Talk and Q&A with script agent Leah Middleton of the Marjacq Agency

Dear All,

Please DO NOT DIRECTLY RSVP through the group. We have realised it is a disaster keeping up. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN REGISTERING FOR THIS EVENT PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

GO to the Meetup Group https://www.meetup.com/WriteTogether/events/263315871/ . Chalk Scribblers is part of the Write Together network so everyone will have to sign up to it, but there's no charge or approvals needed so it's just one more click.

Leah will be giving a talk and Q&A but there are two changes to our usual format:

First, if you have a specific question that you'd like Leah to cover, please post it below. Please keep the questions to the general topic of writing, agents and productions rather than specific to your own script. (ONLY IF YOU ALSO JOIN THE "WRITE TOGETHER" MEETUP)

Secondly, Leah has offered to critique two scripts as part of her talk and has promised to be constructive rather than eviscerating!

If you'd like her to consider your own script, please message ME, EDITH, for the email address to send it to (I will forward to the main host of the event I promise). Do NOT send them direct to Leah as they will get lost in her slush. The scripts will be seen by Leah and the event hosts only, and will be deleted after the event.

Deadline for submission is Sun 25th August.

Leah will be basing her talk around the scripts she can use to illustrate the points she wants to make so please note that submitting a script does not guarantee that it will be referred to.

If you are thinking of sending your script, please read and follow ALL of Leah's guidelines:

Guidelines for TV scripts:
Pilot script in a traditional slot length format (30 mins or 60 mins), plus series treatment (anyone who isn't sure what this is can google it and give it a crack - doing treatments is one of those things all screenwriters need to know how to do, but many don't, so it's an area we'll cover in the session anyway. Don't worry about getting it wrong - this is a learning exercise!).

Guidelines for film scripts:
Spec script (which you'd usually want to come in around 90 mins), plus synopsis (hint - you have to give away your twists in your synopsis! This synopsis is a pitching tool to get a producer on board, it isn't an advertising tool to get someone to buy a cinema ticket. Lay out your beats, surprises and all, so we know quickly that you can deliver on plot.)

General guidelines:
Leah represents all genres and is happy to see scripts from all genres, but has offered the following tips to anyone keen to get the most out of their writing and of the session:

'The main thing I would encourage your writers to do is really challenge themselves to offer characters and narrative arcs that feel original. I see a lot of very competent scripts in my line of work, but oftentimes we're treading very familiar territory, and it can be hard for writers to stand out if they're ploughing an already well-ploughed furrow.

There is only one thing that I really don't want to see in a script, and that is needless over-sexualisation of female characters. I mention it specifically because I see it on an almost daily basis in my submissions pile, particularly from young male writers. So no female characters working in the sex industry unless it is absolutely fundamental to your story (it rarely is); no descriptions of female characters in scene directions unless what they look like is a key plot point (it rarely is); and any female character over the age of 18 is a 'woman' not a 'girl'.'

Although there is no charge for the session, space at the venue is limited so please do sign up if you'd like to come and if you find can't make it, please sign off so someone else can take your place.