Unlock Your Filmmaking Potential with VIPO's Script Development Course

Are you ready to take your filmmaking skills to the next level? The Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO) is excited to announce its upcoming "Film Script Development Course," set to take place on September 16-17, 2026. This two-day in-person seminar is designed for aspiring filmmakers, including screenwriters, producers, and other film production staff, aiming to deepen their understanding of scriptwriting—a fundamental part of filmmaking.

Course Objectives

The course aims to equip participants with:

- A solid understanding of the critical importance of a well-crafted screenplay in the film industry.
- Key strategies for transforming film concepts into compelling scripts.

Theme

Participants are required to submit their original film proposals during the application process. The course is structured to help refine these proposals and transform them into outstanding scripts. Through lectures and collaborative workshops, each participant will learn vital screenplay creation techniques.

Main Curriculum Highlights

- Advisory Sessions: Masato Kato will provide personalized feedback on each participant's original film proposal submitted upon registration.
- Workshops: Engage in theoretical sessions on "Motifs and Ideation" and "Themes and Loglines" to ground your script development knowledge.
- Peer Review: Join in an extensive review session where all proposals will be discussed and polished to enhance their scripts.

Please note that the curriculum is subject to slight adjustments based on needs and participant feedback. Additionally, a networking event will be held after the second day of lectures, allowing participants to mingle with the instructor and each other—an excellent opportunity for industry connections.

Registration Details

Interested candidates can apply through the provided application form. Here are the specific details:

- Dates: September 16-17, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (registration starts at 9:30 AM)
- Location: VIPO Hall, 2F, Higashi Theatre Building, 4-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (MAP)
- Participation Fee: 20,000 yen (includes tax)
- Target Audience: Screenwriters, film producers, film staff, and those aspiring to enter the film industry.
- Capacity: Limited to 12 participants (advanced registration required, selection based on proposals).
- Application Deadline: August 27, 2026, at noon

How to Apply

Applicants should fill in all required information and submit their original film proposal (approximately 1,000 words, including intent and synopsis) via the application form linked on the VIPO website. Successful applicants will be informed by September 2 about the course details and payment methods.

About the Instructor: Masato Kato

Masato Kato is a lauded screenwriter with an impressive portfolio, including:

- ''Snow's Wish'' (2006, Grand Prix at the 18th Tokyo International Film Festival)
- ''Climbers High'' (2008, Winner of the Best Script Award at the 32nd Japanese Academy Awards)
- ''The Lone Scalpel'' (2010)
- ''A Tale of the Unexpected'' (2012)
- ''Everything's Gonna Be Alright'' (2013)
- ''A Story from the Enigmatic Cape'' (2014)
- And more recent works like ''Nagi's Waiting'' (2019) and the 2024 anticipated release ''Go Ban Slicing.''

What is VIPO Film Lab?

VIPO Film Lab is a platform dedicated to cultivating industry professionals such as producers, directors, and screenwriters with a global perspective. It offers practical training, workshops, and online courses tailored to specific objectives.

For further inquiries, please contact the VIPO Seminar Office via email at [email protected] or call 03-3543-7531. If reaching out via email, please include “Script Development Course” in the subject line.