TSFM What’s Your Story?

What’s Your Story? is an intensive five-day short film development writing workshop for film directors and screenwriters - part of the new Talents Generator Factory initiative promoted by Talents and Short Film Market (TSFM) - which took place during Oostende Film Festival (FFO) in 2022 and 2023.

TSFM What’s Your Story? is a workshop, led by two experienced tutors, is dedicated to ten selected filmmakers who will work together in order to kickstart their respective storylines for an upcoming short film in just five days.

The workshop will require active participation and a mindset open to collaboration from all participants. The work will be conducted both in class during the face-to-face hours and in between the meetings, with specific tasks and assignments to be accomplished for the following day.

At the end of the workshop, two participants will be picked by the tutors and invited to take part in another Talents Generator Factory event that will take place in Italy in June 2023. The second event will be focused on the feasibility and production of the developed projects and it will be concluded with a co-production pitching session and a series of one-on-one sessions with film professionals. The second workshop does not include any registration fees for participants. Accommodation (B&B) will be provided by TSFM. Travel costs will be covered by each participant. Following an evaluation of each individual case, flat-rate travel reimbursement may be awarded.

How to participate?

  • Every director or duo of director and producer/scenarist, living in Flanders and in the early stages of development of a short film project, can participate in the five-day workshop.
  • Registration costs 500,00 EUR for one participant or 800,00 EUR for a team of two (includes four nights' accommodation, breakfast and lunch)
  • This track is for professional directors only, no students.
  • Tip: Apply for a scholarship of VAF and/or inquire with a management company of which you are a member. This way the registration can be fully or half refunded.

Reviews of previous participants

The TSFM workshop was a great opportunity to spend a week focusing on my new short film. Not in isolation, but rather surrounded by inspiring and experienced coaches and colleagues. TSFM diligently developed a methodology for film script development. We zoomed in on the why of our film, the connection between creator and work, and then the "how" so that we returned home with a clear plan. I now feel ready to travel to Turin to present the film to the international industry. In short: I can recommend every short film maker to participate!

Kate Voet

I highly recommend the TSFM workshop for any short film maker who is stuck with his/her project or looking for new insights. The team pushes you hard to get out of your comfort zone with a series of exercises that also shows the perception of others on your project. The length of the workshop makes it possible to make a lot of progress in a very short time and get immediate feedback on it. Furthermore, the nice accommodation and environment help to completely disconnect from your own "bubble" and share the writing process, which can still be a solitary activity, with other creators.

Tom De Liège

During the TSFM workshop, it was great to be able to work so intensively on my project for five days. The approach was interactive, with us working with each other's work. We were also given concrete tools that I still use regularly. In just one week, I went from an early concept to a fully developed treatment, a progress that I had not previously thought possible in such a short time. An absolute must.

Veerle De Wilde