Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Any Day Now
That's what I said, wasn't it? "Any day now". "Possibly sooner", he gushed. A week or so later, nothing. Tumbleweeds have enjoyed better company. I apologise. A decision is imminent, I assure you, but things have been a bit busy of late and it's only a small team that manages the Prize. So, take a deep breath and count to ten. It'll be any day now. He said.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Quick Update
Getting the short film together at the moment, so not much to blog about specifically, except to say that Red Planet news will be very soon indeed. Am expecting an announcement any day now, possibly sooner! Sorry for the delay. I know many of you have been keen to find out what's happened so you shouldn't have to wait too much longer (I know, I know, but please, bear with us). For random updates on what I'm doing, you can follow me on Twitter, if that's your thang. Yes, it's trivial and distracting, but isn't that the point?
In other news, there are a couple of screenwriting courses coming up at the Lighthouse in Brighton which some of you may be interested in:-
Introduction to Script Development
Saturday 4th April, Saturday 18th April 09 // 10am - 5pm
Venue: Lighthouse, 28 Kensington Street, Brighton BN1 4AJ
Tutor: Julie Everton
Cost: £130 (full) £100 (concessions)
This course is designed for people who are interested in starting or building their careers as script readers or script developers. It is also suitable for writers, producers or directors interested in learning how to best work with a script to maximise its inherent potential.
Further Steps in Screenwriting
Dates: 21st April, 28th April, 5th May, 12th May, 26th May, 2nd June, 9th June, 16th June 09 // 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Venue: Lighthouse, 28 Kensington Street, Brighton BN1 4AJ
Tutor: Julie Everton
Cost: £130.00 (full) £100 (concessions)
This course is for writers wanting to build on existing screenwriting skills who are interested in learning how to develop a feature idea.
The course is suitable for those who have completed the Introduction to Screenwriting curriculum.
See the Lighthouse website for full details and how to book.
Right, that's it for now. Next post will no doubt be to announce the winner of the Red Planet Prize. Oooh!
In other news, there are a couple of screenwriting courses coming up at the Lighthouse in Brighton which some of you may be interested in:-
Introduction to Script Development
Saturday 4th April, Saturday 18th April 09 // 10am - 5pm
Venue: Lighthouse, 28 Kensington Street, Brighton BN1 4AJ
Tutor: Julie Everton
Cost: £130 (full) £100 (concessions)
This course is designed for people who are interested in starting or building their careers as script readers or script developers. It is also suitable for writers, producers or directors interested in learning how to best work with a script to maximise its inherent potential.
Further Steps in Screenwriting
Dates: 21st April, 28th April, 5th May, 12th May, 26th May, 2nd June, 9th June, 16th June 09 // 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Venue: Lighthouse, 28 Kensington Street, Brighton BN1 4AJ
Tutor: Julie Everton
Cost: £130.00 (full) £100 (concessions)
This course is for writers wanting to build on existing screenwriting skills who are interested in learning how to develop a feature idea.
The course is suitable for those who have completed the Introduction to Screenwriting curriculum.
See the Lighthouse website for full details and how to book.
Right, that's it for now. Next post will no doubt be to announce the winner of the Red Planet Prize. Oooh!
Friday, March 06, 2009
Screenwriter Recession
It's not good news anywhere you look, is it? The recession is hitting the broadcasters hard, with ITV, Channel 4 and Five all feeling the pinch. And while box office takings might be up, the recession doesn't paint a particular positive picture for the UK film industry either.
What does this mean for screenwriters? For most us, it means we're screwed. Screenwriting is a difficult profession at the best of times, so for everyone who's still trying to break in, nab a commission, option a script or get a film made, the current economic climate is certainly not going to do you any favours.
Let's not wallow in the misery, though. Let's look at this in a positive, practical way. What are the best opportunities out there at the moment for a budding screenwriter? Who are the people/production companies that are constantly busy, and may need writers? Where are the writing gigs?
First, television. Although there are significant cutbacks in drama reported in the press, TV is still the best way for a writer to get their break or continue earning their living. For the new writer, however, this means focusing on the new entry schemes and opportunities that are available.
The BBC Writers' Academy will be open for applications next month. Full details about the scheme are available at the BBC writersroom. If the Academy is beyond your reach but the individual BBC shows have some appeal, then you may want to consider approaching the shows directly to see if you can do a trial script.
