Screenwriting is a craft that requires dedication, skill, and a willingness to learn and develop. No writers arrive in the industry as the complete package; developing your writing is a natural part of the job and an easy one to prepare for. Writer and producer Dominic Minghella (Robin Hood, Doc Martin, Hamish Macbeth, Knightfall) is an advocate for constantly improving and adding to what he calls your “writer’s toolbox.” When Dominic visited the Australian Film Television and Radio School, he sat down with us to share his three top tips for building your own toolbox and preparing yourself to rise to any challenge.
1. Study and Analyse Scripts
Dominic emphasises the importance of studying scripts as a means of learning and honing writing skills. Getting your hands on scripts that were bought is a great way to gain insights into effective storytelling techniques, while analysing scripts that weren’t bought can help you figure out what might not have worked. A technique that Dominic employs is listening to just the audio of a film or screenplay to get a sense of what might have been on the page without being distracted by the pictures. “It’s more alive than just reading a script and I find this a really good way to see what the writer did.”
2. Notice What Works for You
Be aware of what impacts your writing. Next time you have a good day or a good hour of writing, stop and ask yourself what contributed to that: was it the right music? Was it the right desk and chair? What time of day was it? Paying attention to these elements and replicating them whenever possible can help you get into a productive mindset. However, remember that adaptability is a key skill for writers too. As Dominic says, “Get them right for those days when you need to get them right and then be prepared to jettison all of the advice I’ve just given you for the real world of writing and still be brilliant.”
3. Write Something That Isn’t You
Whether it’s a format that you don’t usual write in or a genre that might not initially capture your interest, pushing yourself to write in these areas is the key to your growth as a writer. This tip is particularly true for Dominic, who talks about writing in several formats he hadn’t anticipated and the opportunities he was able to seize upon that he otherwise might have missed. Dominic highlights that in markets like the UK and Australia, it’s often up to the writer themselves to build their skills in the absence of mentors or industry structure. So even if you write these scripts just for yourself, you’re improving your craft every time you put pen to paper.
The Master of Arts Screen: Screenwriting program is the perfect way to dedicate time and focus on your craft while fast-tracking your writing career. Over two transformative years, you will improve your craft skills and gain industry knowledge and peer networks, all while building an impressive portfolio of creative work that is audience-focused and distinctive. With writing workshops, cross-disciplinary collaborations and professional placements, you will graduate as a versatile storyteller, joining an illustrious group of alumni including Julie Kalceff, Jacquelin Perske and BAFTA-winner Tony McNamara.
Applications are open for the 2024 Master of Arts Screen program and the best way to find out more about studying at AFTRS is at our Open Day on Saturday, 19 August. Take an access-all-areas tour of our campus, join hands-on exercises, speak directly with our expert practitioners and get tips on acing your application. Join this interactive day in person or online: Register now.
