Script competition tips

If you’re planning on entering the C21/eOne Drama Series Script Competition, produced in association with Script Angel (deadline October 10), the message from last year’s winner Philip Lawrence is loud and clear.

Philip Lawrence

“Write about what makes you angry and what makes you hurt. If you’re writing in your comfort zone, people won’t go for it,” he says. “Just write what’s in your heart and soul because they’ll be drawn to that like a moth to a flame.”

His winning script, Euthanasia in Suburbia, opens the door on a “covert clinic” run by a grieving daughter, her ex-husband who has HIV and his secretly necrophiliac boyfriend, as they ‘help’ dozens of desperate patients.

“It’s not really about euthanasia,” says Lawrence of the comedy-drama idea. “It’s about grief and our attitudes towards dying and loss. It touches on themes about identity and there are some diverse characters; I’m big on diversity.”

The script reads very well on paper, setting the scene on a dark and interesting operation taking place on the outskirts of London. But just as this year’s six finalists are about to find out, the competition also includes a live pitch where hopefuls present their pilots to a panel of industry judges. As a trained actor, Lawrence savoured the moment at C21’s International Drama Summit in November.

“My pitch was more about the passion of the script and feelings of grief,” he says. “I just filled it with passion, but maybe mine was easier because it was comedy. I was able to make people laugh.”

Since his script emerged as the top contender among stiff competition in 2016, Lawrence reveals his confidence has also rocketed. A frequent delegate at the London Screenwriters’ Festival, this year’s visit came with a renewed sense of enthusiasm for the networking side of things.

“I had a completely different head because of my C21 experience and working with eOne [competition partner Entertainment One]. Before, I wouldn’t approach people, but now I’m comfortable introducing myself, telling them what I have to offer and asking how we can work together,” he says.

“Winning the competition has dispelled any doubts that I’m never going to make it. Now it’s more a case of when and not if. It’s just a matter of time.”

Another aspect of the competition he got a buzz out of was being assigned Tony Jordan (EastEnders, Life on Mars, Hustle) as mentor, which was “worth the entry fee alone.” He says sharing phone calls and emails with the TV writer was like a prize in itself.

“I felt like all five of us [finalists] had kind of won by that point because we all had such great mentors; brilliant people in the business. Tony gave me lots of really great advice on pitching but also read my script and liked it,” he adds.

Unfortunately, Euthanasia in Suburbia wasn’t taken further by eOne due to another similar production (Mary Kills People) getting the green light. Lawrence has continued to collaborate with the company, however, being invited back to pitch on other projects. “I’ve learnt so much just by working with them and have made some really good friends and contacts. It’s been brilliant,” says the writer.

A year on, it’s fair to say he is in great shape after his C21 Script Competition experience. He refers to a three-year trajectory when considering his development in drama with the first year’s aim being to build a portfolio, the second to secure an agent and the third to get work. “I’m still on track,” he says, and it feels like being involved in the competition came at a pivotal point in his career.

With entries now open again, Lawrence thinks it’s “fantastic” that this year’s finalists will receive six months’ mentoring with Script Angels and encourages 2017’s crop of talent to embrace the full journey.

“Getting the experience of going into a room and selling a story has been invaluable,” he says. “The London Screenwriters’ Festival kind of prepares you for pitches, and I’ve done classes, but it’s different in a real setting. It’s invaluable.”

The winner of this year’s competition will receive US$10,000 development funding, time in a writers’ room on a current series and assistance in taking their drama project to series.

As for going back to a blank page, Lawrence concludes: “I feel like I’m getting quicker and getting to know what I’m doing because of the feedback I’ve been receiving. Every time you start something new you’re starting again. Take nothing for granted.”

The final date for entries to C21 Media’s Drama Script Competition 2017 is October 10.