Hello! It's been a while, hasn't it? You look positively radiant. Have you been on holiday? Lovely.
Just thought you'd like to know that this year's Red Planet Prize looks likely to be launched later in the year. As soon as any news is confirmed, I'll flag it up here, and in the usual online outlets. For the moment though, you might as well recline that sun lounger and order yourself another mojito. We'll see you in a bit.
Friday, 14 August 2009
Monday, 4 May 2009
Mark Wilkinson, Q&A
As you no doubt are aware, Mark Wilkinson won this year's Red Planet Prize with his script, The Ropes. So, in advance of the Red Planet workshops that are happening in a couple of weeks, I threw Mark a few questions to find out a bit more about him and his work.
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Congratulations on winning the Red Planet Prize! Where were you and what were you doing when you found out?
I was on the way to work, Simon Winstone from Red Planet left a very brief message on my phone asking me to ring him. I waited a couple of hours before ringing back, convincing myself that I hadn’t won.
How long have you been writing?
I started about ten years ago on a film and television course at Leeds Metropolitan University. On and off since then – more off than on.
And how long have you been writing your winning script, The Ropes?
I spent about 10 months on research, character biographies and thinking about the structure of the series. Once I had an idea of where it was going, I worked my way backwards to find out where it should start. The writing of the actual script took about 3 to 4 months.
OK, how long did you spend on your first ten pages?
The first ten pages came relatively quickly, maybe a couple of weeks. But I spent a long time thinking about whether I should change them - because nothing really happens. It’s a slow introduction of the three main characters, there’s no car chase, meteor strike or plane crash. I just tried to set a tone, create some interest in the characters and show that I had some writing skills.
Did you have the rest of the script ready to go, or did you have to write and revise it while waiting for the 2nd round call?
One or two minor tweaks, on the whole it was ready and waiting to go.
What do you consider the biggest frustrations to be for a new writer trying to find his or her way?
For me it was a case of: I’ve written a script - now what do I do with it? Send it to BBC Writers Room and The Red Planet Prize – but who else is going to read it? If you’ve spent 14 months writing a script you’d like more than two people to read it.
Ever consider that it wasn’t going to work out for you?
Yes, I still do – fear and doubt are huge motivators for me. I still have a full time job outside of writing. The only thing I’ve done of note is win one competition. There’s still a long, long way to go before I’d ever consider thinking of myself as a writer.
What helped you get through the tougher times, in terms of your writing?
Absolute belief in my ability, however misplaced that may be. And that hard work will eventually be rewarded. I was absolutely committed to this script, I lived and breathed it. Nothing else mattered.
What’s the best bit of advice you’ve received, or take inspiration from?
“Write, always.” Something I’ve only recently heeded. It’s not easy to lock yourself away for 8 hours on a sunny day and write. But it’s got to be done. The more I write the more I seem to improve.
What are your favourite TV dramas?
The Sopranos, The Wire, Mad Men, Lost.
Favourite writers?
Apart from Tony Jordan! – well there’s David Chase as I’m a huge Sopranos fan and Mathew Weiner who wrote for The Sopranos and created the fantastic Mad Men. Paul Schrader, perhaps too much - as I spent far too long trying to write like him, instead of finding my own voice. Another favourite is Guillermo Arriaga and his trilogy of Amores Perros, 21 Grams and Babel.
What are your TV guilty pleasures?
The Hills on MTV – utter trash, but brilliant.
And finally, what’s next for you?
For so long it just seemed ridiculous to me that I could become a writer – but now I have a fantastic opportunity to make it happen. So it’s a case of more hard work to make a dream become a reality.
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THANKS, MARK!
---
Congratulations on winning the Red Planet Prize! Where were you and what were you doing when you found out?
I was on the way to work, Simon Winstone from Red Planet left a very brief message on my phone asking me to ring him. I waited a couple of hours before ringing back, convincing myself that I hadn’t won.
How long have you been writing?
I started about ten years ago on a film and television course at Leeds Metropolitan University. On and off since then – more off than on.
And how long have you been writing your winning script, The Ropes?
I spent about 10 months on research, character biographies and thinking about the structure of the series. Once I had an idea of where it was going, I worked my way backwards to find out where it should start. The writing of the actual script took about 3 to 4 months.
OK, how long did you spend on your first ten pages?
