In August 2017 I was selected to receive a BAFTA Scholarship to assist me in studying for my Masters in Screenwriting at Screen Academy Scotland, Edinburgh Napier. To my surprise and delight, I was also chosen as one of three people in the UK to be awarded a prestigious Prince William Scholarship.
I am relatively new to screenwriting, my background being in children’s literature. I’d always believed my novels would adapt well to the screen and this was the main motivation for dipping my toes into the screenwriting waters. I signed up for the Introduction to Screenwriting evening course at Edinburgh Napier and was soon being placed highly in script writing competitions, including C21 Media’s Drama Script Competition, where I was invited to pitch the pilot episode for my drama series to a panel of industry members in London. This gave me the confidence I needed to apply for the Screenwriting Masters at Screen Academy Scotland.
So far the course has been immensely challenging but rewarding. I worked collaboratively with the MA Film students on one of my short scripts and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience — despite the Scottish weather and late night film shoots! Being part of an amazing team who shared my creative vision and worked tirelessly to bring the story to life has been one of the highlights of the course. I learned a great deal and was both intrigued and inspired by the varying team roles. I was surprised to discover that film and television production is something I would like to explore further after I graduate.
My Masters experience has been everything I wanted and more. I have had the freedom to explore my screenwriting voice, form friendships and build networks. I feel more confident, not only as a writer, but also as a person. It has been a joy meeting so many likeminded people who share my passion for story making. I can confidently say I will stay in touch with my Edinburgh Napier family forever.