Story. Screenplay. Sale.
Camilla Beskow
Behind the charming accent and sweet demeanor hides a clever cynic. Angry at the injustice of society, Jimmy McGovern has a reason to write. In an unexpectedly controversial Bafta lecture, he covers generating story, professionally causing offense, and the gravity of hard work. “You haven’t got to be better, you just have to work harder.” … Read more
With symbolic depth and masterful imagery, the craftsmanship of How to train your dragon exceeds that of many Academy Award-winners. Do not take the fact that it’s animated as a sign that it’s not worth your while. But isn’t it just a kid’s movie? No. It’s an elaborate tale about finding the courage to question … Read more
Beau Willimon is a powder keg of clean-cut realism, childlike curiosity and sharp wit. During his Bafta speech, Willimon covers political writing, research in everyday life and the importance of finding your characters’ inmost needs. “I don’t think writing is a choice. It’s not a career. It’s something that’s born of necessity. If I didn’t write, … Read more
Breaking down Tate Taylor’s award-winner The Help (2011), proved challenging. The same issue making the piece hard to analyze, simultaneously makes it extraordinary. Taylor takes remarkable care of his characters, giving each and everyone a defined and meaningful arc. So, what’s the problem? The main issue (for me, not the film) is that The Help presents more than one … Read more
Nakedly sincere, Charlie Kaufman presents us with a strikingly insightful masterclass on writing without a formula, the responsibilities of a film-maker and the art of failing. Although diffident and somewhat gawky in appearance, Kaufman’s surety of his own work is absolute. “If what you’re doing does not have the possibility of failing, then by definition, … Read more