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.

Origin Short Film Premiere

Origin is a short film written and directed by Danny Stack. It has been a year in the making and received its premiere screening on Wednesday at Working Title Films' cinema. I was one of the lucky ones who attended the memorable evening and thoroughly enjoyed it.

My first visit to Working Title was a unique one, as upon entering the modern style building, I was told to take the lift on my right, and to the basement. 'The cinema is in the basement,' was my first thought, 'how cool is that.'

Then I was greeted by Danny himself (photo is clearly at the end of the night) and felt very welcomed which calmed the nerves somewhat. This was my first meeting with Danny but it felt like we had met before as his casual and welcoming approach felt familiar and was reassuring. Then the next minute I was at the bar with a drink. I couldn't complain.

Then quite soon we were taken into the theatre to view the film. The exhibition room was impressive with four or five rows of large comfy chairs, and noticeably along the middle row next to each seat was a conference phone. I couldn't help but think that Richard Curtis must have sat in this room and watched various in progress Working Title Films' pictures and final cuts, and held debated on various changes and relevant matters. It was great.

The film began, and from the outset and woods establishing shot, it was obvious that this wasn't going to be a stable and comfortable viewing. It's atmosphere and tone was haunting and suspenseful. The performances were moving and quite unsettling at times due to the nature of the story.

The production values and special make up effects were impressive. The latter, subtly enhanced as the film progressed, never over done, which I felt was important, as theoretically there's more of this to come. So why give up all the goods early on?

There was some really nice shots and camerawork, especially within the confines of the house and hospital ward, as well as the pull focus ground close up as we enter the woods. The world and its characters felt real and believable. I was engrossed throughout. Its score was unsettling and left me on edge, and worked nicely in harmony with the visuals playing on the unknown and building suspense.

As it ended and faded out, I was left with the feeling that I wanted more, and in that respects the film was and is a complete success. I would easily pay to see the feature. I didn't want to leave the world, I wanted more. I cared about the characters, which is the most important thing. Let's hope many more people feel the same way.

Danny documented the Origin filmmaking process through a collection of short video diaries which can be found here.

A highlight of the evening was meeting Stuart Conran (far left) who did the special make up effects on this film and also worked on Shaun of the Dead, Saving Private Ryan, Doomsday, and even Hellrazor II. He was really cool.

(Photograph note: What a shame I blinked, *embarrassing* - an otherwise great photo).

  

The Cast & Crew:

Next, the film will do the rounds on the film festival circuit where I hope it will do well because it really deserves to. It's a great achievement and testament to everyone on worked on it.

Good luck!

Photos courtesy of Danny Stack and "Theatre" photo courtesy of @jasonarnopp