SHOW FILM FIRST'S SCREEN/SCRIPT WRITING COURSE
THE EMPIRE CINEMA LEICESTER SQUARE
July 22nd 2012
My writing skills consist of essays, blogging, reviews and writing a one-woman show but I have over the years made many a home movie for university, friends and school. What a perfect opportunity to gain pearls of wisdom from the top professionals in London about writing for screen, producing and directing in a Master class sponsored by Show Film First at the Empire cinema in Leicester Square. I thought I was in heaven acquiring inside information on what makes a good script and how to get to the point where one could possibly be signed to a literary agent. Ludo Smolski, script editor and consultant gave very clear and concise instructions on how to put a script together and how it should be laid out, character development and interesting plot lines as well as the pit falls. Ludo’s biggest tip was write, write and write some more. That’s the only way to improve one’s skills. After Ludo’s fascinating lecture the Microwave-Film London representative gave an interesting talk on how to put together a low budget film and the expectations of micro budget films. Her tip was to be surrounded by a good creative team, director, producer, writer and cinematographer and pay them something. There is money out there for funding, you have to find it and get people interested in your project. Be audience focussed. Following the budget discussions, some current film directors and producers talked about their films and answered questions on their own projects, their trials and tribulations and the journey to having a film distributed internationally. Post lunch was the much-awaited film ‘The Imposter’ where the director and producer were in attendance to answer questions. A motivated, constructive, thoughtful and inspirational day of which I was most appreciative to be in attendance.
