Chicken Shed: Radio drama now online

The Chicken Shed Reunited is now available online as a four-part radio drama on iTunes. Just click the link below to take you to the page to either stream or click on the 'View in iTunes' icon to download.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/chicken-shed-reunited-by-craig/id581656799#

Note - it's best to use this link as it may take a couple of weeks before my name and the play register as searchable in the iTunes database.

For those who don't know the play:
- Miles, Simon and Danny are old friends united by their fear and loathing of the same school bully that forces them to retreat to Miles' shed every Friday after school.

Fifteen years later Simon arranges for The Chicken Shed Gang to reunite only to find that catching up on old times is not going to be the experience of positive nostalgia he was looking for.

There are previous blog posts about Chicken Shed making it's stage debut and the writing of the play itself.

The London Screenwriters Festival 2012 - A life changing weekend

So, it's been a while since I've posted anything but rest assured that is not to say things have not been happening. As well as attending a screenwriting workshop I have also started collaborating on a feature film in Bristol, my second radio play is soon to be recorded, I've begun adapting two of my plays into a feature and a television series, I have a short film in the pipeline and am currently writing a sitcom pilot which I'm going to make myself - more on that toward the end. I don't write enough posts but as you can see, I've been busy, however now a lot of groundwork has been done I will (he says) write more specifically about these things at a later date.

In the meantime I want to talk about the London Screenwriters Festival 2012 which I arrived home from only hours ago. Quite simply; you have to go next year. If you are reading this blog because you are wannabe screenwriter you simply HAVE to go. That's all there is to it.

The weekend brought together five hundred delegates, including myself, from all different backgrounds and stages in their careers. The festival organiser, Chris Jones (author of the Guerilla Film Makers Handbook no less!), and his team of fellow writers, professionals and exceptional volunteers put together a three day program that will not fail in inspiring a writer. International script writers and script editors, producers, film theorists, film makers and executives, both from the US and UK, were there to talk about the process of screenwriting, the industry itself and with The Great British Pitchfest you have the chance to start making some really strong connections with people who are already making compelling and award winning drama. As an example of the caliber of guest speakers; David Yates, Mike Leigh, Noel Clarke, Rob Grant, Ralf Little. These are people who have been in the film and television industry for years, all with different backgrounds so whatever area you're looking to go into you will find something to inspire you. A personal highlight for me was chatting to Ralf Little about life as fellow actor and writer and balancing both within the industry.

Chris Jones - Festival Director, Writer and Inspiration

These were all great big-name speakers but the workshops were even more inspiring for me; hearing people like screenwriter and script consultant Mary Kate O'Flanagan deconstruct a whole thriller feature film in order to demonstrate the beats and sequences needed to create great dramatic tension. That is something I can take away and apply to my writing as could every person in that room who was as equally engrossed with her method of demonstrating the craft in her own unique way. Similarly Mary Kate moderated a session with Lisa Albert, a writer on US hit series Mad Men. To see and hear the episode deconstructed live with with the actual episode writer of such a prolific show was eye-opening. My question for Lisa was how long it took to write an episode?'. Her answer; about EIGHT days. If you've seen Mad Men that is an enormous feat for such a quality product. Yet as daunting as that sounded it made me feel that if I stick at this then, where finishing a script can feel like a grind, my experience and hard work will get me to a point where it will be easier (never easy - quite right) and I love the thought that it WILL be my career (not necessarily on Mad Men...though I'd take it if offered!)

Lisa Albert - Mad Men Writer/Producer

The opportunities available at the festival were astonishing; none more so than being able to pitch to some top executives behind projects such as The King's Speech, Sherlock (TV), The Count of Monte Cristo, Apocalypto, Cabin in the Woods. I could do a long list but the point is these are a handful of projects from talented and influential people who will sit down and listen to your ideas. Who knows; you may get a business card, they may ask to see a script. Whatever the connection you get some genuine feedback from those who are making the films and television shows you love and are inspired by. I managed to get a few cards and a few treatments asked for which I was happy with considering I haven't been writing for the screen for long. But at the very least getting feedback from these people was vital and it immediately made me think about my projects and how I could improve them for dramatic and commercial reasons.

I can't possible mention everyone who inspired me but my point is there will  be plenty of people there to inspire you, not to mention the delegates themselves. Meeting with other writers and talking about their projects and experiences as well as your own is such a fulfilling experience. I have met so many creative and interesting people this weekend and collected their business cards (you HAVE to take business cards!) and I'm confident that with some of those people I will build a dialogue even if just for feedback purposes. However I'm just as confident that I'll click with someone and perhaps collaborate on something. This is what happens when you expand your network and this is what all writers who are serious about making this their career must do. If anything the weekend turned my cynical perception of what 'networking' was from being 'false to people you need to impress' into the attitude of 'making friends with people I like and want to work with in the industry I want to work in'. Because of this weekend I now have the basis of a very good contact database of writers and film-makers.

