UFA SERIAL DRAMA is looking for young writers for the productions “Alles was zählt” and “Unter uns” in Cologne
30.10.2020Our writers in the productions are so-called storyliners. They are at the heart of our daily series such as ‘Alles was zählt’, ‘Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten’ and ‘Unter uns’. Every week, a team develops the storylines for five episodes, which are then refined by dialog writers in dialog/screenplays and filmed around four weeks later. Another six weeks later, the numerous stories flicker across the screens of millions of viewers.
Storyliners create all the stories and determine the fate of every single character. They decide who loves or suffers, who has which sexual orientation or perhaps gets pregnant, who is scheming or has integrity. Not only does this require extensive dramaturgical knowledge, but you also have to develop a high degree of creativity under great time pressure and under consideration of many production conditions. It is a great challenge to write a screenplay for a feature film. However, developing stories for a total of five episodes week after week that are so exciting and captivating that viewers tune in every day is the supreme discipline.
In a three-day assessment workshop, we would like to work with selected applicants to find out whether they are potential storyliners. The application deadline for 2021 has already passed.
Who can apply?
Anyone aged 18 or over is invited to apply for the assessment workshop if they meet the following criteria:
- You are passionate about the series “Alles was zählt” and/or “Unter uns” with all its characters and stories
- You have a basic understanding of dramaturgy
- You are curious about what drives people, what makes them tick and how multifaceted they can be
- You can easily speak in front of a group and present your own ideas
- You have stamina, endurance, team spirit and the ability to take criticism
- You are interested in diverse perspectives and inclusive narratives
- You want to think about diversity and inclusion in stories in order to show alternative perspectives and are able to reflect the diversity of our society in stories
If you already have some experience in writing, all the better, but we do not require it.
How can I apply?
+++ The application deadline for 2021 has already passed +++
Your application documents should include the following:
- Letter of motivation in which you already decide on a format
(Why would you like to help develop and write the stories for “Alles was zählt” or “Unter uns”? Why do you want to become a storyliner (m/f/d) and what are you passionate about?)
- Creative task: (on 1 DinA4 page, font size 11-12)
Who is your favorite character from “Alles Was Zählt” or “Unter uns” and why?
Also tell us what could happen next with this character.
- A current vita from you
Please only apply via the online form so that we can take all data protection regulations into account with your application.
The deadline for entries is December 18, 2020.
(By submitting your application, we assume that you will definitely be available for the three workshop days in Cologne).
When & where does the assessment workshop take place?
The assessment workshop is currently planned for September 15-17, 2021 at the MMC studio site ‘Coloneum’ in Cologne-Ossendorf.
This date is subject to the pandemic situation.
What happens after my application?
All participants have already been informed about the invitation to participate.
Participation is free of charge for you. However, any travel and/or accommodation costs or any associated cancellation costs will not be reimbursed.
What costs will I incur for the workshop?
Participation in the workshop is free of charge for you. Any travel and/or accommodation costs or any associated cancellation costs will not be reimbursed. Water and coffee will also be provided free of charge. Lunch may be provided at your own expense.
How is the workshop organized?
The three days build on each other.
- Day 1 Theoretical introduction
Our writer colleagues from both series will introduce you to the dramaturgical narrative style of “Alles was zählt” and “Unter uns” and show you the respective workflows of the writing teams. It will primarily be about dramaturgy, serial storytelling, character development and the respective specifics of the series.
- Day 2 and 3 Practical execution
The groups split up according to their format preference, which is why you have to decide on a series format in your application.
Will the workshop take place in any case?
Health is the most important thing!
Due to the current pandemic situation, we cannot – as of today – guarantee an event. However, we would like to plan the workshop, but reserve the right to reschedule at short notice due to the pandemic situation.
We also plan the workshop taking into account all necessary safety measures, which we also announce in detail in advance in a confirmation of participation in the assessment workshop.
What would happen after the workshop?
We would then like to invite participants who have a mutual “We can imagine working together” to a three-month trial period. The period for this will be agreed together. Further details will be announced in the workshop.
However, participation does not commit either party to anything.
Is there a contact person for me?
We (Janna Bardewyck & Katharina Leder) will be happy to answer any further questions by email: info@ufa-serienschule.de
