http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/'Cut To Creative' is the evil brain child of screenwriters Richard Crawford and Spence Wright. In the coming weeks we will be bringing you details of our exciting 'Fast Track to development workshop' which gives screenwriters an intensive one day feature film workshop AND a unique opportunity to get their script into development with a major UK film Production Company.en-EUhttp://backend.userland.com/rss092http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/7c/027b74871f70b92dc2c52e7a760f09_160x200.jpg <p>we're seeing a lot of people making the same mistake about their stories, and it's a surprisingly simple and basic mistake. which is, unfortunately, hard to fix if you're on your first or second draft.<br> Think - whose story am I telling? In which character's company are we going through this movie? You might already think you know the answer to that - but there's a strange and unusual blindness that afflicts screenwriters who have lived with their stories for a while, and you won't even know you have it.<br> try this. Write down in a paragraph or two the story AS TOLD FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A SECONDARY CHARACTER. as if they were narrating, or as though they are the key character. make him or her your star for a moment.<br> I think you'll find this throws up insights... </p> <p>and remember (in life, as well as in cinema) everyone is the hero of their own story... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/06/12/whose_is_the_story~2437800/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/06/12/whose_is_the_story~2437800/Tue, 12 Jun 2007 09:58:43 +0200 <p>Stephen wrote - "I posted a logline on <a href="http://www.inktip.com">www.inktip.com</a> and a producer in California came back to me asking for my short script. I emailed him and now he’d like to purchase or option my short.<br> The tools you guys showed us in the course at the Welly Park allowed me to give the short more pace and cut out some dead weight before putting it on InkTip."</p> <p>Well done my son ... </p> <p>Spence<img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/06/08/big_news_for_stephen_o_reilly~2416845/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/06/08/big_news_for_stephen_o_reilly~2416845/Fri, 08 Jun 2007 14:11:40 +0200 <p>Hello Fasttrackers, bout ye, hi-de-hi and all that oul malarkey.<br> I have started posting thread headings on the board to make posting and discussions etc a little bit easier to negotiate. (thanks to Net Guru and LoveGod Richard Parkin for his guidance ... the force is strong in this one young padwan) </p> <p>We might well open the blog access up to everyone in the days to come (first we have to wait and see if there are any deviants amongst you .. we rumbled Noreen pretty quickly but one never knows .. still waters and all that.)</p> <p>If you have any new discussion threads you want posted just drop me a line at <a href="mailto:fasttrack07@btinternet.com">fasttrack07@btinternet.com</a> and I'll upload them. In the meantime happy chatting ... and play nice<br> Spence</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/31/blogland_a_guide~2365581/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/31/blogland_a_guide~2365581/Thu, 31 May 2007 08:50:53 +0200 <p>Here's the thing: why would anyone want to live this life? There are other, easier things to do with your four score and ten: brain surgery, splitting the atom, discovering a cure for aids, that sort of thing.<br> I don't know about you, but I used to panic when I read serious writers discoursing on their working habits. Always work the same time every day, they said, without fail, on pain of death. Work for the same number of hours. Be strict with yourself. </p> <p>this used to scare me, because i've developed strange working habits over the last few years, and they're nothing like the above. I mean, I tried the regular hours thing, for many years, and that technique has its place – but here’s how it works for me. </p> <p>I’ve discovered that there are two types of work involved in writing a screenplay. The second, and arguably the easiest, is the actual writing, the getting down of words onto paper – or screen. It takes time and it takes tenacity and it isn’t always pleasant, but it’s a dawdle compared to the other type of work – the structure! </p> <p>Now this, to me, is where the real creativity comes in. This is where you will be judged as a competent screenwriter, this is where the value comes in. Because, there are hundreds, maybe thousands of people out there who can write sufficiently well to produce a readable script. It’s a thing that can be learned. But there are a lot fewer who can structure a gripping story that will hold an audience enthralled for two hours in a dark room. That, my friends, is where the talent comes in. And it isn’t so easily learned. </p> <p>But the working habits, yes, the way it is done. I tend to jot down the original idea I had, and leave it for a while. A month, maybe. Work on something else, finish something else off, let the idea fester in the back of my mind. I find it appearing at odd moments, especially when watching other movies – you get that “ooohhhh, that might be something I could use for the <strong>*</strong> idea”. </p> <p>After a period of festering, it’s time then to get the outline done. And this is hard. There is no other word for it, it’s hard. To imagine all of that and pin it down sufficiently to write it is hugely difficult – like herding cats, or hugging a giant bouncy castle. If the damn thing would just sit still for a moment, you’d have it. </p> <p>And here’s the secret that I’ve found works: do it in bursts. Limit yourself to fifteen minutes at a stretch, maximum. No more. Let your subconscious know that the only chance its going to get to play with this idea on any given day is limited to fifteen minutes. Time yourself: sit down, work for the allotted time, then stand up and go do something else. Preferably something physical, and rhythmic (steady, Spence). Painting a wall is particularly good. Tinkering with old cars. Cut the grass. Anything. </p> <p>After three or four days of this your subconscious will be RARING to get at it – and you’ll find ideas come tumbling out. </p> <p>Try it – it works. </p> <p>More nuggets later… Keep writing.