During Chris Jones' final closing speech yesterday he got us to turn to our neighbour and commit to doing something in the next year and coming back to talk about it in 2013. He asked if anyone wanted to share. As well as some others I stood up with a microphone in front of over five-hundred writers, directors, producers; industry beginners and professionals and said 'I am going to make a sitcom pilot this year'. I've said it now. It's out there. I'm going to do it. This festival has made me realise that's it's up to me if I want to make it happen. So...I'm going to do it! Fuck it.

I could gush on even more about the weekend but I won't. However I'll probably refer back to this festival in my upcoming posts such was the significance of the weekend for me. It really was a life changing experience which is why, as I said, you simply HAVE to go.

Don't Wait: Collaborate!

When I first decided I wanted to write scripts my plan was simple; shut myself away in a room, emerge from my hovel with a fully formed TV script, send it to the good people at the BBC and just sit back and wait for the commission cheques to roll in before retreating back to my room to churn out another masterpiece.

In reflection this was possibly the dullest way to approach being a writer. Yes, I write on my own and sometimes that means shutting myself away for a few days at a time in order to get it done. But as my confidence in my work increases and I'm no longer (as) self conscious about getting my work out there I am starting to look at the resources I have at my disposal to get stuff done...I'm tired of sitting back and waiting!

I made some short films as part of my Uni course (a startling eight years ago, I recently realised) and I thought it was about time I picked up where I left off. As part of the Bristol Encounters Film Festival, 'Depict' - the Watershed's super-short film-making competition - is the perfect platform to do so. Tell a story on film in 90 seconds. A perfect challenge to get back in the game!

So, my available resources; my acting and writing exploits over the past few years have built a close friendship and working relationship with talented filmmaker, Joey Beard. Having been lucky enough to appear in her 'Overlook Fairytales' short films we have a good understanding of how each other think and work. With this collaboration came Owen Benson, a filmmaker himself and was Director of Photography on the short 'WIND' which won the Encounters Short Film Festival last month directed by Joey. I have also featured as an actor in Owen's upcoming 'Mindtwist' project.

The Award Winning 'Bearded Gnomes'

Completing the team are experienced designers and friends Natalie Ball and Anna Charlett, talented composer Arran Poole and illustrator Pete Element. A friend of mine, Pete is a fantastic sketch artist and I thought it would be beneficial to help each other out - he provide me with a resource for my film, I get him some exposure - and so I created a story which requires a sketch to be drawn. Also, I thought I might as well give myself an acting and co-directing credit too so decided to cast myself in the film; why not? In a very short space of time we have a small but exciting project on our hands.

I won't give away too much about the plot though it is likely to be titled 'Life Drawing'. As the Depict deadline is 9 July it will be online soon enough anyway, but the inspiration for the film came from wanting to work with and utilise the skills of the people around me.

Previous collaborations have built these relationships; not simply sitting in my room typing. We are all working for free, yes. There may be no money in this project but everyone is looking to further their skills, expand their repetoire of projects and work with like-minded people to eventually make a career of their chosen field(s). There is a small cost to cover filming locations and motivational junk food but you can't put a price on the enthusiasm of talented people wanting to create something they are proud of.

Whilst flicking through radio stations in my car I came across Radio One...a station I abandoned long ago in my mid-twenties coming-of-old-age...and heard Paloma Faith being interviewed. She described how when she started out it was all about working with friends and fellow aspiring professionals to help each other further their skills, experiences and careers whether they be journalists, designers or other musicians. In reflection she loosely compared the ethos to Warhol's The Factory studio in having an essential core of people to collaborate with. The theory translates.

Our film, produced under the collaborative signature of 'Bearded Gnomes' will be finished within the next few weeks and no doubt posted online shortly afterwards...hopefully as the winning Depict entry! The process so far has shown me that waiting around for something to happen is NOT how to get your work out there. You could be an excellent writer but you won't get your work seen or heard by simply trapping yourself in a room. It's people that inspire...not a blank sheet of paper and a hermit mentality. And if I were to 'make it' as a writer I would want to continue these successful relationships I am forging now and I hope the people I work with feel the same. Starting to collaborate can help you get to where you want to be.

If there's a way to get something made, even if it's just a short version of a bigger piece, get it done. Don't wait; collaborate!

'Bearded Gnomes' award winning film 'WIND' can be seen here:

Watch This Space

It has been over six months since my last post, but that is only because there has been a lot going on.

I'm performing in a play at the moment however as of next week expect regular blog entries. Watch this space...

NaNoWriMo!

What is it? No, it isn’t a result of me mashing the keyboard with my hand. It’s short for National Novel Writing Month!

Basically, NaNoWriMo is a writing challenge. You have one calendar month to complete a 50,000 word rough draft of a novel. That’s approximately 1,613 or 1,667 words per day depending on the number of days in the month (I suggest you never do this is February!)

