I'm learning how to do new things. Like embed links to some stuff I've written for. Hopefully I'll be able to build this up to a page where I can link to everything I've got out there in print at the moment.
Even though prose storytelling hasn't been my main focus for a while I've still managed a good amount of short stories for these collections, and might have some more stuff on it's way.
To celebrate this, and the run up to story collection 2, our first collection is 99p. Click on the new thingy at the side and treat yourself to some odd stories for under a quid. If you like it you might want to look out for our second collection on June 2nd.
Tuesday, 26 May 2015
Sunday, 3 May 2015
5 star films: April 2015
A quick one this month, or last month now as I'm a little late posting this up. I'll be honest with you I didn't realise the month had gone by so fast.
Even though I watched a lot of films last month, up to 99 for the year now, only one got a 5 star rating this month, and I'd seen it before too, but a long time ago.
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY - You'll either love or hate it, but you'll definitely have an opinion. I find it beautiful, epic film making. The soundtrack combined with the images is perfect, and it has some great moments, creepy, unnerving. After watching I was thinking about it for weeks, and I'm sure it didn't have as much impact last time. It's a film you've got to see, just to make up your own mind, of a film which will feature in top 100 films to see before you die lists everywhere.
Even though I watched a lot of films last month, up to 99 for the year now, only one got a 5 star rating this month, and I'd seen it before too, but a long time ago.
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY - You'll either love or hate it, but you'll definitely have an opinion. I find it beautiful, epic film making. The soundtrack combined with the images is perfect, and it has some great moments, creepy, unnerving. After watching I was thinking about it for weeks, and I'm sure it didn't have as much impact last time. It's a film you've got to see, just to make up your own mind, of a film which will feature in top 100 films to see before you die lists everywhere.
Wednesday, 1 April 2015
5 star films : March 2015
Four 5 star films again this month, but loads that were brilliant but had niggly things about them. Yeah, it's been a good month for watching movies.
Here's my 5 star choices -
THE GOLDEN DREAM - Beautiful film making, this feels so real, performances, naturalistic shooting and narrative really help that feel. A visual metaphor which punctuates the act breaks resonates more and more throughout. Seek this out, it's absolutely heart breaking, and the young cast are impeccable. Another film I don't want to give too much away about.
CENTURION - On another viewing this wouldn't be a 5 star film, but I really enjoyed it. Was completely in the mood for it. It felt like a great bank holiday movie with added gore, and after Doomsday it restored my love for Neil Marshall.
WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF - This is almost a perfect movie. My third or fourth time watching it and I love how the tension builds, the cinematography is so sharp throughout, and the ending still catches me off guard in it's bizarre sweetness and affection. Watch it for Burton and Taylor but leave feeling nourished on every level.
MAMMOTH - In March I reached the end of my Lukas Moodysson marathon, and through Hole in my Heart and Container, although both had their merits, it felt like a marathon. this was his first film mainly in the English language. It did have a completely different feel to it. This time focusing upon an affluent family rather than the down trodden, it continues his theme of responsibility to children, advancing them from bringing them into the world from Container to being present for them. People are calling We are the best his return to form, which I also watched this month and loved, but I think he'd already returned to form with Mammoth.
Here's my 5 star choices -
THE GOLDEN DREAM - Beautiful film making, this feels so real, performances, naturalistic shooting and narrative really help that feel. A visual metaphor which punctuates the act breaks resonates more and more throughout. Seek this out, it's absolutely heart breaking, and the young cast are impeccable. Another film I don't want to give too much away about.
CENTURION - On another viewing this wouldn't be a 5 star film, but I really enjoyed it. Was completely in the mood for it. It felt like a great bank holiday movie with added gore, and after Doomsday it restored my love for Neil Marshall.
WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF - This is almost a perfect movie. My third or fourth time watching it and I love how the tension builds, the cinematography is so sharp throughout, and the ending still catches me off guard in it's bizarre sweetness and affection. Watch it for Burton and Taylor but leave feeling nourished on every level.
MAMMOTH - In March I reached the end of my Lukas Moodysson marathon, and through Hole in my Heart and Container, although both had their merits, it felt like a marathon. this was his first film mainly in the English language. It did have a completely different feel to it. This time focusing upon an affluent family rather than the down trodden, it continues his theme of responsibility to children, advancing them from bringing them into the world from Container to being present for them. People are calling We are the best his return to form, which I also watched this month and loved, but I think he'd already returned to form with Mammoth.
Tuesday, 17 March 2015
Twisted Showcase LIVE
Over a week ago now we hosted an event to launch the Twisted Showcase exhibition. It featured poetry, the best episodes of Twisted Showcase and was headlined by the brilliant Norman Lovett.
