Author Archives: Harry Ford - Comedy

17/04/22: Runner-up in Felt Nowt’s New Act of the Year competition

I’m writing this the day after performing at Felt Nowt’s New Act of the Year competition, which took place at Prohibition bar in Newcastle, and was promoted by North East comedy collective Felt Nowt in conjunction with Giggle Water Comedy. It was a fun show with a bunch of bright new talents and myself. AfterContinue reading “17/04/22: Runner-up in Felt Nowt’s New Act of the Year competition”

08/02/2022 – Feb ’22 Update

Hello everyone, Apologies for such a long delay between posts, but the last year has been wild to say the least. In August 2021, I made the move back to Newcastle, having moved away during the pandemic. Not long after, in November, I accepted a full time role as a writer/researcher with Gateshead-based factual companyContinue reading “08/02/2022 – Feb ’22 Update”

Module 3 – What I Learned

Three down, two to go! Last week, I submitted my final piece of work for my third MA module, Individual Script Development. Like the first module, Individual Script Development involved creating a short film premise, treatment, writer’s statement, and screenplay. However, the focus of this module was developing our own working techniques, as well asContinue reading “Module 3 – What I Learned”

Module 3 – Genre and Theme

While I haven’t been updating this blog regularly during the third module of my MA in Writing for Script & Screen, I thought I’d check in at Week 4 to explain the project I’m working on and discuss the ways in which my understanding of genre have been challenged and expanded so far this term.Continue reading “Module 3 – Genre and Theme”

Week 25 – Production partners

When it comes to production partners , screenwriters can sometimes leap at the first opportunity without considering whether they are working with the right people. In truth, screenwriters should consider who they work with just as much as producers should consider which screenwriters they collaborate with. Screenwriters must consider whether their production partner is onContinue reading “Week 25 – Production partners”

Week 24 – Funding Models

How do you get a feature film funded in 2020? For independent writers and filmmakers, the landscape has evolved, offering fewer opportunities to produce low budget works, but there are still options, as demonstrated by indie productions like Lure and Dead Man’s Burden; determined filmmakers can bring their visions to life, but there are obstaclesContinue reading “Week 24 – Funding Models”

Week 23 – Short Films

Though I wrote a short during my first module, I haven’t reflected much upon my own feelings towards short filmmaking . Personally, I’m a huge fan of stories told in a sharp, snappy way. While some struggle to get invested in a film told in under 30 minutes, preferring long form storytelling, I personally thinkContinue reading “Week 23 – Short Films”

Week 22 – Adaptations

What makes a good adaptation? Having only written original scripts, I have never previously considered adapting material for the screen. However, given the number of successful films and TV shows based on books, graphic novels, and games (among others), it’s worth looking at what makes for a successful adaptation. How did The Dark Knight becomeContinue reading “Week 22 – Adaptations”

Week 21 – Writing for Games

As someone who has been obsessed with film and television for most of my life, I must admit that video games have never really been my thing. I’ve played a fair few, especially as a teenager, but I would never classify myself as a ‘gamer’, and the thought of writing for video games has neverContinue reading “Week 21 – Writing for Games”

Week 20 – In the mood for mood boards

Before this week’s lecture, I had never considered creating mood boards as a writer. It makes sense to find reference pictures if you’re a director establishing a visual tone, or a cinematographer looking for inspiration, but a writer? However, having started creating a mood board for my feature project Dawn of Man, I’m beginning toContinue reading “Week 20 – In the mood for mood boards”

Week 19 – Comedy career paths

As part of my second university module, I’m putting together a case study focusing on being a comedy writer in the UK, and the ways in which a new writer can make a career out of being funny on British television. Though I’m still in the early stages of researching the project, I’ve already noticedContinue reading “Week 19 – Comedy career paths”

Week 18 – Considering the marketplace

As writers, we rarely consider the marketplace. It seems like a job for the producers and agents shopping around projects and raising funds. However, it’s important for screenwriters to be aware of the potential marketplace for their screenplays. It may not be the most artistic pursuit to look at what sells and what flops, butContinue reading “Week 18 – Considering the marketplace”

Week 17 – Back to work

After an enjoyable break and great feedback on my first hand-in, I’m finally back studying for my MA in Writing for Script and Screen. There’s no easing back into the work; for the first week, I’ve been tasked with writing the premise for a feature film, television series, or game idea. Thankfully, I’ve been spendingContinue reading “Week 17 – Back to work”

Week 12 – What I’ve Learned

With my first MA module finished, I’m currently in limbo waiting for my feedback. In the meantime, I thought I’d write up a few of the big lessons I’ve taken away from the last three months of studying. Structure is everything Don’t fight structure. Don’t assume your script has to be formulaic, generic, and predictableContinue reading “Week 12 – What I’ve Learned”