Ready to tell your story on screen?  

The Mercury is excited to present this Screenwriting Launch Lab led by the highly accomplished Ben Crisp. This intensive workshop is perfect for aspiring writers, beginners curious about the craft, or anyone looking to further their understanding of the fundamentals of cinematic storytelling. 

Ben will dive into the core principles of screenwriting, including developing compelling characters and engaging plots to structuring your story effectively, writing impactful dialogue that serves your narrative, and understanding industry-standard formatting.  

With the next iteration of the Quicksilver Production Fund opening for applications soon, the day will culminate in a session focused on Mastering the Art of the Award-Winning Short Film Script. Here, we’ll break down the elements that elevate a short film script from good to unforgettable, focusing on concise storytelling, powerful imagery, and the unique demands of the short form that capture attention and earn accolades. 

Guest Presenter Ben Crisp is an acclaimed screenwriter and filmmaker with a deep understanding of storytelling for the screen. His work has been recognised in numerous festivals and competitions, demonstrating his mastery of crafting narratives that resonate with audiences and critics alike. Ben’s films are known for their sharp writing, innovative concepts, and emotional depth. Ben has a unique blend of practical experience and teaching acumen. He possesses a rare ability to demystify complex screenwriting concepts, making them accessible and exciting for beginners. His own success in crafting award-winning short films means he can offer invaluable, first-hand insights into what makes a script truly stand out. Participants will benefit immensely from his clear guidance, constructive feedback, and inspiring passion for the craft, empowering them to confidently embark on their screenwriting journey. 

Date: Saturday 23 August 2025  
Time: Doors 9.30am | Lab 10.00am – 4.00pm | Networking 4.00pm – 5.00pm  
Venue: The Mercury   
Cost: FREE FOR MERCURY SUBSCRIBERS or $75 

Ben Crisp – Writer/Director

Dr Ben Crisp is an award-winning screenwriter and director, and tertiary education manager and academic.

His credits include Season 1 and 2 of the hit ABC TV comedy series Squinters, starring Tim Minchin and Academy Award nominee Jackie Weaver, as well as the Logie Award-winning series The Living Room for Network Ten, starring Amanda Keller and Chris Brown.

Ben is the writer and creator of the ABC comedy series Goober, winner of Best Australian Comedy at Melbourne Web Fest. He has been nominated for the Australian Writers’ Guild AWGIE Award and the Western Australia Premier’s Book Award, and was the recipient of Screen Australia’s Enterprise People, the Colin Thiele Scholarship for Creative Writing, and the University of Adelaide Dean’s Commendation for Doctoral Thesis Excellence.

Ben served as Director of Sydney Film School, where his curriculum is still taught. He has a PhD in Creative Writing, and his teaching features in the higher education programs at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) and the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA). He is a regular juror for the International Emmy Awards’ Sir Peter Ustinov Television Scriptwriting Award, and is the co-author of the chapter Having Something To Say And Saying It Well in The Palgrave Handbook of Screen Production.

https://www.bencrisp.com/