UK Scriptwriters Podcast, Episode 2

** UPDATE **
I've been told that if you download the episode from the podomatic site, it saves it as a 'm4a.mp3' file and it won't play. The solution is to rename the file by taking off the .mp3 from the end, and leaving the .m4a. We're looking into this, as it should be available as a straightforward mp3 file. The best solution is to subscribe/download via iTunes or play direct below (or the main site). I thang-ew.

** UPDATE ENDS **

It's what you've all been waiting for. No, no, not the announcement of the Red Planet Prize second round (small update on the Red Planet website: basically, full script requests will be mid-September). No, I'm talking about the UK scriptwriters podcast, by me and the mighty Tim Clague.

We had a fantastic response to our first foray into the podcast world, which we took as ample encouragement to continue. In this episode, we talk about the upcoming London Screenwriters' Festival, earning a living as a writer, the importance of a script's first ten pages (inspired by Red Planet entries), and there's reviews of The Eight Day and TV's Southland and Breaking Bad. You can listen below, or visit the official podcast page here, subscribe via iTunes, or check out Tim's blog for even more info. As ever, feel free to give us feedback and comments - thanks, hope you enjoy!

London Screenwriters' Festival

The big event for UK screenwriters this year is the London Screenwriters' Festival that's taking place at the end of October. If you're thinking of going but haven't bought your ticket yet, or are still saving up the pennies, then don't fret, you can get £37 off if you use this discount code: dannystack



They've got a great line-up of speakers, which include Tim Bevan from Working Title, Ben Stephenson BBC's Head Drama Commissioner, plus an impressive array of writers, script developers, producers and directors who are in the know. It's shaping up to an event not to be missed, so get your skates on and book your ticket. See you there!*


*I also get £37 for any ticket sold using this discount code so I expect you to book IN YOUR HUNDREDS

Red Planet Reading

WHOOSH! There it goes. If Douglas Adams was a new writer, he would have missed the deadline for this year's Red Planet Prize. But you didn't right? Right?

It certainly wouldn't seem so, as there were a grand total of 1,574 entries! We're already immersed in the reading and the standard is proving to be very high indeed, making the 2nd round decisions all the more difficult. Still, we hope to remain on target to request full scripts by the end of August. We don't know how many we'll be shortlisting but we're typically very tough on what gets through. In previous years, it's been around 20% of the entries, so inevitably there will be some disappointments and possibly even some wrong decisions. A pass on a script's first ten pages doesn't mean much beyond that it didn't grab us enough to make us want to read any further. It doesn't mean the writer can't write, or the script is rubbish (it will in certain instances, I'm sure! :0). Originality (of concept and dramatisation) and impressive writing/storytelling technique are usually the key qualities that grab our attention.

In other news, thanks to all who have listened, downloaded and subscribed to the all-new UK Scriptwriters podcast, which is hosted by me and Tim Clague. We've had a great response so we'll definitely do another. We're thinking once a month, so the next podcast will be towards the end of August where I can come up for air from all the Red Planet reading, and maybe even discuss the art and craft of a script's first ten pages. Until then, you can listen to the podcast below, or subscribe using one of your preferred outlets. Now, back to the scripts!

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