About The Institute - Why Join the Institute?

Benefits of being a member of the Institute:

Training: If you are an aspirant scriptwriter, you will have access to a series of skills programs and learnerships that will enable you to hone your talent and become a working scriptwriter. Most of the programs are funded, so you can access them for free if you qualify. Keep an eye on our website to see what is going on.

Information: Be on top of all the latest goings-on in the SA Film, Television, Radio and Theatre Industries. You will be able to get a sense of how to speak like a scriptwriter, talk to the right people and how to contact them. We hold monthly meetings with Industry “Players” who present you with expert workshops on various subjects. For free.

Networking: We create opportunities for you to meet other scriptwriters (perhaps head writers looking for new writers or writers looking to co-write projects), Producers and other important people in the Industry, If you’ve ever posted off a script and got no response, you will know how important that initial introduction is.

Work opportunities: Once you are a Cadet member and have completed the Level 5 course, we will send you information on getting into the Industry – Producers who are looking for Junior writers, where to submit test scripts etc. And you will have the skills to submit the necessaries. You will also go onto the online database – to which Producers have access. So you will be there for all to see.

Have your say: Participation of every member of the Institute will mean that we are guided by your needs and aspirations at all times. Attend the Special General Meeting in February and the National Congress of the Union in April and let your voice be heard in outlining our forthcoming programs.

Lobbying: We are a member of the Motion Picture Trainer’s Association who lobby government for the rights of learners in the Audio Visual Industries. We are also a member of SASFED, South African Screen Federation, which is in talks with the national broadcaster.

Strength: As the Institute is the development wing of the South African Scriptwriter’s Union, your membership is added to the collective bargaining power of the Union. This means that you help establish better working conditions and rates. Be proactive in your own future career.

You can join wherever you are and still benefit from the above. We will be running courses in all 9 provinces this year. Payment can be done by bank transfer and then you can fax us the form. [DOWNLOAD FORM HERE]