However traditionally November is the official NaNoWriMo month for two reasons. 1) because it’s cold and generally crap outside so it’s a welcome task to do whilst in hibernation until the Christmas season begins and 2) if lots of people are doing this during the same month then there is a chain of support to get through to your final wordcount, for example at http://www.nanowrimo.org/
Okay, 50,000 words is more like a novella but stop being picky; it’s a book. Possibly the first book you’ve ever written so a challenge worth taking. This does not mean that you will have a polished novel by the end of the month. Far from it! But the point is that you will have got through that first draft that you can then shape into something you can be proud of.

I did NaNoWriMo back in 2005 and I found it an amazing experience. I haven’t used the novel as material, not yet anyway, but it got me writing on a daily basis and it gave me a deadline...two of the key elements to assist in qualifying yourself as a writer.

So this November, why not do something you've never done beforee. Check out the website for more info and I suggest buying the featured book, No Plot? No Problem! which accompanies the process to help keep you on track.

Re-Written

Hello and welcome to the new look blog page. After having a few months off following the performance of my first play (see previous posts for details) I have decided to begin expanding the blog in order to create a firmer writing resource for other writers.

I am going to accompany some blogs with a video blog too for those topics that I want to say a little bit more about as well as posting other resources that I find on my travels.

Hope you enjoy the new look, please get in touch if you'd like me to discuss a particular topic.
My next blog will be very soon talking about how to get through that first draft of your project.

The Chicken Shed Diaries #4: The End of the Beginning...

...apologies for the wanky title. SO, The play was a great success and I've been overwhelmed by the response. The director and cast couldn't have done a better job. I may be getting hold of a more detailed crit of Chicken Shed which I will post up when obtained but for now I will be saying goodbye to my debut play.

(Back L-R) Me, Dean; (Middle) Alex, Anna, Josh;
(Front) Denise, Badger and Richard.

I don't want to dwell on the experience of the show-week for too long as I could write pages and pages of plaudits. However as this is a writing blog I want to remain focussed on talking about my feelings as a writer and how this experience has affected my confidence, perceptions, craft etc. Though I will bookend this experience with a photo of the individuals responsible for one of the proudest moments of my life thus far. Thank you all, I'm eternally grateful. X

So, how do I feel after having my first significant piece of writing performed?

S'alright! In seriousness I must admit for the first time I feel like I can call myself 'a writer'. Whether or not I have the confidence to say it with conviction when meeting someone for the first time will remain to be seen. Let's face it, even back when Dickens was around if he uttered the words 'I'm a writer' then you'd have thought he was a bit of a knob. But I digress; I feel like I can do this in the long run.

I've already spoken about coming up with the idea for Chicken Shed which you can read in my earlier post Coming Out of My Shell from my experience of bullying and using self awareness to create characters in the play. But what I found from the play being exposed to a wider audience is just how much other people have had similar experiences. I had several conversations with friends and total strangers who told me how it reminded them of instances of bullying at school or, in some cases, how they had bullied someone else. I haven't significantly changed their lives but I've made them stop and think for a moment, even if just on the walk/drive home and that to me is a key part of what I want from my writing.

It sounds obvious but sometimes we feel that our feelings are individual to us, that maybe people couldn't possibly empathise with what we have to say. At least that's certainly how I feel sometimes. However writing about a topic around events that have greatly affected me as a person, especially one that most people will have some sort of encounter with in their lives, has generated discussion and made me feel like I have got something valid to say. That's not to say that all of my projects will involve so broad a topic but it has given me a nudge to have more confidence in my writing.

If I had any advice from this experience it would be to trust your feelings and never be afraid to leave your own imprint on a project. You're writing it with your own passion so why shouldn't it be all about you.  This may sound obvious but originally when I started writing I was attempting to write near-carbon copies of Reservoir Dogs. Or sitcom scripts that as much as I wanted to be anything but Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps ending up being very similar; more like A Couple of Ciders and Some Pork Scratchings. However this didn't really work as I've never been a chav or been involved in a failed diamnond heist...nor any successful ones. In hindsight, they weren't great examples to emulate during my first attempts at scriptwriting!


As Jimmy McGovern once said, "I think finding a voice probably means finding a confidence in your own voice and a respect for your own experiences, and being confident enough to deem your own experiences as worthy of inclusion in the story. And then finding out the kind of things you do well."
So, now I have a fairly good idea about what I do well and the major areas for improvement. I think it's vital as a writer however that I accept that I'll never be 100% happy with my craft. But is there a writer who is?

So...next for me; obviously I'll be continuing to write on several projects and hope to try getting into radio and television a lot more. I've already got a couple of ideas of how to adapt Chicken shed for an episodic radio play; we'll see how that goes. Playwise, I have another in the pipeline which should have it's public airing next year. It's already been done successfully as rehearsed reading and has a working title of 'Donaldson', the name of the lead character, though the title may change come the production.
Now I've had some positive feedback from people who paid to see my play, the fact that they're not asking for their money back, means I just might be able to get away with this writing lark!

As always, emails and comments welcome particularly if there are different aspects of the writing process you may want to hear about. I'll be back to posting some more of my general writing tips/best practices very soon...