Creating moving pictures

Cracking Yarns is dedicated to creating moving pictures – films that make us laugh and make us cry. Remember them? We write, produce – and run courses to help others write and produce – films that have broad appeal but don’t insult the intelligence. Good, old-fashioned, cracking yarns.

Screenwriter

I’m Australian but almost everything I know about screenwriting I learned in Hollywood – studying alongside Stuart Beattie (Collateral) as it happens. My romantic comedy called Her and Her Bloody Opera has been financed out of the States and is set to be shot by a well known Australian director. My TV series Close Quarters was developed for the BBC and optioned by Company Pictures (”Shameless”). I adapted a novel for FilmFour and had another script optioned by Harbour Pictures (”Calendar Girls”). Current project is the suicidal romantic comedy adventure, The Apocalyptic Pineapple.

Story Analyst

I read briefly for the Sundance Institute in LA before working extensively with Granada Film and the UK Film Council in London. In fact, I was the Film Council’s comedy judge for their 25 Words or Less competition. All up, I’ve read more than 1000 screenplays that have helped crystallise my thoughts on what makes a screenplay sing. If you have a project that you think is great – or you know isn’t – I’d be happy to give my professional opinion.

Producer

My producing partner is Phil Wade, a Tropfest winner. We’re always on the lookout for writers to nurture and projects to option. But we won’t look at just anything. If you think you have the greatest script that’s ever been written, sell us on it.

Screenwriting Courses Sydney

I’m passionate about storytelling and try to share my thoughts in screenwriting courses and events. I’m a huge fan of Joseph Campbell and studied under his disciple Chris Vogler in LA. Their ideas on story resonate with me – whereas McKee’s Story left me cold. I try to introduce aspiring screenwriters to this wonderful world of storytelling in courses range from 1-day introductions to 12 week screenplay development workshops.

Scriptreading

I’m prepared to read scripts but – I’ll be honest – I’m not cheap. And I won’t give you a written report. However, I will tell you what’s working – and what isn’t. And, if I really like the idea and decide to option it, I’ll waive the fee.

Pitching Competitions

To convince someone to back your film you often have to pitch it. But I also think that oral storytelling is a great way to work out if you have a cracking yarn – or a telemovie. So I’ll occasionally run pitching competitions in a range of interesting formats – before some influential industry figures.

Screenwriting Tips & Resources

When I see a film that inspires me – or drives me bananas – I’ll write a post about it. You’ll also find a list of screenwriting books I’ve found useful. And to help you understand Campbell and Vogler, I’ve done a Hero’s Journey Analyses of some classic films.

Get in touch

If you want more information, please get in touch.