I’ve been X-Factored. Or, at least, I’ve been chosen as one of twelve screenwriters selected from the East of England region for a script development scheme which will feature mentoring and round eliminations, a structure reminiscent of X-Factor (albeit sans Cowell).

Write2screen’s “Script HotHouse” is supported by Creative East and the National Writers’ Centre. And in late September, we, the  selected dozen of writers, were given an initial intensive day-long workshop by Michael Lensfield and Christabelle Dilks, both highly experienced film industry professionals. In fact, many of us have been previously tutored by Michael at UEA where he lectures in screen adaptation. What Michael taught me about plot and story back then has influenced all areas of my writing – so if I don’t get any further than that one day workshop we had in September, just having another opportunity to attend a class led by Michael was worth it. Seriously.

We now have to submit a revised synopsis and the first thirty pages of script by Oct. 25^th. Thereafter, only six will be selected to be ‘hot-housed’ to completion of the script. And from this half dozen, only three scripts will be chosen to have their work presented to industry professionals and film-makers.  I’ve already written a draft of this script so I’m currently revising the first act in accordance to what we gleaned from Michael and Christabelle’s workshop.

So, here’s hoping my ‘act’ makes it through to the next round. I’m certainly giving it my best shot. Action!