Who do you ask? Well, try emailing a script editor. Keep an eye on the closing credits, scribble down key names like the script editor, story producer or producer. It's not difficult to figure out their email addresses. Be polite, introduce yourself, ask them to check out your writing sample(s) and to consider you for their show. You might get lucky. Holby and Casualty generally won't consider anyone until they have some experience but I think EastEnders run two shadow schemes a year (I did one last February/March). Your agent should be hustling them to get you in the door, and if you don't have an agent, then try the direct email approach and see how you get on.
It's also not difficult to figure out who the key production companies are in television, for comedy and drama. Talkback Thames, Shed, Hat Trick, Company Pictures, Objective Productions, to name but a few. Start networking. Email. Phone. Get your script(s) read. Get ahead.
Film. Well, the UK Film Council always has its development doors open, so that's a plus. Check out their website for the full submission guidelines. Don't send in a script that has good potential but needs work. Send in the best you've got. That's the only way you'll make an impression if you have no filmography whatsoever or they don't know who you are. Getting a spec script optioned, developed and produced is always tricky but it's not impossible.
You may have seen me mention my 'Get Your Movie Made' booklet where I've listed 22 leading film companies in the UK (that actually make and distribute films). This was available for £10 as part of my short film fund initiative (where you also receive a 'thanks' credit on my film, and a copy of my short script). However, I'm giving away the booklet for £5 (no 'thanks' credit or script) so if you want some of that action, then drop me an email or use the donate button on the right (underneath the 'About Me' section) to get your copy. The BBC writersroom reads unsolicited material on behalf of BBC Films, so that's another way of getting your work read.
There are opportunities for online drama/series, too, but it's difficult to pin down the exact movers and shakers in this area, unless you're talking about the big boys like Bebo, Hammer, RTE etc. Still, keep your ear to the ground, check out the blogs/websites, see what's happening and make your move. Better still, do it yourself.
DIY. Make a short film. Or a sketch. Or the pilot for your online idea. If the prospects for this year are anything to go by, the only thing certain is that you have to take charge as much as possible. Get busy doing things, be proactive and stay focused. It's the only way to get noticed and to get ahead. And keep writing.
There. 2009's not looking so bad now, is it?
What does this mean for screenwriters? For most us, it means we're screwed. Screenwriting is a difficult profession at the best of times, so for everyone who's still trying to break in, nab a commission, option a script or get a film made, the current economic climate is certainly not going to do you any favours.
Let's not wallow in the misery, though. Let's look at this in a positive, practical way. What are the best opportunities out there at the moment for a budding screenwriter? Who are the people/production companies that are constantly busy, and may need writers? Where are the writing gigs?
First, television. Although there are significant cutbacks in drama reported in the press, TV is still the best way for a writer to get their break or continue earning their living. For the new writer, however, this means focusing on the new entry schemes and opportunities that are available.
The BBC Writers' Academy will be open for applications next month. Full details about the scheme are available at the BBC writersroom. If the Academy is beyond your reach but the individual BBC shows have some appeal, then you may want to consider approaching the shows directly to see if you can do a trial script.
Who do you ask? Well, try emailing a script editor. Keep an eye on the closing credits, scribble down key names like the script editor, story producer or producer. It's not difficult to figure out their email addresses. Be polite, introduce yourself, ask them to check out your writing sample(s) and to consider you for their show. You might get lucky. Holby and Casualty generally won't consider anyone until they have some experience but I think EastEnders run two shadow schemes a year (I did one last February/March). Your agent should be hustling them to get you in the door, and if you don't have an agent, then try the direct email approach and see how you get on.
It's also not difficult to figure out who the key production companies are in television, for comedy and drama. Talkback Thames, Shed, Hat Trick, Company Pictures, Objective Productions, to name but a few. Start networking. Email. Phone. Get your script(s) read. Get ahead.
Film. Well, the UK Film Council always has its development doors open, so that's a plus. Check out their website for the full submission guidelines. Don't send in a script that has good potential but needs work. Send in the best you've got. That's the only way you'll make an impression if you have no filmography whatsoever or they don't know who you are. Getting a spec script optioned, developed and produced is always tricky but it's not impossible.
You may have seen me mention my 'Get Your Movie Made' booklet where I've listed 22 leading film companies in the UK (that actually make and distribute films). This was available for £10 as part of my short film fund initiative (where you also receive a 'thanks' credit on my film, and a copy of my short script). However, I'm giving away the booklet for £5 (no 'thanks' credit or script) so if you want some of that action, then drop me an email or use the donate button on the right (underneath the 'About Me' section) to get your copy. The BBC writersroom reads unsolicited material on behalf of BBC Films, so that's another way of getting your work read.
