Training

Diploma in Script DevelopmentNFTS_Logo_Magenta

I trained on The Script Factory's and National Film and Television School’s (then) two-year Diploma in Script Development – “the only comprehensive vocational programme in script development in the UK.” I was awarded a David Lean Foundation scholarship to undertake the course, and graduated in 2007.

Training was led by experienced script developers Kate Leys, Angeli Macfarlane and Lucy Scher, and covered the following:

• Story and Genre Theory 
• Script analysis and script report writing 
• Assessing and developing screenwriting craft skills 
• Negotiating development meetings 
• Detailed story development practice 
• Assessing treatments and other short documents 
• Adaptations – including legal and copyright issues 
• The industrial environment – development in its context 
• Europe and the role of international film festivals 
• Distribution and Marketing 
• Course visits by guest speakers from the industry, including the public sector, agents, lawyers and independent producers.

My 2,500 word essay on the function of death in rites-of-passage films, written as part of the course, was published in ScriptWriter Magazine (September 2005). You can read it here.

My final project screenplay (developed with the writer through three drafts, under the supervision of personal tutor, Kate Leys) was a MovieHatch competition finalist.

Film Programme Cannes

I was awarded a Skillset Film Futures Bursary to attend this intensive producer training course, with a focus on feature film packaging and financing, at the Cannes Film Market, 2008. The programme was led by US producer, and NYU producing professor, Robert Nickson.

Screen Studies Degree

I have a First Class BA Hons in Screen Studies, from Liverpool John Moores University.