Specialisation programme in film and television dramaturgy met a need in the field
According to Professor Raija Talvio, who leads the Film and Television Screenwriting major, Finland has not previously had a systematic training programme focusing on the dramaturg鈥檚 role within the screenwriting process. The programme met a clear demand in the field, as applications far exceeded the number of available places. The programme was co-designed by Talvio and a former lecturer in the main subject, Marja-Riitta Koivum盲ki.
鈥淚n Finland, screenwriters working as dramaturgs are often self-taught or have completed short courses abroad. Many Finnish productions use international dramaturgs and consultants, which makes the process expensive and complex, for example because of translation needs.鈥, Talvio explains.
The programme was initially developed in 2022, when the future of the audiovisual field looked much brighter. It was seen as a key instrument in supporting continued internationalization in the industry. Although the sector is currently facing its most challenging period in 15 years, Talvio remains confident in the strength of Finnish expertise. 鈥淲hen the situation improves, that expertise has not disappeared. Finland remains one of the Nordic countries producing high-quality international content.鈥
According to Talvio, one of the core challenges facing the industry is underfunding: production budgets are not realistic and do not match ambitious content and limited resources. This specialization programme expands the skillsets and supports the long-term development of the professional field.
The dramaturg 鈥 an expert in narrative
A dramaturg supports the screenwriter but also collaborates closely with the director, producer, and financier throughout the process from concept to production. The role involves developing the story and offering structural and narrative guidance throughout the process.
"The dramaturg acts as a link between the writer and the viewer by helping to think about how the story is served to the viewer. What is put on the plate and in what order," Talvio describes.
Ten experienced professionals took part in the programme, each exploring their role within the different phases of production. Participants were encouraged to follow their own interests while gaining deeper theoretical understanding and strengthening their ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary environments. Close collaboration with working life鈥攂oth in Finland and internationally鈥攅nsured the programme鈥檚 relevance and practical application.
Deepening expertise through practice
Screenwriter Timo Turunen highlights the cost-effectiveness of involving a dramaturg early in the production process. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an efficient way to shape a script so that it fits within the constraints of budget and schedule. It helps to avoid ruining a great script during production and saves money.鈥
For his final project, Turunen served as dramaturg on the film The Day After, which explores the aftermath of a school shooting from a teacher鈥檚 perspective. Through the programme, he gained new insights into the collaboration between writer and dramaturg. 鈥淚 learned how important it is to trust and give the writer space. The final version of the script met the writer鈥檚 goals,鈥 he reflects.
Screenwriter Katri Myllyniemi focused her final project on how to provide precise and honest feedback while protecting the creator鈥檚 spark. She gathered best practices in safe and supportive feedback by observing dramaturgs Fran莽oise von Roy and Franz Rodenkirchen at Solace23 in collaboration with production company Elokuvayhti枚 Aamu, as well as mentors from the Ex Oriente development workshop, such as Iikka Vehkalahti. According to Myllyniemi, dramaturgs are also professionals in building trust, communication, and listening.
鈥淚t is important for a dramaturg not only to control the content, but also to create a space for the writer where he or she can feel supported and inspired. Everyone can become better at giving feedback,鈥 she says.
Myllyniemi had long hoped for a specialized training programme in the field and was pleased with the experience. 鈥淚t was an ambitious and well-structured programme that brought together Finnish and international experts, theory, reflection, and practical application. Each of us had the chance to truly deepen our knowledge.鈥
Further information
Professor Raija Talvio 鈥 raija.talvio@aalto.fi, tel. +358 50 569 1128
Coordinator Outi Lahtinen 鈥 outi.i.lahtinen@aalto.fi, tel. +358 50 300 6727
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