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/31/general_for_the_rich_tapestry_of_screenw~2365531/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/31/general_for_the_rich_tapestry_of_screenw~2365531/Thu, 31 May 2007 08:42:27 +0200<p> <small> <a href="http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/31/links_share_your_links_here~2365529/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/31/links_share_your_links_here~2365529/Thu, 31 May 2007 08:41:46 +0200 <p>Here's one to start an argument: feature writing and short film writing are two totally different disciplines, and just because you can do one, doesn't mean you should be able to do the other. </p> <p>and here's something else: you will all, at sometime in your careers, come up against the film geek - and he's often a producer or a financier. He or she is the type or person who will casually drop into the conversation a series of obscure, low-budget eastern European or south Korean films, or will ask if you’re familiar with the work of some emerging new Iranian director, or will raise an eyebrow when you say no, you’ve not seen one of Bergman’s films the whole way through… (we’re talking Ingmar here, not Ingrid). </p> <p>So here’s the fiftymilliondollar question: is it important for us, as storytellers, to have an in-depth knowledge of the film world? Are we better to spend our precious moments of life on this earth slumped in dark rooms watching movies, or are we better to get out into the maelstrom of life and live it and learn and maybe then have something worth writing about? </p> <p>consider and discuss....</p> <p>By the way, anyone out there working on a screenplay about a screenwriter….? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/31/business_devleopment_and_production_ques~2365526/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/31/business_devleopment_and_production_ques~2365526/Thu, 31 May 2007 08:41:10 +0200<p> <small> <a href="http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/31/style_for_questions_on_tone_and_genre~2365521/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/31/style_for_questions_on_tone_and_genre~2365521/Thu, 31 May 2007 08:40:28 +0200<p> <small> <a href="http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/31/tools_aamp_techniques_a_thread_to_discus~2365516/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/31/tools_aamp_techniques_a_thread_to_discus~2365516/Thu, 31 May 2007 08:39:45 +0200 <p>Hi Fasttrackers,</p> <p>Thank you one and all for your support and creative brilliance on Saturday. It was inspiring to be around so many talented people. I have no doubt that individually and as a group we will continue to go from strength to strength.<br> Use the blog as your own corner to share experience and expertise (See the great post from Peter Curran which is filled with superb advice) we will fast become a force to be reckoned with!</p> <p>Keep Writing and keep truckin<br> Spence </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/29/thank_you~2354947/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/29/thank_you~2354947/Tue, 29 May 2007 15:31:51 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1634557" title="Good Dialogue"><img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/img/pdf.gif" alt="Good Dialogue" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/29/dialogue_and_thank_you_and_stuff~2354899/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/29/dialogue_and_thank_you_and_stuff~2354899/Tue, 29 May 2007 15:25:31 +0200 <p>For anyone who is coming to the Wellington Park by car, you'll find<br> there's a pay car parking scheme in operation at the hotel. We've negotiated a special rate for this with the hotel - 38p an hour instead of the advertised £1.50 an hour. If you take a ticket, then park your car as normal, you'll be able to validate your ticket at reception on the way out - just tell them you're with the Fast Track Screenwriting Course. There's a large car park at the rear of the hotel. Apologies for this late notice, but the hotel didn't make us aware that they now operate this system until this week."</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/25/fasttrack_07_car_park~2330504/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/25/fasttrack_07_car_park~2330504/Fri, 25 May 2007 08:36:09 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1613517" title="GLADIATOR_SecondDraft"><img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/img/pdf.gif" alt="GLADIATOR_SecondDraft" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> Lunch will be sandwiches and tea/coffee if anyone has special dietary needs can they contact me as soon as possible so that an alternative can be arranged. </p> <p>If anyone requires assistance with access, or large print handouts etc please contact me as soon as possible. </p> <p>A copy of the script 'Gladiator' starring Spence Wright .. Sorry Russell Crowe … has been attached. Richard will be using the script in one of his training sessions and has suggested participants read it in advance. (specific scenes will be available as handouts so a copy of the script is not required on the day) </p> <p>Could those people paying their course fees on the day endeavor to bring the correct amount of £65 if possible. </p> <p>Most importantly, Richard and I look forward to meeting you all for what will be a hugely enjoyable and creative workshop.