So it’s Oscar time again, and the screenplays that have garnered nominations for the 93rd Academy Awards (2020) are indeed a diverse group. We’d all like to believe that they are the best screenplays entered – no strings attached. BUT if you’ve been around the block once or twice you will know that there are …
Being aware of the tools you have at your disposal before starting to tell your story, and using them when you start writing, is much better than trying to utilise them to improve or fix your screenplay after you have finished your first draft. SURPRISE Surprise the dictionary tells us, is “a feeling of …
The total box office earnings in South Africa for the year 2019 amounted to R 1.2 billion, (a 6% decline from the previous year,) but the locally produced films – there were 22 produced in both years – recorded an 18% growth in box office income by amassing R 59.6 million for the year.
What they mean, is that in this case, when we look for originality, we are not necessarily talking about reinventing the wheel. Often by changing only a few specific details, we can take a successful well-worn concept that’s been done before, and simply by giving it a new and unexpected twist; we can make the material seem original … and the audience will love it all over again.
The Scribe Writers Room is an initiative to provide insight, resources, development opportunities and experience to screenwriters of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. The Writers Room It all started over a year ago when I was asked about how a writers room works, and why there are no opportunities for writers in South Africa to get …