This has been a great experience, a lot different from what we're used to as reclusive writers, it has been great to get out there into different areas, and we never thought there would be an exhibition for our little show featuring, posters, props, an entire wall of scripts and a viewing place where you can relax on the sofa and watch Twisted Showcase.
Seeing the series in this light and getting a chance to watch the films again really seems like a great way to draw a line under it. Don't worry the series isn't ending, we're going ahead with Series 4, but like Empty Sofa sort of ended that last cycle of films, and this reflection on them has sealed that part of Showcase in the past, the next series will hopefully be a progression. As always with Twisted Showcase we aim to be different, but with that essential Twisted ingredient that ties it together.
Make sure you go an see the recipe of what made Twisted Showcase Series 1-3 whilst it's being exhibited.
We wanted a feel of a traditional variety show, fused in out own Twisted way. Which we achieved, it was a great night. I was too busy to enjoy it as it happened, but enjoyed people's reactions, and got to watch Norman Lovett perform a great set. The third time I've seen him and the best yet. A real honour for us to have a great talent like him launch our exhibition.
Our exhibition can be viewed at UN DEG UN Thursdays - Saturday 12pm -4pm until April 8th. We will also be uploading the exhibition online ASAP. We're just thinking of different ways of doing this to bring you an immersive experience. Whilst thinking about this we probably looked as lost and confused as we did on the night, see evidence in the picture below, kindly provided by Voicebox.
This has been a great experience, a lot different from what we're used to as reclusive writers, it has been great to get out there into different areas, and we never thought there would be an exhibition for our little show featuring, posters, props, an entire wall of scripts and a viewing place where you can relax on the sofa and watch Twisted Showcase.
Seeing the series in this light and getting a chance to watch the films again really seems like a great way to draw a line under it. Don't worry the series isn't ending, we're going ahead with Series 4, but like Empty Sofa sort of ended that last cycle of films, and this reflection on them has sealed that part of Showcase in the past, the next series will hopefully be a progression. As always with Twisted Showcase we aim to be different, but with that essential Twisted ingredient that ties it together.
Make sure you go an see the recipe of what made Twisted Showcase Series 1-3 whilst it's being exhibited.
Saturday, 28 February 2015
5 star films - February 2015
I really need to blog about the Twisted Showcase Live event, but I have promised to keep this monthly blog going where I list films I've watched in the last month that I'd rate as 5 stars. Seen loads of great films this month, but with lots of them I've had quibbles, little minor niggles that have stopped them being a 5 star film.
So this month there are 4 films which get the 5 star rating. Here they are: -
LILYA 4 EVER - Another month, another Lukas Moodysoon film. Hard going as it focuses on homelessness and sex trafficking involving children. The tone is slightly alleviated by a fairytale feel to some aspects, but the bile and anger can be felt here. This film is sickened at the world but trying to find beauty, if you have the courage, give it a go.
ROBOT & FRANK - A subtle, low key treat with plenty of charm. If you liked Baymax in Big Hero 6 you might take to the robot in this, although the tale takes this to darker places. It hurt my heart but won't explain why as don't want to ruin this if anyone chooses to watch it. That's what I find hard writing these, getting across why I like them while allowing people to experience it for themselves.
THE BLACK CAULDRON - I'd never seen this Disney film, it's got some great, terrifying imagery and a lovely folk tale feel. It doesn't overplay it's cute characters and really made me laugh and make my eyes bulge out in fear.
THE LIVES OF OTHERS - Oppressive and plain looking with some disconcerting edits early on that keep you feeling a little on edge. The film, like it's lead character, slowly reveals its soul for a film that is beautiful in it's love of art and humanity, whilst also being tense and about a period of time and place I embarrassingly lack much knowledge of. Seek this one out for note perfect film making.
So this month there are 4 films which get the 5 star rating. Here they are: -
LILYA 4 EVER - Another month, another Lukas Moodysoon film. Hard going as it focuses on homelessness and sex trafficking involving children. The tone is slightly alleviated by a fairytale feel to some aspects, but the bile and anger can be felt here. This film is sickened at the world but trying to find beauty, if you have the courage, give it a go.
ROBOT & FRANK - A subtle, low key treat with plenty of charm. If you liked Baymax in Big Hero 6 you might take to the robot in this, although the tale takes this to darker places. It hurt my heart but won't explain why as don't want to ruin this if anyone chooses to watch it. That's what I find hard writing these, getting across why I like them while allowing people to experience it for themselves.
THE BLACK CAULDRON - I'd never seen this Disney film, it's got some great, terrifying imagery and a lovely folk tale feel. It doesn't overplay it's cute characters and really made me laugh and make my eyes bulge out in fear.
