Anyone who has heard me speak about the importance of ‘stories’ to our culture, our psyche and our global health, will know that I passionately believe that what we contribute to the world is of significant importance.
What we do is not just ‘write stuff’, it’s much deeper and more profound than that.
If you have got this far, open your heart and mind as I am speaking directly to you. Not because you are unique or individual, but because we are part of the same tribe – storytellers. We are brothers and sisters.
[testimonial]
So let’s back up a moment. A friend once posed an interesting question, ‘does it really matter if people do not see your work?’
The main thrust being (and I paraphrase) ‘in the act of creating art, is an audience important? Does in fact longing for an audience impact on creative integrity negatively?’
My position is simple. I am a storyteller. By definition that means I need an audience. I need my work to be produced and seen.
And therefore, on a deep and profound level, yes it does matter if my work is seen or not,
As a storyteller, the audience is my boss.
Of course when you allow the audience to dominate your writing, you end up with empty and shallow stories that ironically audiences will avoid. And when you allow ‘art’ to dominate, you may end up with pretentious, impenetrable and potentially dull nonsense.
So for me the trick is this. Allow my artistic instincts to inspire me, give me a unique spin on a story or situation, then get up close and personal with the audience.
You could call this my creative voice.
I always try to respect their intelligence, demand their attention and continually attempt to surprise, enthrall and captivate them from second to second. You see, people NEED stories.
Storytelling is fundamental to being human and helps us all understand the world and get through our tougher days. It’s easy to sweep popular culture and ‘movies that move us’ to one side, to make way for more ‘artistic’ work.
But I say to all storytellers and filmmakers, whatever genre you work in, be it drama, horror, comedy, sci-fi… don’t be fooled. What you do and offer IS important, IS significant and DOES require an audience.
And remember, that same audience also NEEDS YOU AND YOUR STORY!
If you are a storyteller, it is your duty to tell your stories. It’s an ancient and sacred tradition. Don’t underestimate its power or trivialise the act.
Keep your eye on the ball, tell the story you need to tell with passion, brevity, integrity and push your craft to the edge.
This message of courageous storytelling is at the very heart of the London Screenwriters’ Festival community.
This year we are expecting 800 delegates and 130 speakers and it will be a truly immersive event that will nourish the heart, mind and soul of any storyteller. Not just because of the great speakers and crafted sessions, but because the actual act of attending. By being surrounded by YOUR tribe, welcomed as a fellow creator, celebrated as someone who contributes powerfully through your words, you will rediscover YOUR voice, and find it is much louder and clearer than you had thought.
[testimonial]
The world we live in is terribly resigned and cynical
…and creative people like you and me tend to get marginalised as ‘dreamers’ and ‘eccentric’. And yet, funnily, when times are toughest, it’s us and our stories that people turn to in order to help them make sense of their own drama and chaos.
We are at our most powerful and resonant when people or the world is in greatest crisis.
Sound familiar?
So when I say to you, come to the London Screenwriters’ Festival, rediscover your passion, unleash your creative voice and… and who knows, change the world, I am not bullshitting you.
Seriously, that’s the game we can ALL play with this one life we have. We should not waste it.
Yes I am selling you a ticket to the LSF here, but listen more closely, I promise there is something magical here.
[testimonial]
Come, or don’t come to the festival, but DO play YOUR game at the highest possible level
Surround yourself with peers who challenge you and focus on what you know in order to grow as an artist and contribute to others who choose to experience your stories.
And remember, you and your stories are more powerful than you know.
Get your LSF passes here… https://www.londonscreenwritersfestival.com/tickets/
See you there.
Chris Jones
Creative Director
www.LondonSWF.com
PS – You should know that we have only 15% of passes left and we will sell out like we did last year. If you do choose to come, don’t wait.
[eventbrite]
Posted by a member of the London Screenwriters’ Festival team.
