A strong alternative if you don’t like being around people very much.
The London Screenwriters Festival is and isn’t how it sounds. Yes, you can bring booze, wear whatever the hell you like, and have a dance (and they did, in between each webinar presentation) but the best bit is you do not have to step foot into a Portaloo. Yep, this is all online. Wonderful, especially if you’re like me and can occasionally feel ‘un-peopley’ when in the company of many. So, what is it? No ‘paint tin’ puns here; it is a gathering for emerging (hopeful?) and established screenwriters, and this year the London SWF team took a leap in 2025 by launching its first fully online edition. This made it more accessible to a wider audience, where you can view and learn at your own speed, without anyone giving you dirty looks as you whip out an egg mayo sandwich or wrestle with a P-P-Penguin wrapper, all recorded and packaged neatly in an email post-festival if you can’t view the live-streaming. Lovely.
Ah, but online – schmonline (I’m aware no one says this ever); is it as good? Honestly, the only scenario I dread just a little less than a room full of talking people, is a live-streaming event with classic faux-pas of muted mics and attendees asking long winded questions or leaving their virtual mitts up. None of that here though, it really was seamless, easy to navigate, and you also got to see the living rooms and offices of industry experts, which is great, if you’re a nosey bugger.
One of the highlights was the workshops and panel discussions. Established (the ones getting paid) screenwriters and industry pros shared their insights on various topics from storytelling techniques to the latest trends in the film and television industry. This was made more interactive with participants having the opportunity to ask questions and receive real-time feedback, which, compared to the in-person event, was much slicker as you didn’t have to wait for some poor sod to run the length of a theatre with the mic.
The festival also featured exclusive masterclasses with some of the most influential names in screenwriting. This provided a peek into the creative processes of successful writers, offering advice and inspiration to budding writers. This, for me, was the ultimate highlight. As ex-Army, who is venturing into this sector, I have often found it tricky to grasp the process, and us lot love a process! It’s also where I learned that I am a ‘Pantser’ whereas ordinarily, I should be a ‘Plotter’.
- Pantser – to ‘Fly by the seat of your pants’, which is to write without a plan. Rogue!
- Plotter – The complete opposite to the Pantser, who plans with structure. Sensible!
It was something I couldn’t grasp the combination of applying structure to a creative project. Of course, this has to happen but knowing how best to do this from a leading expert was invaluable and gave me the kick up the rear I needed. Imagine asking Paul Hollywood how to avoid a soggy bottom, but professionally with no double entendre. That’s how instrumental it was.
Networking, though it’s crucial aspect of any event, I would honestly rather crap in my hands and clap than do it. However, this was online, how bad could it possibly be? Not too bad, actually. It was effectively facilitated through breakout rooms, and discussion forums. Did I take part? No. I really need to work on that.
Anyway, attendees were able to connect with fellow budding screenwriters (I was busy washing my hair), as well as producers, and agents, The festival’s online event ensured these interactions were as productive as they would be in person. Providing you have social skills, that is.
It must be said; The London Screenwriters Festival Online Launch 2025 has set the tone for all future online/virtual events in this industry. Although, this is the only one I know of and that is saying something (that either I haven’t looked, or this is the best – I think it’s both). Having attended the in-person event last year, I really do prefer this style, and no, not because I’m anti-social. You’re getting a great product in the comfort of your own home, in your own time, without elbowing your way through crowds, exchanging a kidney for a London priced cheese toastie or experiencing some peoples lack of deodorant application skills. Oh, and you don’t have to compromise on which seminar to attend and can be totally greedy by attending all (laughs in 80’s horror).
To conclude, the online launch of the London Festival in 2025 was bloody good, and like I said, though I enjoyed the in-person event which has so many benefits that I may have neglected to list, the online festival is a game-changer for me. Billy bonus? It cost a ‘deep sea diver’ or a bit more if you’re feeling flush. Bargain.
Missed out? Email the team on info@londonswf.com or grab a ticket for the in-person London Screenwriters Festival 25-27 April 2025 here.
Veteran, Mum, Wife and budding writer from London.
