Weekend Noticeboard

My American counterpart Scott the Reader recently opened the floor to any specific questions people had about script reading. As Scott puts it: “…anything you want to know about pro script readers, let it fly now. Any myths you want debunked, any burning concerns you need assuaged, any dumb questions you ever wanted answered.”

So I thought I’d ‘open the floor’ myself for any similar queries because it will help to generate future posts instead of me wracking my brain trying to come up with something useful to say. Just leave any q’s in the comments, or drop me an email.

Let me just reiterate for those who are new to the blog that this site is just my opinion borne out of seven years of professional script reading whilst also getting a writing career off-the-ground during the same time. The blog is about encouragement and helpful advice rather than any strict adherence to any so-called ‘rules and regulations’ of screenwriting.

Some of the below might be of interest - have a great weekend!

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Film London is hosting a series of roadshows at venues across the capital to promote its new micro-budget feature film fund scheme Microwave and provide advice to potential applicants. Places are free and will be allocated on arrival. Each event will include a general introduction to the scheme from Film London's Head of Production, Maggie Ellis, advice from successful low-budget film-makers and special industry guests, and a Q&A session. Further information can be found here.

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Visit Wednesday The Film, the first ever short film website designed to show the journey that a cast and crew undertake when they make a short film. Watch exclusive daily production and stills diaries to see how the filmmakers turn script to screen.

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Check out the latest opportunities at the BBC’s writersroom.

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ARE YOU A "GOOD WRITER?"

NEW DATE!!!!!!! Saturday 6TH MAY 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
VENUE: St Columbas By The Castle Church Hall, Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh
COST: £65 (inc VAT and refreshments)
E-MAIL: info@meadkerr.com or call 0131 554 4539

Award winning Writer and Director Adrian Mead presents another in his acclaimed series of classes.

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McKEE: LONDON: 28-30 April 2006

ROBERT McKEE is the most widely known and respected screenwriting teacher in the world. Portrayed in the Oscar-nominated hit "ADAPTATION," named Hollywood's Most Wanted Screenwriting Teacher by Movieline magazine, and interviewed by "60 Minutes" correspondent Bob Simon for CBS News' Sunday Morning 2005 Academy Awards Special, McKee's sold-out Story Seminars teach the essential principles of screenwriting and story design that studios, production companies and publishers demand from their writers.

Please register soon to guarantee a seat as events do sell out.
Register by calling +44 (0)870 080 1833, or online at McKee’s official website with secure, online registration.

Fees:
£360 + VAT: Regular Fee
£460 + VAT: Writer's Special: Includes the Story Seminar + the latest version of Final Draft software (V. 7.1.1)
£235 + VAT: Repeater Fee: For former Story Seminar students

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TAPS Writers' Workshops - admissions open

TAPS, the Skillset-supported charity dedicated to nurturing new scriptwriting talent, are now accepting applications for their 2006/07 Full Length Script Development and Television Comedy courses. Full details and application packs can be found on their website.

TAPS will soon be opening up admissions for their new, ITV-backed, Nations and Regions courses as well as courses aimed at industry professionals. New for professionals this season is the Continuing Series Workshop, designed to help established writers make the move from 30-minute to 60-minute returning series. Application packs will be available from the website soon.

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Attend Lew Hunter’s screenwriting colony

Lew Hunter’s UK screenwriting colony will be held at the London College of Communications between 14 – 28 July 2006. The colony is an intense program for serious writers of all levels. This is a great opportunity for screenwriters in the UK to work with two well respected screenwriting tutors from the USA. Attendance will cost £1080 – follow the link for more information.

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