UK Scriptwriters Podcast: Episode 8

The latest edition of the UK Scriptwriters podcast, hosted by me and Tim Clague, is now available for your writing earlobes!

In this instalment, I sing the opening jingle, we answer listeners' mail, analyse one half of Joss Whedon's Top 10 Writing Tips, review Persona, the new online drama, plus the Dead Island trailer (and more). And there's our regular competition for Movie Magic Software, DVDs and movieScope subscriptions (all courtesy of movieScope). To win, all you have to do is guess what Irish impression I'm doing of a famous bit of movie dialogue. It's all fun and games, and, shur begorrah, you can't afford not to listen. So get clicking, get subscribing or get going with your own jingle for the show, as my singing simply cannot be allowed to continue. You have been warned.

As ever, have a listen and tell us what you think, spread the word, or make suggestions, or just say hello. We're on Facebook and Twitter or email us directly at ukscriptwriters @hotmail.com. Thanks!

Screenwriting Bullet #7

Write What You Know

'Write what you know' does not mean write about yourself, your family, your relationships, or your general existence. It means write what you know about the human condition from all that you've learned or experienced about yourself, your family, your relationships, or your general existence.

Be insightful, original and true, especially if you do want to write about your family, or your time picking grapes in France.

Related Posts
Write What You Want (blog 2006)
Write Now (blog 2005)
Hot Script (blog 2005)

Scriptwriting in the UK, Redux

Last year saw the blog hit five years of being online and so to celebrate the blogoversary, I set up a sister website which rounds up the best and most popular posts from over the years. I thought this might be a good way to make use of the archives and also remind myself of what I've written so I can update or revisit as appropriate (or if anyone would like me to do a follow-up, just shout). There's also a free download section, and other bits and bobs. If you haven't been to the website, you can check it out HERE.

As it's pretty much a static site, I've set up a Facebook page to help direct traffic to various links and posts. These links will mainly come from UK Scriptwriters (the Twitter feed for the podcast), as it seemed to make sense to combine the two. Either me or one of my staff* will update this daily, not only to point you in the direction of Scriptwriting in the UK but to highlight other interesting links and tidbits gleaned from the webnet.

If you'd like some of that online action, then get on over to the Facebook page and hit *Like*. This means you will subscribe to updates from the page (if you've got a Facebook account). You don't have to like me personally, you may hate my guts for all I know, just hit *Like* and let's be done with it. Thanking you!


* Um, me, Tim or an online helper.

Me on TV!

If you'd like a good laugh at my expense, then here's a clip from RTE's Jo-Maxi (kinda like Ireland's version of Blue Peter), circa 1992, when I was their regular fillum reviewer for about three months. This was my third review for them, I think, so I'm still a bit r̶u̶b̶b̶i̶s̶h̶ nervous. I'm very thin, my ears are maHOOOOsive, my hair is unkempt (hey, I had just turned 21, I was TRENDY), and my accent is stronger than it is now. I also had the Best Catchphrase of the Year. Oh, the review is for Jim Sheridan's Into The West.

As you can see, I was trying to be the next Antoine de Caunes/Barry Norman, but with an Irish accent (a winning combo in anyone's eyes, surely? I should SO be on Film 2011). Yes, okay, laugh it up. I may inflict you with other reviews if you don't behave yourselves.


(From embarrassing film reviews of yesteryear, to slightly more polished podcasts of today. Check out the all-new UK Scriptwriters podcast, with me and Tim Clague!)