An evening with David Hare (Screenwriter)

GPics was at the BFI last night to attend a lecture by Screenwriter David Hare (one of the numerous evenings being held as part of the BAFTA/BFI Screenwriters Lecture Series).

Our writer, Sinead, arrived to a buzzing atmosphere and a packed auditorium, with everyone jostling to find their seat and get settled for the event ahead. Anticipation filled the air and after a brief introduction, David Hare stepped on stage to share some of his thoughts and experiences with the eager crowd.

Screenwriter of The Hours and The Reader (for which he was nominated for a BAFTA, Golden Globe and Academy Award), David opened by speaking about how, as a screenwriter he spends time imagining and thinking about the story he will mould.

Over the next hour he outlined the following beliefs that he currently holds about screenwriting (but beware, they may change as of next week - this is an ever evolving process).

• Make the outcome more interesting the proposition (it's the ending that people will remember


• Write a scene through the presence of a third person (this will add an extra layer to enrich your scene)


• Don't underestimate the power of language (it beautifully interacts with image to create a perfect whole)


• Make way for others more talented (present a script that will excite others to come forward and lift it further)

Ilustrated with fabulous clips from Citzen Kane, The Fallen Idol and Mad Men, it was a truly inspiring and entertaining evening.

Sinead is already excited at the thought of next weeks talk by Simon Beaufoy, Screenwriter of The Full Monty and Slumdog Millionaire. So make sure you check back to hear all about it!

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