfall, this session will leave you inspired and armed with practical tools to bring your own real-world stories to life on screen.
Saving the World through Story: What is Climate Content and How Can We Embrace it?
Room T004
An interactive session exploring how storytelling can drive climate actio, equipping screenwriters with practical tools to create impactful, sustainable content.
Script Chat with Tom Grieves
Room T011
Tom Grieves will answer your questions following his session
16:20 to 16:40 BREAK
16:40 Sessions — Sunday, April 4th
It’s Time To Pull The Trigger On 2026: What is it really like to build a career as a working writer NOW?
Tuke Hall
Daniel Brierley pulls back the curtain on the truths, challenges, and career realities of the modern screenwriting industry, from the bottom rung upward.
‘I Fed My Dad To A Pelican’ LIVE Comedy Performance with Kayleigh Jones
Herringham Hall
You heard how she wrote the sensational show, now as the festival closes, you can experience it in person.
Saving the World through Story: What is Climate Content and How Can We Embrace it?
Room T004
An interactive session exploring how storytelling can drive climate actio, equipping screenwriters with practical tools to create impactful, sustainable content.
Script Chat with Catherine Hardwicke
Room T011
Get facetime with the legend Catherine Hardwicke.
17:30 IMMEDIATELY - NO BREAK
Festival Close with Chris Jones: Launching Your 2026 Success Story
Tuke Hall
Convert your festival momentum into unstoppable creative energy for the year ahead!
Application Only Sessions
These sessions are by application only. Once you get your pass for the Festival, you will get emailed details on how to apply at the appropriate time. You can see a list of dates and deadlines for applications HERE.
Pitch at the Pitchfest
This is your big moment… Pitch your killer project to professional producers and top agents. Past sessions have resulted in options AND representation!
Get Your Script Performed
Have Scenes from Your Script Read, Performed and Workshopped by Professional Actors and Directors
The Actors Table Read Will Take Place over Zoom this year.
Legal Clinic
Do you have legal issues you need a lawyer to help you with? All delegates at the festival have the option to apply for the legal clinic that is run by top media lawyers Blue Pencil Media.
Advanced Mentoring Labs
Just You, Your Idea, a Handful of Talented Writers and an Industry Mentor!
Advanced Mentoring Script Labs 2027
001 Advanced Mentoring Script Lab: Emotional Mastery in Drama, Crafting Stories That Resonate with Vicki Jung
By application only
Master the essential elements of powerful drama with Vicki Jung, whose 15+ years of script development expertise has shaped projects for the BFI, BBC Films, UK Film Council, and countless award-winning independent productions.
002 Advanced Mentoring Script Lab: Produce Yourself III
By application only
Pat Higgins, indie film veteran, will teach you to take control of your creative destiny from script to screen.
003 Advanced Mentoring Script Lab: Big Ideas, Big Stories and Commercial Film and TV with Bob Schultz
By application only
Sharpen your commercial film and TV projects, gain clear, practical guidance, and leave with stronger stories, smarter market awareness, and concrete next steps for their careers.
004 Advanced Mentoring Script Lab: Building a Sustainable Screenwriting Career with Lee Jessup
By application only
Six writers work closely with screenwriting career coach Lee Jessup to strengthen their projects, clarify career strategy, and leave with concrete next steps toward a sustainable screenwriting career.
005 Advanced Mentoring Script Lab: Pivot to Prose: The Novel Writing Lab with Teri Terry
By application only
A focused, small-group lab where six writers work with novelist Terri Terry to pivot from screenwriting to novel writing, gaining clarity, craft insight, and a clear path toward developing long-form fiction.
