Philippa Goslett (screenwriter) - my best teacher whom I was taught under during
my time at Ealing Studios.
Features: Little Ashes, How To Talk To Girls At Parties
Shorts: Jerusalem, Candy
Darren Paul Fisher (screenwriter, director & producer) - my very first teacher who
taught me the mechanics of film-making.
Features: Inbetweeners, Popcorn, Frequencies
Josh Appignanesi (screenwriter & director) - my best related teacher to when I started
taking my films to the next level with every word spoken, every shot that was listed.
Features: Song Of Songs, The Infidel
Shorts: Nine & a Half Minutes, Little Man
Philippe Longchamp (script editor) - a strong credit to any rookie like me back then, if there
was a person immune to 'Writers Block' it was this guy.
Paul Wheeler, Faye (yep, no surname, just her first... & she's awesome!) & Mark Bond -
Paul came first; a director of photography guru, from my first class with him, I understood why he got paid so much & was author of so many camera textbooks. Faye was my best camera mentor & finally Mark was the last when the world moved into digital, empowering me with a richer understanding of camera theory and practical applications.
Features: King Lear, The Optician, Pride & Prejudice, Sunshine, Love's Kitchen
TV: Inspector Morse, Bergerac, Closer To Truth, Brian Sewell's Grand Tour
Karoline Moser & Christian Bauer - taught me how to edit films professionally during my time at Ealing Studios, I hated computers but these two can teach anyone.
Features: Tara Road, The Count Of Monte Cristo
TV: Dirty Tricks, Touching Evil, Extraordinary People Shorts: Life On Road, The Flirting Club
The Ultimate Screenplay Format Reference - One I recommend for your scriptwriting techincalities, such as how to write montages, music transitions, slow motion etc.
The Hollywood Standard by Christopher Vogler - Up there with Robert McKee and Linda Seger, here is an easy checklist on your script format needs... Very handy!
Script Format Guide - If you're worried your question(s) regarding format maybe silly or you're simply not sure then make sure you take a look at this.
SOLID SNAKE
My childhood hero from the 'Metal Gear' gaming franchise (ironically which began on the same year as my birthday). Somewhat like myself from being raised in many places, Snake has battled with some nasty betrayals and fierce opponents and yet he keeps going. Trapped and yet set free by the only thing he knows he's good at, what he was created for 'fighting.' Wisdom and determination and focussed on the mission no matter the complications. Remembered by others by helping them find their own reasons to keep fighting.
THE HURRICANE
Based on a true story, from my favourite film and favourite actor, Denzel Washington plays Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter, racially discriminated, shamed and imprisoned falsely for 17 years. A boxer, selling his story to the outside, inspires a benevolent family to take the investigation into their own hands embracing the power of writing to embrace the value of life. I hope the stories I write in my life, will help do the same for others.
ROCKY
Yes, another boxer but this time created from the writings of Sylvester Stallone, Rocky Balboa. For me, he is the definition of willpower, his sluggish battle through life, working in similar jobs I did, tolerance for others really helped me get on board with the character, every time you watch these films its like you take the punches with him. I am of course a proud Rocky DVD boxset owner, which will never be misplaced nor forgotten.
RIDLEY SCOTT
One of the best directors and a benchmark for British film-makers (although doesn't seem to smile a great deal). Always seems to have such great visual control over the films he is given. Alike myself having been brought up by a tough mother, pioneered his monumental success with 'Alien' since 1979 empowered women in film (Thelma & Louise, G.I Jane) as well as allowing us to explore some historic times (Gladiator, American Gangster)
MARTIN SCORSESE
Not only the writer & director of two brilliant films, 'Casino' & 'Goodfellas' but still going strong as a producer and director of some brilliant films that have that unexpected 'slap around the face' towards the end that send the story in a completely different direction. Something I try to make sure there's something original about every story I do, I remember his book 'On Film-Making' and always force myself to think "is this the best I can make it?" and therein starts the rewrite (annoying but it needs to happen) A brilliant man!
JAMES CAMERON
The only one who made sequels a good idea with 'Aliens' & 'Terminator 2.' A writer and director, one who also knows where the moneys at. They all laughed when he went in with the idea of 'The Terminator' (another miracle of 1984!) - guess he has the last laugh now (shame it then became a brand others made a pigs ear of it from 'Terminator 3 onwards!'). Also having landed some of the biggest money-making films in history with 'Titanic' and 'Avatar.'
Who Taught Me?
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