</p> <p>Spence Wright<br> <a href="mailto:Fasttrack07@btinternet.com">Fasttrack07@btinternet.com</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/23/fasttrack_participants~2319278/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/23/fasttrack_participants~2319278/Wed, 23 May 2007 11:26:24 +0200 <p>Please find attached a timetable for the workshop.<br> Some topics / timings may be subject to change on the day.<br> I look forward to meeting you all on what is set to be a dynamic and exciting event<br> Please contact me via the blog or at <a href="mailto:fasttrack07@btinternet.com">fasttrack07@btinternet.com</a> with any queries</p> <p>Regards<br> Spence<a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1584828" title="Fasttrack 07 Timetable"><img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/img/pdf.gif" alt="Fasttrack 07 Timetable" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/15/fasttrack_07_course_schedule~2272787/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/05/15/fasttrack_07_course_schedule~2272787/Tue, 15 May 2007 09:51:03 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1324646" title="Fasttrack flyer and Application Form"><img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/img/pdf.gif" alt="Fasttrack flyer and Application Form" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="48" height="48"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/04/13/fast_track_07_course_content_and_applica~2083779/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/04/13/fast_track_07_course_content_and_applica~2083779/Fri, 13 Apr 2007 11:24:48 +0200 <p>TOP FILM PRODUCERS SPONSOR BELFAST SCREENWRITING COURSE</p> <p>Top feature film producers are behind an innovative new screenwriting course in Belfast.</p> <p>Mark Huffam (producer of Oscar-winning film “THE HOURS” and CAPTAIN CORELLI’S MANDOLIN ) and Simon Bosanquet (producer of “RIPLEY’S GAME” and “THE LIFE AND DEATH OF PETER SELLARS”) are sponsoring a one day course to be held in Belfast in May. The course is aimed at writers who have a first draft screenplay or a detailed treatment, and who want to kick-start their idea into development. </p> <p>Mark Huffam said “We’ve always been aware of the wealth of talent in Northern Ireland, and this is a great opportunity to develop and maybe harness some of that talent and energy.”</p> <p>Uniquely, the course will offer a follow-up development process which will help the writers move their script to the second draft stage. Run by Belfast based screenwriters Richard Crawford and Spence Wright, the event is aimed at developing feature film ideas which will appeal to the marketplace and stand a better chance of getting into production. </p> <p>Simon Bosanquet added “Producers are always on the lookout for new and exciting film projects, so we’ll be keeping a close eye on any scripts being developed through this new course.” </p> <p>The new course was welcomed by Andrew Reid, head of production at the Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission, who said: </p> <p>“The film industry in Northern Ireland at the moment is particularly vibrant, and we hope this new initiative will help to identify more screenwriters with the potential to succeed.”</p> <p>The Course will be held in the Wellington Park Hotel on Saturday 26th May 2007.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/04/12/you_heard_it_here_first_folks~2079117/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/04/12/you_heard_it_here_first_folks~2079117/Thu, 12 Apr 2007 16:27:40 +0200 <p>So what’s this all about? What are two hoodlums like Crawford and Wright doing with their very own blogsite? </p> <p>Well, we’re trying to change the world. All right, maybe not the world, per se. But definitely that part of the world that involves itself with writing screenplays. Fellow screenwriters, on these pages quality is sacrosanct. We are determined to help bring about the highest quality screenwriting to be found anywhere in Britain or Ireland. Note, the highest quality. Which means that simply completing your screenplay isn’t enough. It’s got to be better than everyone else’s work. We’re not about networking, we’re not about pitching, we’re not about endless discussions of 3 or 5 act structure. We’re about helping you to write a screenplay that is so good that people will compete to buy it. Because in the end, that’s the only real yardstick. </p> <p>We aren’t going to teach you how to write a screenplay. You’ll know that already, in your heart of hearts. What we can do is help you make your screenplay as good as it can be. They’re all different, in any case, and it seems to me that each new story comes from a different place and in a different way, and all we can do as writers is carve out the truth of each project as best we can, but do it better than anyone else. </p> <p>I’m sure Spence will have his own views on this…</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/04/11/crawford_s_first_post~2072350/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/04/11/crawford_s_first_post~2072350/Wed, 11 Apr 2007 16:15:12 +0200 <p>Our very first blog ..... aah bless. Needless to say more on Cut To Creatives phenomenal screenwriting workshop to follow. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/04/11/cuttocreative_go_blog~2070330/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://cuttocreative.blog.co.uk/2007/04/11/cuttocreative_go_blog~2070330/Wed, 11 Apr 2007 10:30:28 +0200