The first ten pages came relatively quickly, maybe a couple of weeks. But I spent a long time thinking about whether I should change them - because nothing really happens. It’s a slow introduction of the three main characters, there’s no car chase, meteor strike or plane crash. I just tried to set a tone, create some interest in the characters and show that I had some writing skills.
Did you have the rest of the script ready to go, or did you have to write and revise it while waiting for the 2nd round call?
One or two minor tweaks, on the whole it was ready and waiting to go.
What do you consider the biggest frustrations to be for a new writer trying to find his or her way?
For me it was a case of: I’ve written a script - now what do I do with it? Send it to BBC Writers Room and The Red Planet Prize – but who else is going to read it? If you’ve spent 14 months writing a script you’d like more than two people to read it.
Ever consider that it wasn’t going to work out for you?
Yes, I still do – fear and doubt are huge motivators for me. I still have a full time job outside of writing. The only thing I’ve done of note is win one competition. There’s still a long, long way to go before I’d ever consider thinking of myself as a writer.
What helped you get through the tougher times, in terms of your writing?
Absolute belief in my ability, however misplaced that may be. And that hard work will eventually be rewarded. I was absolutely committed to this script, I lived and breathed it. Nothing else mattered.
What’s the best bit of advice you’ve received, or take inspiration from?
“Write, always.” Something I’ve only recently heeded. It’s not easy to lock yourself away for 8 hours on a sunny day and write. But it’s got to be done. The more I write the more I seem to improve.
What are your favourite TV dramas?
The Sopranos, The Wire, Mad Men, Lost.
Favourite writers?
Apart from Tony Jordan! – well there’s David Chase as I’m a huge Sopranos fan and Mathew Weiner who wrote for The Sopranos and created the fantastic Mad Men. Paul Schrader, perhaps too much - as I spent far too long trying to write like him, instead of finding my own voice. Another favourite is Guillermo Arriaga and his trilogy of Amores Perros, 21 Grams and Babel.
What are your TV guilty pleasures?
The Hills on MTV – utter trash, but brilliant.
And finally, what’s next for you?
For so long it just seemed ridiculous to me that I could become a writer – but now I have a fantastic opportunity to make it happen. So it’s a case of more hard work to make a dream become a reality.
---
THANKS, MARK!
Friday, 3 April 2009
2008 Winner!
We’re delighted to announce that Mark Wilkinson, a VT Operator, is the 2008 winner of The Red Planet Prize. His script, The Ropes, is a piece inspired by the time Mark was left housebound by a broken leg for four months.
Wilkinson commented: “I'm extremely proud to have won the Red Planet Prize. It’s absolutely unique; there really is nothing else out there like it. I can't wait to start working with Tony and the Red Planet team.’’
Tony Jordan, commented today "I’m thrilled not only for Mark and his rather wonderful script, but also at the standard of writing of the entries this year.”
Details of the 2009 Red Planet Prize will be announced shortly.
See a nice photo, and stuff, at the revamped Red Planet website.
Wilkinson commented: “I'm extremely proud to have won the Red Planet Prize. It’s absolutely unique; there really is nothing else out there like it. I can't wait to start working with Tony and the Red Planet team.’’
Tony Jordan, commented today "I’m thrilled not only for Mark and his rather wonderful script, but also at the standard of writing of the entries this year.”
Details of the 2009 Red Planet Prize will be announced shortly.
See a nice photo, and stuff, at the revamped Red Planet website.
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Update
Sorry for the delay. I know a lot of you are waiting on tenterhooks. The judges have yet to pick a winner, so hopefully it won't be too much longer. As soon as the news breaks, I'll let you know. Thanks!
Friday, 9 January 2009
Nearly, Not Quite
We're nearly finished reading the 2nd round scripts so bear with us, it'll probably be a couple more weeks, at least, before we reach the final shortlist. Thanks for your patience!
Saturday, 29 November 2008
Notified
All the writers for the 2nd round have been notified. Thanks to everyone who submitted this year. The standard was excellent, making it extremely difficult to decide on a shortlist. There was no preference for any particular genre, despite some claims to the contrary elsewhere on the internet. We hope to announce the winner in the New Year. More soon!
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Nearly There
Ok, we're down to the last pile of scripts so we'll probably get in touch with those who made it through to the 2nd round sometime next week. I'll update again when everyone has been notified. Stay tuned!
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