THE LIVES OF OTHERS - Oppressive and plain looking with some disconcerting edits early on that keep you feeling a little on edge. The film, like it's lead character, slowly reveals its soul for a film that is beautiful in it's love of art and humanity, whilst also being tense and about a period of time and place I embarrassingly lack much knowledge of. Seek this one out for note perfect film making.
Saturday, 31 January 2015
5 star films - January 2015
This is the first in what I hope will be a series of monthly blog posts where I name films I've rated 5 stars within that month.
Couple of things to bare in mind, this is just my personal opinion, what I thought of the film as I watched it on this occasion. It could change on a rewatch, some ties I could be watching with an analytical eye, other times I might be a few drinks into the evening.
Also it might not be the most relevant list, currently I don't go to the cinema that often, I haven't seen many of the awards films currently out at the cinema, in fact the only new release I've seen out in January has been Big Hero 6, and that didn't get 5 stars.
But, I have watched 31 films in January, so there is plenty of choice and maybe there might be something among these monthly recommendations that you fancy seeing, a reminder of something you've always wanted to see, or something you've never heard of.
This list is just as much for my memory though as for you. Onwards to January 2015's 5 star film
TOGETHER -Lukas Moodysson's 2nd feature is beautifully honest and uplifting in a strange way. I'm not sure why I find this uplifting, there's plenty of depression and constant arguing, but as people bond over a football match no one could really care about, the fun and joy shines through. Great believable characters make this one of Moodysson's best. Am currently working my way through his back catalogue so expect more to appear here, if he can reach 5 stars again.
THE ROVER - Another 2nd feature, this one from David Michod. I loved Animal Kingdom, but hadn't heard positive things about this one. I loved it's simplicity in narrative which focused you on character motivation and used the strange dessicated landscape and futuristic world as background. Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson have both never been better, but the soundtrack is the stand out, phenomenal.
THE BROKEN CIRCLE BREAKDOWN - I saw this not knowing much about it, I heard it featured plenty of bluegrass music, so my interest was piqued. I didn't expect the emotional maelstrom I was going to be put through. So intense I think i worked up a sweat and my hand hurt afterwards from gripping the chair. The blue grass works as moments of levity away from the story, but aren't separate from it, they weave in well. Structurally it is similar to Blue Valentine but with a wider scope of interest in the themes it explores.
THE MASTER - I'm a huge P.T Anderson fan and wasn't disappointed in this, another change of style and time period in a film where every second could be paused and framed, the performances are some of the best committed to film that show a complex relationship that gives you plenty to chew on.
4 films receive the 5 star treatment this month, out of 31. Come back for more end of February
Couple of things to bare in mind, this is just my personal opinion, what I thought of the film as I watched it on this occasion. It could change on a rewatch, some ties I could be watching with an analytical eye, other times I might be a few drinks into the evening.
Also it might not be the most relevant list, currently I don't go to the cinema that often, I haven't seen many of the awards films currently out at the cinema, in fact the only new release I've seen out in January has been Big Hero 6, and that didn't get 5 stars.
But, I have watched 31 films in January, so there is plenty of choice and maybe there might be something among these monthly recommendations that you fancy seeing, a reminder of something you've always wanted to see, or something you've never heard of.
This list is just as much for my memory though as for you. Onwards to January 2015's 5 star film
TOGETHER -Lukas Moodysson's 2nd feature is beautifully honest and uplifting in a strange way. I'm not sure why I find this uplifting, there's plenty of depression and constant arguing, but as people bond over a football match no one could really care about, the fun and joy shines through. Great believable characters make this one of Moodysson's best. Am currently working my way through his back catalogue so expect more to appear here, if he can reach 5 stars again.
THE ROVER - Another 2nd feature, this one from David Michod. I loved Animal Kingdom, but hadn't heard positive things about this one. I loved it's simplicity in narrative which focused you on character motivation and used the strange dessicated landscape and futuristic world as background. Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson have both never been better, but the soundtrack is the stand out, phenomenal.
THE BROKEN CIRCLE BREAKDOWN - I saw this not knowing much about it, I heard it featured plenty of bluegrass music, so my interest was piqued. I didn't expect the emotional maelstrom I was going to be put through. So intense I think i worked up a sweat and my hand hurt afterwards from gripping the chair. The blue grass works as moments of levity away from the story, but aren't separate from it, they weave in well. Structurally it is similar to Blue Valentine but with a wider scope of interest in the themes it explores.
THE MASTER - I'm a huge P.T Anderson fan and wasn't disappointed in this, another change of style and time period in a film where every second could be paused and framed, the performances are some of the best committed to film that show a complex relationship that gives you plenty to chew on.