There are opportunities for online drama/series, too, but it's difficult to pin down the exact movers and shakers in this area, unless you're talking about the big boys like Bebo, Hammer, RTE etc. Still, keep your ear to the ground, check out the blogs/websites, see what's happening and make your move. Better still, do it yourself.
DIY. Make a short film. Or a sketch. Or the pilot for your online idea. If the prospects for this year are anything to go by, the only thing certain is that you have to take charge as much as possible. Get busy doing things, be proactive and stay focused. It's the only way to get noticed and to get ahead. And keep writing.
There. 2009's not looking so bad now, is it?
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Coming Up 2009
Press release info:
"APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR COMING UP 2009
COMING UP is the only talent scheme currently in the UK where emerging film-makers have the opportunity to make an authored drama with a guaranteed network broadcast. Now in its ninth year, Channel4 and Touchpaper TV, part of the RDF Media Group continue their commitment to innovation, experimentation and new voices.
We will make up to 8 eye-catching innovative, challenging films which kick down the door of mainstream television drama, from the best fresh talent in the UK. Each film will be for a half-hour C4 slot and we are looking for:
Bold original and surprising ideas with strong voices - unafraid of ambition, wit, urgency and fearless entertainment.
Films that can be shot in 4 days on a limited budget.
WRITERS: This scheme is open to all writers who have NOT had an ORIGINAL single, series or serial broadcast on UK television; writers who have contributed episodes to series or serials (e.g. a long-running soap) are now eligible to apply.
DIRECTORS: The scheme is open to directors without a primetime TV drama credit.
WRITER / DIRECTORS: We will accept submissions from Writer / Directors above, but excellence in BOTH disciplines must be shown to be considered in this category.
The closing date for receipt of applications is:
FRIDAY 17th APRIL 2009
ALL applications are by post ONLY:
COMING UP 2009, The Gloucester Building, Kensington Village, Avonmore Rd, London W14 8RF
Full guidelines are available on the Touchpaper, RDF, or Channel4 websites or email specific queries to ComingUp @ touchpapertv.com "
---
And, on a different note, why not click on over to Babelgum to vote for Tim Clague's video, God Versus the Advertising Standard Authority. It's a film Tim made on Boxing Day (even when he's taking time off, he's still putting himself out there!) and it's proven to be a big success and is now up for consideration in the Babelgum Video Awards. Sweet! Go on, vote for the Timster, you know you want to.
"APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR COMING UP 2009
COMING UP is the only talent scheme currently in the UK where emerging film-makers have the opportunity to make an authored drama with a guaranteed network broadcast. Now in its ninth year, Channel4 and Touchpaper TV, part of the RDF Media Group continue their commitment to innovation, experimentation and new voices.
We will make up to 8 eye-catching innovative, challenging films which kick down the door of mainstream television drama, from the best fresh talent in the UK. Each film will be for a half-hour C4 slot and we are looking for:
Bold original and surprising ideas with strong voices - unafraid of ambition, wit, urgency and fearless entertainment.
Films that can be shot in 4 days on a limited budget.
WRITERS: This scheme is open to all writers who have NOT had an ORIGINAL single, series or serial broadcast on UK television; writers who have contributed episodes to series or serials (e.g. a long-running soap) are now eligible to apply.
DIRECTORS: The scheme is open to directors without a primetime TV drama credit.
WRITER / DIRECTORS: We will accept submissions from Writer / Directors above, but excellence in BOTH disciplines must be shown to be considered in this category.
The closing date for receipt of applications is:
FRIDAY 17th APRIL 2009
ALL applications are by post ONLY:
COMING UP 2009, The Gloucester Building, Kensington Village, Avonmore Rd, London W14 8RF
Full guidelines are available on the Touchpaper, RDF, or Channel4 websites or email specific queries to ComingUp @ touchpapertv.com "
---
And, on a different note, why not click on over to Babelgum to vote for Tim Clague's video, God Versus the Advertising Standard Authority. It's a film Tim made on Boxing Day (even when he's taking time off, he's still putting himself out there!) and it's proven to be a big success and is now up for consideration in the Babelgum Video Awards. Sweet! Go on, vote for the Timster, you know you want to.
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