BAFTA Screenwriters' On Screenwriting Series

Picture Courtesy of BAFTA

BAFTA have recently launched a Screenwriters’ Lecture Series on their website, and to use their precise words as they describe it best:



"The result is a series of exclusive videos, clips and profiles providing a fascinating insight into the discipline and culture of screenwriting."

They asked six of the film industry’s leading Screenwriters to give their opinion on the craft, the films they have written and their career so far. These are:

• Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon)
• Sir David Hare CBE (The Reader)
• Aline Brosh McKenna (The Devil Wears Prada)
• Sir Ronald Harwood CBE (The Pianist)
• Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire)
• Christopher Hampton CBE (Atonement)

The Screenwriting Channel itself is a part of BAFTA's Access-All-Areas and sits alongside The Directing Channel in its main navigation menu, which is nice to see.

The Screenwriting Channel itself has a great look, layout and functionality. But what's important is the content. So is it any good? Yes, it is great, and more than worth a look. It would be difficult for it not to entice and captivate any aspiring Screenwriter, and Screenwriter to continue on and see what the leading professionals in the field have to say.

This is a great series and emerging free website resource on BAFTA nominated and winning Screenwriters, and on Screenwriting culture itself.

Feel free to head over there now, or read on to learn more about the website and its features.

The BAFTA Screenwriters' Channel is divided into four main sections that revolve around and are powered by the Screenwriters mentioned above:

1. The Screenwriting Lecture Series - six lectures, each centre on a featured Screenwriter and appear in two separate ways. As a lecture highlights video (2-3mins), or in its entirety (35-40mins). This alone makes this a fantastic resource and opportunity to hear from six professional and successful Screenwriters working today.

2. Screenwriter Profiles - dedicated to the featured Screenwriters and offer an introduction and insight to their work and writer-self. These descriptions are short but effective and make for an enjoyable and insightful read. They are recommended reading before viewing the lecture series or an individual lecture.

3. Writers' Top Scripts - each featured Screenwriter has chosen a script that has influenced and inspired them more than any other. The section also features classic clips from the films and a short interview clip from the Screenwriter about the script.

4. Inspiration & Advice - a floating cloud and static list of Screenwriting topics and technique boxes, all when clicked on lead to a specific video clip from the lecture series and a Screenwriter talking on a specific aspect and/or technique of your choosing.

Overall, it's difficult not to appreciate its contents and to applaud BAFTA for its creation and bid to raise the profile and role of the Screenwriter and Screenwriting as an important profession, craft and culture.* It's a highly welcomed and official addition to the online world of Screenwriting, to its exploration, enjoyment and learning.

I look forward to getting through it all and seeing the new additions in the future.

"Explore. Learn. Enjoy."

Exactly.

*Something that Danny Stack and others have been campaigning on for years.