Margit Keerdo - Resources for Screenwriters and Finding Inspiration
Freelance screenwriter Margit Keerdo knows what it takes to succeed in the industry. With degrees in cinematography and directing, and a masters in screenwriting, her talents have channelled themselves into such works as the award-winning series Life: Class After. Today, she shares some of her trade tips and tricks with us.
Who are you and what inspired you to become a screenwriter?
I’m a freelance screenwriter living in Leeds, UK. I also do script consulting on the side, and lately, I’ve started tinkering with other forms of fiction such as short stories and stage plays.
I discovered screenwriting through filmmaking. At first I wanted to study art and become a painter but I changed my mind. I already knew I wanted to study film when I got my first job on a film crew (it was a Production Assistant on a feature film) and I then went on to have a degree in Cinematography and Directing. During that four-year course I had to write my own projects to have something to film which is where I discovered writing – I realized I enjoy working with stories – trying to figure out how to get into a character’s head and how to make a story work. I’ve had lots of different jobs on films – from video assistant to 1st AD; I’ve shot, directed and edited which all has been a great experience. I think my training as a cinematographer also helps with screenwriting and seeing the visual side of the story. Some years ago I completed an MA in Screenwriting and since then I’ve been working as a full-time screenwriter.
