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Women & Writing # 4: Sally Abbott, TV Screenwriter

Delighted to have the brilliant Sally Abbott on the blog today to tell us about her work as a TV screenwriter in continuing drama – amongst other things! Sally is a real powerhouse and has been involved in all SORTS of things over the years and this summer dips a toe in feature filmmaking too. She offers some fab insights into the industry and writing that I really agree with, but I won’t spoil it for you. Read and enjoy! 1) If you could describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be and why? Obsessive – which is a polite… Read More »Women & Writing # 4: Sally Abbott, TV Screenwriter

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BBC Future Fiction Summit: What Next For Drama?

The energy, commitment and sheer track record of the speakers at this week’s BBC Future Fiction Summit left one thing in little doubt: The digital revolution is not just here, its rapid expansion is fast setting the agenda for screenwriters, independents and major broadcasters alike. An opening Q&A with YouTube’s Rosie Allimonos (Head of Content Partnerships) brought home the impact online viewing is having on drama production. A recent addition to its viral and VOD platforms, YouTube’s original content via its funded channels is extending the platform’s reach far beyond its traditional user base. And, judging by the views they’re… Read More »BBC Future Fiction Summit: What Next For Drama?

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Women & Writing # 2: Lee Jessup, Screenwriting Career Coach

Thrilled to have Lee Jessup here on the site today – if you’re unfamiliar with Lee or her site, make sure you check out her bio and links at the bottom of this post or click her picture. Over to you, Lee! 1) If you could describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be and why? Wow. Stumped right off the bat. I am much better talking about other people than I am talking about myself, which is why I love the work I get to do with writers; It’s all about figuring out THEIR strengths, and putting those… Read More »Women & Writing # 2: Lee Jessup, Screenwriting Career Coach

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3 Reasons Why “Show, Don’t Tell It” Is Bad Writing Advice

“Show it, don’t tell it” is probably the most frequently quoted screenwriting advice (though you’ll hear it for novels and short stories too). And at its heart, yes it’s good stuff: OF COURSE we want to “show” our viewers and readers things; OF COURSE we don’t want to be “on the nose”, but use subtext instead; and OF COURSE we want to be thought of as “good” writers. Durr. But on surface level, “Show it, don’t tell it” is NOT good advice, especially for those writers struggling. Here’s 3 reasons why: 1. … The phrase has become redundant and/or unhelpful.  Anyone… Read More »3 Reasons Why “Show, Don’t Tell It” Is Bad Writing Advice

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Bang2write Resources

FYI, there’s now dedicated B2W Resources AND Free Downloads pages at the top of this blog, under the banner! Or click > HERE I get lots of questions about One Page Pitches, such as how “best” to lay them out, what to put in them etc, so have created a new resource at The B2W Required Reading List. Download The One Page Pitch Reference Guide as a PDF here … And as a .doc here. Here’s another 6 Tips on writing a one page pitch for your script or novel. Other B2W resources that may be of interest: The B2W… Read More »Bang2write Resources

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Top 7 Writing “Debates” To Avoid

I love the internet. Writers can plug in and get access to all the people, information and opportunities they could ever need. They can even create a whole career out of it via blogging and social media – that’s what I did. I didn’t even live in London. As I always say: anything is possible. But even an Internet Die Hard like me can get sick of the web, due to the SAME writing “debates” rolling around and around, two, three or even *more* times a year – and some of them NEVER seem to go away, despite the fact… Read More »Top 7 Writing “Debates” To Avoid

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The Script Submission Tip That Nearly ALL Screenwriters Don’t Do …

 … It’s SO small, you’ll kick yourself. When submitting screenplays and pitch docs via email, name your files with your own name. I’m not talking about the title page (100% necessary btw, if you don’t do it), or any of the other pages (not necessary, though doesn’t hurt). I’m talking about the ACTUAL file itself, ie: Lucy V Hay_pitch doc_Title.pdf Lucy V Hay_script excerpt_Title.pdf Of course, you don’t *have* to do it like I’ve set out above, it’s just an example. But in dealing with the Script Lab applicants for London Screenwriters Festival, I have seen just THREE applicants name… Read More »The Script Submission Tip That Nearly ALL Screenwriters Don’t Do …

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5 Minute Survey

Just a quick one today. Do you live in the South West of the UK? Do you like the sound of more scriptwriting and networking day courses in our little green section of the world? Or maybe you fancy a trip to the ‘Shire to get your dose of writing-related goodness? Then fill out my 5 minute survey. No registration required; it’s completely anonymous. There’s a suggestions box too, so even if you DON’T live in Devon, Dorset, Cornwall or Somerset, feel free to send me your thoughts and suggestions. I’ve had quite a few calls for an online course, which… Read More »5 Minute Survey

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Can Scriptwriting Be Taught? By Samuel Caine

I’m trying to resist the temptation to shock you all now, by saying ‘I don’t think it can’, but I can’t resist and I’m going to say it anyway: no, I don’t think it can. I still think writing courses are very useful though. If you think I’m mad, get in line, but hear me out first. Here are 6 problems with teaching scriptwriting, but why you should do a writing course ANYWAY: 1. Talent is innate … This is an oft-cited criticism of creative courses. ‘You can’t learn to be an artist’. As cynical as I am, I’m not… Read More »Can Scriptwriting Be Taught? By Samuel Caine

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Bang2writers: Meet Sam Caine

So, I’m off for the summer and for the second year, I am turning the blog and social media over to a B2W intern, this time the ever-effervescent Sam Caine. I hope you’ll make him feel welcome! I’ll still be around, so check out Bang2writers and Twitter. ———————————————– Hi! My name’s Sam Caine and I’ll be your host today. Lucy has kindly given me the honour of being her intern at Bang2Write, and much like Eleanor Ball before me, I thought it was appropriate to do a quick introductory entry, telling you who I am, and what I do. I was going to do the… Read More »Bang2writers: Meet Sam Caine

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4 Great Prose Fiction Writing Guides by Angelita Williams

There’s lots of great books out there on writing, but which ones should you choose? Angelita steps in with her thoughts – and they’re not the “usual” either! Check ’em out. Listen: we know a novel is not a film is not a play is not a TV show. Each narrative medium works us over in different ways and possesses its own unique strengths. Nevertheless, the history of each is littered with successful adaptations (typically the newer medium cannibalizing the older one – though that’s been challenged with movie-based plays like The Producers, have you ever seen a film novelization… Read More »4 Great Prose Fiction Writing Guides by Angelita Williams

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Reading Screenplays by Lucy Scher – Review & Giveaway

When Kamera Books asked me my opinion of The Script Factory’s Lucy Scher’s book, “Reading Screenplays” I was happy to oblige … I’ve not met Lucy or done her script reading course, so it’s fair to say I was curious! And I wasn’t disappointed. Genre and storytelling plays a major part of Lucy’s book – and is why I’m recommending it so strongly. As I often say on this site, very few writers consider how genre and/or various ways of storytelling affect their scripts and then wonder why their writing fails to progress. Underpinning your screenwriting craft skills with a strong understanding… Read More »Reading Screenplays by Lucy Scher – Review & Giveaway

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