The London Library & Pen to Print Masterclass: Writing for Screen with Inua Ellams

The London Library x Pen to Print Masterclass: Writing for Screen with Inua Ellams

Pen to Print and The London Library are joining forces for the fourth year, to bring you a series of workshops designed to take you through different creative writing processes, including writing poetry, writing for children, introduction to Screenwriting and how to publish your own work. The workshops all take place at the atmospheric London Library and are open to aspiring writers in any genre.

In this session In this session, celebrated writer Inua Ellams will introduce participants to the fundamentals of writing for screen, exploring how stories can be shaped for film and television. The workshop will examine key elements of screenwriting, including visual storytelling, character development, dialogue, and structure, offering insight into how ideas move from the page to the screen. Drawing on his experience across multiple forms of storytelling, Inua will guide participants through the creative possibilities of writing for visual media.

Through discussion and practical exercises, attendees will experiment with developing scenes and translating narrative ideas into screenplay form. The session will encourage writers to think visually and consider how pacing, imagery, and dialogue work together in screenwriting, leaving participants with a clearer understanding of the screenwriting process and new approaches they can apply to their own storytelling.

There will be time to write, reflect, and share work in a supportive environment, with opportunities to receive positive and constructive feedback.

There will be an opportunity to ask questions about the sessions afterwards.

Inua Ellams is a poet, playwright, screenwriting, performer, graphic artist and designer. He is a Complete Works poet alumni, and facilitates accessible, enjoyable creative writing for participants of all ages and backgrounds.

His awards include: Edinburgh Fringe First Award 2009, The Liberty Human Rights Award, The Live Canon International Poetry Prize, The Kent & Sussex Poetry Competition, Magma Poetry Competition, Winchester Poetry Prize, A Black British Theatre Award, The Hay Festival Medal for Poetry, Dora awards for Outstanding Ensemble Performance & Production, and The Alfred Fagon Award 2024.

He has been commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, Tate Modern, Louis Vuitton, BBC Radio & Television. His poetry books include ‘Candy Coated Unicorn and Converse All Stars’ published Flipped Eye, ‘The Wire-Headed Heathen’ by Akashic Books, The Half God of Rainfall by 4th Estate and ‘The Actual’ by Penned in The Margins. His plays include ‘Black T-shirt Collection’ (Fuel, China Plate, Warwick Arts Centre) ‘The 14th Tale’ (Fuel, Battersea Arts Centre), ‘Barber Shop Chronicles’ (National Theatre, Oxford Playhouse, Bristol Old Vic, BAM, A.R.T, Kennedy Center, The Grand Theatre), ‘Three Sisters’ (National Theatre, Soul Pepper, Obsidian Theatre), ‘The Half God Of Rainfall’ (Fuel, Kiln, New York Theatre Workshop). He founded The Midnight Run (an arts-filled, night-time, urban walking experience), The Rhythm and Poetry Party (R.A.P – to celebrate literature & music) Poetry + Film / Hack (P+F/H – to celebrate Poetry & Film) Anonyms (to celebrate etymology), Redacted (to celebrate blackout poetry), and 05Fest (a festival to unite them all).

The workshop will run from 11am to 1pm at the Library and all participants will receive a complimentary London Library day ticket (worth £30) so that you can continue writing or using the Library until it closes at 5.30pm. A guided tour of the Library will be on offer after the workshop for anyone who wants to explore. Tea and coffee will be provided throughout the workshop.

Pen to Print is an organisation established in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and operating within the borough’s library service. Built on the belief that everybody should have a chance to tell their story, the organisation creates a network of expertise and support for aspiring writers.

The London Library is a unique literary oasis in the heart of London. Founded in 1841, it is steeped in literary history, holds an unrivalled collection of over a million books, hosts a vibrant events programme and is a home for anyone who loves the written word.

Important to Know

This event will take place in person at The London Library. Please see our Event Access Guidelines before you arrive.

Attendees will be able to access The London Library from 10.45am ahead of the event starting at 11am. Please let us know if you are unable to attend so that we can reallocate your ticket. If you have any questions, email samia.djilli@londonlibrary.co.uk.

London Library events are subject to Terms & Conditions