It is with sadness LondonSWF notes that renowned Script Guru and author of SCREENPLAY Syd Field has died, aged 77.
Syd was an enthusiastic screenwriting teacher, writer and tweeter – known for his affable style and laidback approach. His paradigm worksheet shed light on screenplay structure and dramatic context for a generation of students of the craft. What was so great about the paradigm was it made difficult concepts accessible by making them visual … the epitome of screenwriting, really! It had its detractors, but I recall it having a major impact on me as a young writer and for that I am grateful.
I went to Syd Field’s Masterclass in London almost ten years ago. Back then I was a single Mum, so had had to put the ticket on a credit card and a small loan from my son’s father. I felt sure I had made a mistake and felt tremendous guilt; I’d done a number of other short courses, with varying results from “average” to “poor”. Why had I spent so much on something that felt “frivolous” – what if I never “made it” as a writer?
And the Masterclass was by no means perfect. Syd suffered dreadful tech problems and on a number of occasions we were all left, Syd included, waiting (not so) patiently whilst harassed runners tried to get the projector going! But the smile never left Syd’s lips; he adjusted his trademark cap and chatted amiably with us all, as if we were mates all round a pub table, rather than an auditorium full to bursting.
But Syd took it all in his stride and took us through screenplays and movies as varied as SIDEWAYS and KILL BILL. He talked about his famed “Circle of Being” moments and the paradigm. I didn’t agree with everything but there was good stuff there I still use to this day, plus SCREENPLAY still remains one of the books I recommend most to Bang2writers.
I remember asking a question. I stood up and said, “How do you make it as a writer?” Syd grinned and simply said,
“Whatever it takes.”
It was like a thousand lightbulbs came on in my head. Not long after that class, I launched Bang2write and the rest, as they say, is history.
So thanks for everything, Syd Field. Hope your arc continues.
Lucy V. Hay is a script editor, author and blogger who helps writers. She’s been the script editor and advisor on numerous UK features and shorts & has also been a script reader for 20 years, providing coverage for indie prodcos, investors, screen agencies, producers, directors and individual writers. Lucy is also an author, publishing as both LV Hay and Lizzie Fry.
