by WriteMovies | Aug 2, 2021 | Updates, Writing Insights
Ian Kennedy writes: In this series of articles, I’m exploring some reasons we should take Bollywood cinema more seriously – it’s definitely not for everyone, but I for one find it a refreshing way to enjoy movies on different terms to the normal Hollywood mindset. Here, I’ll be looking at the biggest classic of the Bollywood system, SHOLAY (1975), to show why it’s got something distinctive to offer English-speaking audiences.
SHOLAY’s scriptwriting works differently to Hollywood classics and as a script analyst and producer I find that refreshing. On my editors’ suggestions, the film and its songs also found a place in several episodes of the drama series I used to write for, so I had a personal connection to it long before I saw the movie, which made it even more enjoyable to finally see it years later.
(more…)
by John | Jul 23, 2021 | Ian Kennedy, Writing Insights
Sanjay Dutt – Infamous Bollywood Actor
As more of us get the chance to discover Indian films on streaming services, WriteMovies’ Director Ian Kennedy explores these often lavish films to ask whether Hollywood should take Bollywood more seriously. He discusses the appeals of Bollywood films for English-language audiences, and asks whether Bollywood should take ITSELF more seriously to break through to the rest of the world now that PARASITE has shown that non-English-language films can triumph!
(more…)
by John | Jun 14, 2021 | WriteMovies Academy
To be a great screenwriter, you need to nail the fundamentals. No matter how long you’ve been writing or how many scripts you’ve written, focusing on these aspects will make you a better writer – and that’s why we’re looking at them in this online session on the Key Aspects of Writing and Storytelling on July 1st!
(more…)
by John | Apr 26, 2021 | WriteMovies Academy
We’re halfway through our online Introduction to Professional Screenwriting Course, but it’s never too late to join. The next session in the course is coming up this Thursday, April 29th: Second Drafts!
(more…)
by John | Apr 19, 2021 | WriteMovies Academy
Presenting a new online session taught by WriteMovies’ Director, Ian Kennedy! On May 13th, find out What Producers Want From Writers, with unique insights and tips for both pitching and writing from the very top.
To become a successful screenwriter, you need to work with the people who actually turn scripts into movies: producers. That means you need to get their interest, and you can’t do that unless you know what they’re looking for!
This online session from WriteMovies’ Director Ian Kennedy will teach you what producers and commissioners want from writers, and involves a 1 hour presentation followed by a Q&A session. Find out what he’s discovered from his experiences pitching to top producers, along with hints and tips from WriteMovies Elite Consultants.
You will learn:
- Coming up with a concept that producers can’t ignore
- Which elements of a script matter most to executives
- The commercial aspect of a script
- Why the first 10 pages are the most important
- The dos and don’ts of approaching producers
- How to work with producers and establish a strong working relationship
What Producers Want From Writers costs $30 and takes place on May 13th at 12pm PDT (3pm EDT / 8pm GMT). Click HERE to sign up now!
by John | Mar 29, 2021 | Industry Diary, Industry News, Pitching
A year ago, we gave you a sneak peek at the industry diary of our director, Ian Kennedy, as he pitched our winners projects in Los Angeles. Now, as we start a new pitching push, we look back at a year like no other and how it’s shaped our plans for the future.
(more…)
by John | Mar 4, 2021 | Our Winners
A bittersweet romantic-comedy set in the Welsh valleys, our Romance and Comedy Award 2021 winner deals with grief, loss, and teenage love: END OF LINE by Paul Howard Hunt!
(more…)
Ian Kennedy writes: In this series of articles, I’m exploring some reasons we should take Bollywood cinema more seriously – it’s definitely not for everyone, but I for one find it a refreshing way to enjoy movies on different terms to the normal Hollywood mindset. Here, I’ll be looking at the biggest classic of the Bollywood system, SHOLAY (1975), to show why it’s got something distinctive to offer English-speaking audiences. 