BAFTA & BFI Screenwriter Lectures

The art of failure championed by the writer of Adaptation, Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Lyrical and convincing argument for authenticity over formula, from the writer of Amores Perros, 21 Grams and Babel.

The man behind Russell Crowe’s line “At my signal, unleash hell” in Gladiator, John Logan, charts his career.

The Tamara Drewe and Jane Eyre screenwriter reflects on the ownership, inconsistency and rules of words on a page, with reference to her own career.

Paul Laverty has established himself as a dedicated, versatile writer. He discussed his career in this BAFTA masterclass.

William Nicholson explains his approach to creating emotion and realism in films such as Les Misérables and Mandela: The Long Walk To Freedom.

With reference to The Iron Lady and Shame, Abi Morgan describes the rewards and challenges of the writing process.

L.A. Confidential's screenwriter explains why he thinks writer's block is a myth, and reveals Clint Eastwood's unique powers of persuasion.

The Oscar winner shares his thoughts on Robert Altman, Downton Abbey and embracing the mainstream.

Peter Straughan, the screenwriter of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.

The Minority Report and Out of Sight writer shows the importance of opening scenes, the challenges, and how, ultimately, "it’s all about the words".

The screenwriter of Drive (2011) and The Two Faces of January (2014) discusses his craft.

The writer-director discusses how he made Four Weddings and a Funeral (1993), Notting Hill (1999) and Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001).

Screenwriter Susannah Grant talks about her Oscar-nominated script for Erin Brockovich, writing her first script as nine-year-old and her influences.

The screenwriter of the Bourne film series talks about imagination and empathy in his work.

Disney, despair, suspense and persistence, all promoted by the writer of 24-Hour Party People and the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony.