Hi There,
This fortnight, some recommendations. Some of the outstanding stories I have read and watched in the last few months, but first…
SCRIPT READING & DEVELOPMENT Q&A September 10th 2025
The next evening zoom session will be on Wednesday September 10th 6-8.30pm and I am now taking bookings.
Taking part in this session also gives you access to my Script Reading & Development WhatsApp group.
Feedback from the most recent course –
‘I highly recommend the session for anyone seeking genuine insider expertise and the chance to connect with other like-minded professionals.’
‘I think what attendees don’t necessarily anticipate, but which I’ve found incredibly useful, is what you get around these courses and sessions. The added value is in the instant, like-minded community that Philip creates, specific to each session. It’s a support network to share ideas and leads… this is all without mentioning the educational content of the session, which supports a basic understanding of the skills and requirement involved in script reading and editing.’
https://script-consultant.co.uk/script-reading-development-qa/
THE STUDIO 21 SCRIPT COMPETITION 2025
the Studio21 Script Competition 2025 has opened for entries:
https://www.studio21.com/script
This year they have a mission to uncover a hit microdrama that can appeal to a contemporary audience worldwide.
The competition invites entries for series made up of 2-5 minute episodes, with a total of 40-60 episodes across the series.
Entrants should submit:
- The first three episode scripts (of between 2-5 minutes per episode) as a single file with the end of each episode clearly marked.
- A treatment for the full series, to run between 40- 60 episodes.
You can find all the details and information about how to enter in the above link.
RECOMMENDATIONS
DEPARTMENT Q (Netflix) / KAREN PIRIE (ITV)
I think these are two excellent examples of police procedurals, storytelling that has real flair. They are both very much genre shows but, I think, outstanding examples of genre.
I feel particularly delighted with the success of Department Q because its co-showrunner Chandni Lakhani is an alumna of the Channel 4 screenwriting course. I think the Department Q pilot episode is an object lesson in how to write a series pilot episode. (I’m delighted that Chandni is one of the guest speakers on my September 2 day screenwriting course – NB this is now fully booked – sorry).
And one of the actors in Karen Pirie is Saskia Ashdown, not only a brilliant actor but one of the excellent writers on this year’s C4 screenwriting course.
The Karen Pirie scripts are excellent – written by another super-talented actor/writer, Emer Kenny, who also acts in the show; and based on novels by another great writer, Val McDermid.
https://rts.org.uk/article/working-lives-showrunner-chris-lang
A short but excellent interview with outstanding screenwriter, Chris Lang, Full of insightful tips and advice for writers.
MIX TAPE (BBC)
I race-binged my way through this 4-parter – shown on BBC but an interestingly international co-production involving Irish and Australian co-producers.
What I found interesting about this show was that, while it was far from perfect, it was still hugely enjoyable and just worked as a story. I was so involved with the characters throughout. The show reminded me of something I feel strongly about. Even if the writing and production are flawed, if you have a great story, it will work. Conversely, if you have a story that is inherently under-dramatic or lacks a clear, strong story hook, it doesn’t matter how good the quality of the writing is, you will find it incredibly hard to bring that story fully alive.
The work you do in planning and conceiving your story is the most important part of the writing process.
FILM – THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND
Written by and starring Tom Basden (who also writes and stars in the excellent Here We Go – BBC) and Tim Key, this is a small-scale, minor-key but excellently conceived and made feature film. It’s funny, sweet and poignant. The emotional aspect of the story creeps up on you a little unexpectedly. The film is a small but perfectly-formed delight. The writing doesn’t draw attention to itself but is deceptively brilliant.
BOOKS –
LONG ISLAND COMPROMISE by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
I can’t praise this book highly enough. At 689 pages it seemed daunting – but 15 pages in, I was delighted it was so long and couldn’t wait to immerse myself in its story. Now I’ve finished it, I’m feeling a bit bereft. It’s even better than her excellent Fleishman Is In Trouble. LIC is an epic story of one Jewish-American immigrant family, about their wealth and their dysfunction. It’s funny, moving and hugely thought-provoking. Page by page, sentence by sentence, the writing is a joy.
OUR LONDON LIVES by Christine Dwyer Hickey
Another epic family / character story – about the imperfect love between two Irish immigrants in London over several decades. I can honestly say this book had a profound effect on me. Like Long Island Compromise, the writing is sublime. The two lead characters have really stayed with me – both deeply flawed but so human and relatable.
IN MEMORIAM by Alice Winn
Incredibly impressive first novel by Alice Winn. Powerful, visceral portrayal of young officers going to fight in the First World War – a subject that has been widely written about but IMO this book offers something fresh and brilliant. Horrifying and moving, this really makes you understand the tragedy of these shockingly young men (many still teenagers) losing their lives.
AUDIO DRAMA –
BLACK EYED GIRLS by Katie Hims
A five episode drama series, available on BBC Sounds. Katie Hims is one of my favourite writers in any medium. I listened to the last episode on my car radio. I’d reached my destination before the episode had finished but simply had to sit in my car and listen until the very end. The final scene of the final episode turned me into a blubbering mess.
NB My newsletter is now taking its customary August break. The next newsletter will be on Friday September 12th.
Thank you to all of you who subscribe and particularly for those many people who have been in touch over the last few months. It’s always gratifying to hear your feedback and responses – so thank you. And I hope you have / are having a great summer.
NB #2 If you don’t yet subscribe to the newsletter and would like to (it’s free!), you can sign up halfway down the homepage of my website – www.script-consultant.co.uk
In the newsletter, in September and beyond I will be giving you more information about the 2026 Channel 4 screenwriting course. NB We will open for entries for the 2026 Channel 4 screenwriting course on Monday September 22nd.
Other topics I may write about in the coming months – what you can learn about dramatic storytelling from other media (especially documentary and sport); learning from our failed projects; a photography exhibition and its applications for screenwriters; iconic films of the 1970’s; the ‘spec’ script; additions to my script library; news about more courses I will be running.
Best wishes
Phil
PHILIP SHELLEY
Twitter / BlueSky: @PhilipShelley1
Friday July 25th 2025
