How to Break Into Screenwriting with the Channel 4 Script Writing Course’s Philip Shelley

Short Films, Big Questions

Philip Shelley is a script editor, producer, and the head of several screenwriting courses, including the Channel 4 Scriptwriting course.

Philip began his career as a freelance script reader/consultant, working for numerous companies including the BBC, Granada TV, Thames TV, the First Film Foundation, Channel 4 Film, Paramount Pictures, and Paines Plough Theatre Company. He later transitioned to a development script editor role at Granada TV Drama and then at LWT Drama.

This is the first time we've had a script editor on the show, and it was fascinating to learn more about this crucial role in film and TV. We also explore Philip's process with writers on the Channel 4 writing course, dive into topics such as structure, writing characters, what to write to get your foot in the door, and why you should write what you want to write rather than what you think the market wants.

You can find out more about Phillip's work via these links:

https://script-consultant.co.uk/

https://careers.channel4.com/4skills/talent-schemes/4screenwriting

Phillip - Twitter

Ieuan - Instagram

Will - Instagram

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