METLAB
Thanks to Lucy at bang2write for her info on this writing initiative.
This course was a shot in the arm. It combined the support and infrastructure of an academic instituition with the realities of the Film Business. We had screenwriting seminars and industry pros to talk to. We also had the ability to shape the year's course ourselves and tailor it to the needs of the group. Most importantly, and I cannot stress this too highly, we got assigned to script editors, hence how I know Lucy. What a difference it makes to have an editor! It definitely raises your game. We got a lawyer in to talk about copyright, the lovely Malcolm Campbell came to tell us about his route into writing, agents to discuss...well, agents and most nerve-wrackingly, producers to pitch to. These were the calibre of people who, generally you wouldn't get past their secretaries. Strength in numbers, as they say. I'd be the first to admit that it was a steep learning curve and hard work but anything worthwhile always is. I'm applying for the new course too, and hope to see you there.
This course was a shot in the arm. It combined the support and infrastructure of an academic instituition with the realities of the Film Business. We had screenwriting seminars and industry pros to talk to. We also had the ability to shape the year's course ourselves and tailor it to the needs of the group. Most importantly, and I cannot stress this too highly, we got assigned to script editors, hence how I know Lucy. What a difference it makes to have an editor! It definitely raises your game. We got a lawyer in to talk about copyright, the lovely Malcolm Campbell came to tell us about his route into writing, agents to discuss...well, agents and most nerve-wrackingly, producers to pitch to. These were the calibre of people who, generally you wouldn't get past their secretaries. Strength in numbers, as they say. I'd be the first to admit that it was a steep learning curve and hard work but anything worthwhile always is. I'm applying for the new course too, and hope to see you there.
Comments
That said, the last time I did something like this, my assigned script editor almost throttled me (long story)! Do they treat you gently at METLAB? I'm very delicate!
Yes, they treat you well at metlab. You get plenty of chances to have your say and shape the course. That said, you must be willing to collaborate with your editor. It worked for me and did the script no end of good. Hope to meet you there.
Just saw your comment on Lucy's blog, re the METLAB seminar in Edinburgh - I find it quite amazing that people who want to sell their work want to do it without recourse to criticism. As far as I can gather, that's the whole point of METLAB, to shape a script that's got a fighting commercial chance in the big, bad world out there. And let's face it, no script is perfect!