4 films receive the 5 star treatment this month, out of 31. Come back for more end of February
Thursday, 1 January 2015
How was 2014 for you
Another year has been and gone, like a flash, as seems to be the ongoing trend now. So, how was 2014 for you? Writing wise it's been my best 'almost' year. A few really exciting things got closer than ever before to happening, especially how close I got to writing on a programme I've loved since it began.
But, there wasn't just almosts, and whether they are positive or negative there was some actual stuff that did happen. It was a year where Twisted Showcase came back. Almost 18 months after Series 2 we managed to pull together another series, and I'm really proud of it. All the episodes were accomplished and each has their supporters. That was another thing that was great for me about 2014, people really started to champion my work, we gained some brilliant fans of Twisted Showcase who spurred us on to work even harder and even to release an E-book before the year was finished. We also had our first panel at a Comic Con,and I was embarrassed beyond belief by being asked for an autograph.
Also I found myself getting brilliant feedback from writers whose work I absolutely love. Two of my scripts were the main focus of this, my hour long TV drama pilot, The Benefits was the first, but the one which seemed to get most attention was a childrens' TV script called Smoke Beasts.
I'm tempted to go through my e mails and pull out quotes but I'll save my bragging for private moments, I say writing a blog of all my favourite bits of last year. To balance it out, maybe a few negatives. I struggled to get into a flow on a feature script at the end of the year, the last three months have been a slog on that and it's still not done, and although almost having great things happen keeps you going, it is also massively frustrating.
Having a series which gained lots of press certainly helped to keep me going. Honestly, if you're a writer, do anything to get some work out there. Audio plays, podcasts, monologues, short films, theatre productions, web series, whatever you can manage, do it, create something. Make that your resolution this year.
It could lead to anything. Here's some of my favourite press bits from last year.
Starburst E Book interview
Starburst Series Interview
Guardian Guide Twisted Showcase
My absolute favourite is that Guardian line '...like the League of Gentlemen, but with no jokes.' Which I take as a compliment, especially when paired with being compared to Black Mirror also.
So a huge thanks to anyone that's helped this year, from those who offered words of advice on Twitter, to those who read stuff, to those who passed on my scripts to others, championed them and met up with me.
Looking forward, I have a feature to finish, a format breaking sitcom that is beginning to form and a rewrite on a drama for one of the best first drafts I've ever written. Then there's this list of ideas to try and get to, and finishing up one more script for Twisted Showcase Series 4. I hope we can get it out this year, don't want another 18 month break.
Let's strap in, 2015 is about to start. What? It's started already. Blimey!
But, there wasn't just almosts, and whether they are positive or negative there was some actual stuff that did happen. It was a year where Twisted Showcase came back. Almost 18 months after Series 2 we managed to pull together another series, and I'm really proud of it. All the episodes were accomplished and each has their supporters. That was another thing that was great for me about 2014, people really started to champion my work, we gained some brilliant fans of Twisted Showcase who spurred us on to work even harder and even to release an E-book before the year was finished. We also had our first panel at a Comic Con,and I was embarrassed beyond belief by being asked for an autograph.
Also I found myself getting brilliant feedback from writers whose work I absolutely love. Two of my scripts were the main focus of this, my hour long TV drama pilot, The Benefits was the first, but the one which seemed to get most attention was a childrens' TV script called Smoke Beasts.
I'm tempted to go through my e mails and pull out quotes but I'll save my bragging for private moments, I say writing a blog of all my favourite bits of last year. To balance it out, maybe a few negatives. I struggled to get into a flow on a feature script at the end of the year, the last three months have been a slog on that and it's still not done, and although almost having great things happen keeps you going, it is also massively frustrating.
Having a series which gained lots of press certainly helped to keep me going. Honestly, if you're a writer, do anything to get some work out there. Audio plays, podcasts, monologues, short films, theatre productions, web series, whatever you can manage, do it, create something. Make that your resolution this year.
It could lead to anything. Here's some of my favourite press bits from last year.
Starburst E Book interview
Starburst Series Interview
Guardian Guide Twisted Showcase
My absolute favourite is that Guardian line '...like the League of Gentlemen, but with no jokes.' Which I take as a compliment, especially when paired with being compared to Black Mirror also.
So a huge thanks to anyone that's helped this year, from those who offered words of advice on Twitter, to those who read stuff, to those who passed on my scripts to others, championed them and met up with me.
Looking forward, I have a feature to finish, a format breaking sitcom that is beginning to form and a rewrite on a drama for one of the best first drafts I've ever written. Then there's this list of ideas to try and get to, and finishing up one more script for Twisted Showcase Series 4. I hope we can get it out this year, don't want another 18 month break.
Let's strap in, 2015 is about to start. What? It's started already. Blimey!
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