#TheTwoPhils

Great weekend with Philip Shelly and Philip Gladwin in London on their screenwriting workshop. 

Lots of good technical tips, and lots of practical 'contact' ideas for networking. The aim is to take the pain out of it - so Billy No-Mates doesn't sycophantically  approach an actor, grovel and try to become best mates, with the hope of getting something 'read'.

No! The target is the producer! Or the script editor, who one should track down via IMDb, find out where they live, then stalk. If being a sycophant fails, resort to Trolling.

NO, that's completely untrue, I just made that up! Obviously. 

They gave us good information on making and keeping contacts, and gently establishing a name without grovelling or intruding on these people of power.

Both days were great - the technical nitty-gritty, and the initiation of a writing persona of repute. The low point, for me, was the Pitching exercise; the horrific realisation that I will need to sell myself (my work, rather than my body - I think) to these demi-gods.

Still, I feel inspired and motivated to crack on with my writing now, AND to find a partner to pitch for me! Apparently you're not allowed to do that, you have to step up yourself, but I'm sure I can wangle something...

Now, sadly, I have an IT project to prepare for, so not much writing work this week.