By Rajan Sabanathan
Part two of two from screenwriter Rajan Sabanathan, a first time LSFer, to share his top tips, insights and takeaways from the festival. Bullet points incoming!
The Ordinary World:
Some important backstory:
- I have worked in the Pharmaceutical Industry for many years, but have always felt creatively unfulfilled and dreamt of making films.
- In October 2024, I made the bold decision to take a year off to concentrate full-time on screenwriting.
- Fate knocked on my door, when I heard about the upcoming London Screenwriters’ Festival. I was curious and unsure, partly because of the cost, but then I remembered what Mark Twain said: “We regret the things we don’t do more than the things we do” …
The New World:
I arrived at the LSF, nervous and excited by what I would encounter. But I found so much more than I could have ever hoped for:
- Endless parallel sessions with a huge variety of interesting and valuable topics: talks, panels, interactive sessions and networking events. It was difficult to choose, but well worth planning out the 3 days.
- Hundreds of unfamiliar faces: attendees, film execs, and organisers; it was intimidating initially to strike up conversations. However, I soon realised the LSF was full of supportive and friendly people, who shared my hopes, dreams and fears. By connecting with as many people as I could, I discovered a festival full of energy, motivation, and hope.
- I faced the daunting challenge of pitching: 1on1 in the Pitchfest session, the even scarier prospect of pitching to John Yorke in front of 150 or so festival attendees, and many ad hoc opportunities during the festival.
The Ordinary World (Changed):
I left the festival on Sunday afternoon, exhausted, emotional, and changed:
- I learnt so much during the 3 days, that will help with not only my writing, but also my next career steps. I also found unexpected nuggets, for example, in the X-Factor session, we were challenged to consider why we write what we write and how it will deepen our stories; and how considering your Character’s Inner World will help you determine which story tests and events will break and rebuild them. There is also the comfort of knowing I can go back and watch the other sessions I missed online.
- I have found a film making community and made some great new writing friends, and am already arranging zoom calls and coffees with many of them.
- By pushing myself and conquering my fears in the pitch sessions, I created important connections and opportunities. I have received several offers to read my finished script and discuss my other story ideas; and even some unexpected offers taking my writing in completely unexpected directions.
Screenwriter based in Warfield, Berkshire, inspired by character driven stories that deal with universal themes.
