The Calling Card Script: A writer's toolbox for screen, stage and radio

Description

The calling card script is the script that expresses your voice, gets you noticed and helps you reach commission and production. Written by Paul Ashton, Development Manager of the BBC writersroom, and born out of his wide experience of reading scripts, working with writers, and as an industry 'gatekeeper', this is a guide to the key writing tools you need to know and understand to write a truly original script. As many professionals need to switch mediums and genres in order to survive and thrive, the book uniquely draws together the universal principles of dramatic storytelling for screen, stage, and radio. With a focus on the script as a blue print for performance, sections and chapters break down into bite-sized practical insights and the book mirrors both the journey of the story and process of writing it. The Calling Card Script shows how to tell a great story in script form and offers valuable professional development insight for all writers, whether established or just starting out, who wish to hone their craft and speak their voice.

Paul Ashton is the Development Producer at BBC Writersroom. He has assessed thousands of scripts, developed hundreds of writers, and written, produced and directed new writing across theatre, radio, film and television.

'offers valuable professional development insight for all writers, established or just starting out.' * Writers Forum (March 2011) * 'Every aspiring writer needs a Calling Card Script and Paul Ashton's excellent book will help them acquire one. Just add talent.' * Ashley Pharoah, Writer and Creator (Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes, Wild at Heart, Case Histories) June 2011 * 'Marvellous. Wears its references lightly ...key shows like Being Human and Life On Mars are laced through the book as examples of how these shows can answer a variety of questions. The examples are clear, and the book is a positive examination about how good work is made and lessons to be learnt from this good work. It's clear, precise and inspirational...I wish I'd read it ten years ago.' * Jack Thorne, Writer (Skins, Cast-Offs, This Is England '86, Shameless) June 2011 *