IFTA Lunchtime Labs - Malcolm Campbell

IFTA launched its new Lunchtime Labs series on Friday January 17th through a discussion with award-winning screenwriter Malcolm Campbell (What Richard Did, The White Queen) who gave a valuable and honest insight into writing on episodic drama both in the UK and US and his experience with adapting novels and other source materials.

The hour-long discussion, attended by IFTA Members from the writing, directing & acting chapters was facilitated by Fiona Ashe. Malcolm, originally from England, spoke frankly on his start with the industry, working in writer’s rooms on serial dramas such as The Bill and Shameless and the unforgiving atmosphere of writing to deadlines on episodic dramas, Skins and Monday Monday.

The discussion turned to Malcolm’s move to living in Ireland and his recent successes, working with director Lenny Abrahamson on adapting Kevin Power’s novel Bad Day in Blackrock into the film What Richard Did. The film, which catapulted its lead actor Jack Reynor to success was critically acclaimed, earning Malcolm the IFTA, UK Writers Guild and Evening Standard British Film Awards for his screenplay. Malcolm finished off this informative discussion by answering questions from the audience on his writing routines, favourite characters to write and his tips for making it in the industry.
IFTA Lunchtime Labs will be unique monthly discussion events which offer IFTA Members an opportunity to learn & engage with experts working across diverse aspects of the industry in an intimate, relaxed setting.

Biography:

Malcolm Campbell is a screenwriter with a range of film and television credits. His debut feature film, What Richard Did, has recently won several awards, notably Best Screenplay at the 2013 IFTA’s, Best Screenplay at the Evening Standard British Film Awards and Best First Script at the British Writers' Guild Awards. He has won TV BAFTA Awards for his own dramas, L8R and L8R Youngers and written on some of the most celebrated TV shows of recent years, including Skins, Shameless and the recently Golden Globe-nominated The White Queen. Malcolm grew up in England but now lives & works in Dublin.

See Malcolm’s 2013 interview with IFTN here.