John Collee
Screenwriter, TV Writer, Novelist
SENIOR STUDENT SESSION
Date:Â Monday, 17 March 2025
Location:Â The Lighthouse Toowoomba in The Write Gallery (back building next to Koala Carte), 126 Margaret Street Toowoomba
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost:Â Gold coin donation for students (if appropriate to request)
Schools may nominate students who would benefit most from this masterclass. We recommend Grades 11 & 12.
Join us for an exclusive opportunity to learn from one of the most accomplished screenwriters in the industry, John Collee. With a career spanning novels, feature films, and television, John has worked with some of the world’s leading directors and producers, shaping stories that captivate audiences globally.
Fresh from his recent AACTA award for Best Screenplay in television – Boy Swallows Universe, John will share his expertise on the fundamentals of screenwriting, including:
Theme and structure
Character and dialogue
How to make your script stand out when submitting for funding
Each session will feature insights from John’s extensive career, supported by illustrative clips from well-loved films.
About John Collee
John Collee is an internationally recognised novelist and screenwriter based in Sydney. His impressive body of work includes award-winning films such as:
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) – Nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars
Happy Feet (2006) – Winner of Best Animated Feature at the Oscars
Tanna (2015) – Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars
Hotel Mumbai (2018)
Lee (2023)
Boy Swallows Universe (2024) – Critically acclaimed Netflix adaptation
John’s career has seen him collaborate with industry icons such as Peter Weir, George Miller, and Russell Crowe. His expertise spans genres, from historical epics to animation and high-stakes thrillers.
Why Attend?
Gain insider knowledge from an award-winning screenwriter
Learn practical techniques to enhance your storytelling
Understand how to craft compelling scripts for the film and television industry
Ask questions and receive insights from a master of the craft
This is a rare chance to learn from one of the best in the business. Please reigster your students through the link below. Shoudl you have any questions whatsoever please reach out - hello@thelighthousetoowoomba.org