Back in 2010, I was desperate to make a feature film. I wanted to grow as a filmmaker and move on with my career. I was hoping and dreaming that making a feature-length movie would help me to accomplish just that. You may already know, but if you don’t, beware, filmmaking is a costly endeavour…
My up the Hill Journey Into Crowdfunding
I’ve been making up stories ever since I can remember. I use film, video and a variety of writing outlets to express my creativity. After making a few short films (some of them won awards at film festivals, some were watchable and some were simply made for practice, to put it mildly, ‘cos no one…
Are Distributors Knowingly Killing the Cinemas?
In the past few days, the film industry was served yet another severe blow, when the distributors of the new “James Bond” movie moved the premiere again, this time to 2021. Once the news broke out, Cineworld decided to go as far as closing their screens in the UK and the US. Quick search in…
Shonda Rhimes Shares Her Tips on Pitching TV Shows Effectively
1. You need to learn how to pitch effectively to be successful and have your show picked up. 2. Well-constructed pitch is visual, quick and easy to portray the show’s central characters and the core concept. 3. Think about how you could describe your show to your listeners, so they could see saleable aspects of…
Writing Tips From Shonda Rhimes One of the Most Successful TV Writers
About Shonda Rhimes is an American producer, writer (fiction, film and TV scripts) and showrunner. Her shows include: ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, ‘Private Practice’, ‘Scandal’, and ‘How to Get Away with Murder’, just to name a few. 1. Learn how to source ideas for your stories from everything that surrounds you. 2. If your idea has an…
How to Attract Decision Makers to Your Project?
Not every decision-maker will be interested in the project you are offering. That’s why it’s important to research the decision-makers you are planning to approach. You need to be certain that you invest your time and energy in approaching the right people. Everyone needs to pitch projects and ideas to financiers, networks, distributors; some writers,…
How to Develop Characters for Your Stories?
1. Who is the character? Who does the character want to be? What makes your character/s come to life? What sort of person is your character; you need to dig deep to see how a real person would behave and react in the circumstances you are putting your characters in. 2. Where does your character/s…
Writers on Writing: Aaron Sorkin
Aaron Sorkin is one of the most celebrated and accomplished writers working in Hollywood at the moment. He writes for film, TV, and theatre. He is the creator of “West Wing” and “The Newsroom” and the scriptwriter behind “The Social Network” and “Steve Jobs”. In 2017 he directed Jessica Chastain in “Molly’s Game”, which I…
Working With Actors: Rehearsal
1. Rehearsal allows the actors to gain extra experience that will help them build the character while shooting. 2. During the rehearsal process, you get actors to ask the questions and give them specific experiences — ‘as if’ situations, scenarios to work with. Try not to give answers to their questions directly. 3. Get questions…
Filmmaking: Director’s Perspective
1. You have the script, actors, and the camera at your disposal to tell the story. 2. Try to always set up the scene as real events as may be seen through the eyes of the characters. 3. Think about what the character sees, feels and decides to do with what they see and feel…