Baba Yaga And The Monster At The Edge Of Your Story
Baba Yaga And The Monster At The Edge Of Your Story The most misunderstood character in mythology might be a witch who eats children. Most people see Baba Yaga and see a monster, a crone, a cannibal in the woods, surrounded by bones. That’s one way of reading her. But
Feedback for the 2026 Online Screenwriters Festival
‘Chris, you were a fabulous host and every guest had something useful and inspirational to share. Great diversity in sessions, too.’ Melissa Baumann Siebert / Screenwriter, journalist, author ‘Real people kept it real, no Hollywood intimidation, no filler, and real information. Loved it.’ Susan Holgate / Screenwriter ‘Amazing programme of
#ShitHappyPodcast with Toni Powell
I recorded this podcast a few weeks again and its finally gone live! Show notes below too… Filmmaker Chris Jones shares the wild, gritty, and deeply meaningful journey behind his Oscar-shortlisted short Gone Fishing, his early guerrilla films, dawn raids, near-catastrophes, and the self-development quest that reshaped his life. A
Writing Without Shame: Lessons from Erotic Author Helène Noire
Helène Noire did not set out to become an erotic writer in the conventional way. There was no market research, no calculated leap into a lucrative genre, and no desire to shock for the sake of attention. Instead, her work emerged from a deeply personal place: a need to write
AI Rights For Writers: Real World Case Study
The Publishers of The Guerilla Filmmakers Handbooks series have approached us about AI licensing. Right now it feels like we need to decline their new addendum to the contract. I don’t think what they are asking, in principle, is unreasonable. I think they NEED to ask or be left behind.
Timelapse Of Ealing Studios Redevelopment
For the last, what feels like two or three years, Ealing Studios has undergone a huge transformation. As you may know, I have been based at the studios since 1997 when we made Urban Ghost Story here, and I just never left. I have seen huge staff turnover, with the
How Chris Jones’ Filmmaking Programmes helped bring my new documentary to the big screen by Nick Horrell
My first experience of Chris Jones at full speed was in a crowded training room at Ealing Studios and stunned to silence by his assertion: ‘You are all filmmakers.
Making A Micro Budget Movie as a First Time Director by Eric Garson
I’ve written this blog for a filmmaker who is embarking on making their debut micro budget feature film. My name is Eric Garson and I am a British Film Director. My debut feature film ‘Trophy Wife’, was released last summer 2024 and is available to watch on AmazonPrime, Tubi, Fawesome,
What Can Indie Film Makers Learn From A 15 Year Old Found Footage Sci Movie From South Africa?
It’s been some time since I saw ‘District 9’, it was in 2009 the cinema when it was released to be accurate, so there’s been distance. I rewatched it a few nights back and it has really stuck with me. Not just as a great film, but for many other
AI: A Writer’s Secret Editorial Department
In the evolving landscape of modern writing, artificial intelligence has emerged as a powerful ally for authors, particularly those navigating the challenging waters of self-publishing. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Don McVey, author of the dystopian sci-fi novel “Karakorum,” who shared his journey of discovery with AI
One Day… THREE EVENTS!
December 14th is turning into the BEST day of the year! We have three very cool things happening, and YOU should really dive in and get involved. First, our Christmas Super Meetup For Film and TV… Tickets are free, and it’s happening at the Ealing Project in the evening. You
How Good Is AI At Giving Feedback On A Short Story?
This post is a chronology of events, of an experiment more than anything. To ask the simple question, in 2024, can ChatGPT 4.0 offer useful feedback on a short story? What do you think?
Why Do We Have Such An Emotionally Violent Reaction To AI As Creatives?
I have a lot to say about AI. And maybe I will start posting here about my thoughts. Maybe I won’t. I am tired of the division and inability to have a coherent conversation without shock and hysteria on all sides. But I do have one biggie to share.
Do you suffer from Network-a-phobia? Join the club!
Do you suffer from Network-a-phobia? Join the club! Recently, the Guardian posted an article titled, There’s nothing more excruciating than trying to talk to someone who isn’t interested. And I should know … by Adrian Chiles. The article begins, ‘there are few things worse than trying to engage in conversation
Can Writing Horror Shorts Be A Career Accelerator?
Chris Jones Talks Twisted50 with Lucy V Hay of B2W There’s still time to write your horror short for Twisted50 volIII, and this podcast with Lucy V Hay explores the best way to succeed if you do. Related Posts: Can you write a Twisted Short Story to be published in
Twisted50 Podcast: Why We LOVE 1980’s Horror Movies
We all love horror literature. We are guessing we also have a passion for horror movies too. And the high watermark for cinema terror is the late 70’s and 80’s. So. Nervously shuffle down the jump scare back alley that is the 80’s cinematic and VHS memory lane, with Chris
Welcome to Twisted’s Weekly Themed Writing Challenge
Each week between now and the close of submissions, we are going to throw out a writing challenge for the community. A theme if you like. You can still write and submit any story to Twisted50, and at any time of course, but the themed weekly writing challenge will offer
Why Your Biggest Challenge In Your Career May Not Be Your Writing
The truth? People get hired by people they know. And people who like them. You need to be KNOWN. You need to be LIKED. You should also be talented too. But the truth? Talent has no value if people don’t know you, or do know you, but don’t feel that
Twisted50 vol III launches… Can YOU write a 2,000 word Twisted Tale?
What is Twisted 50? Twisted 50 is a part of the Create 50 initiative, which provides writers with the opportunity to submit their short scripts and stories for consideration. The project was born out of the desire to create a mechanism for writers to get their first credit on a
Roger Corman: The Inspiration Behind A Generation
‘Every film would be improved by removing 15 minutes and adding a helicopter explosion.’ I have yet to hear a more incisive and fundamentally true quote from any filmmaker. Roger Corman was the granddaddy of the ‘fuck it, let’s do it’ generation of filmmakers that I stand shoulder to shoulder
Dealing With Analogue Documents in a Digital World
The time has come. I have a stack of boxes of paperwork I just can’t carry around any more. They are from projects spanning the last 30 years and in truth I likely don’t need the paperwork at all. But still. Should I toss contracts? Urghhh. Hence them moving from
Join us for our LondonSWF’s4 Online Launch Weekend FREE!
A Full Weekend Of Screenwriting Sessions From The Best In The World… FREE Form LondonSWF Join us for our LondonSWF’s4 Online Launch Weekend FREE! March 2nd and 3rd, we are hosting a TWO DAY Screenwriters Online Festival and YOU can attend completely free. We have sessions delivered by Robert McKee,
The Tuesday Online, LSFReplay: Character in Storytelling with Phil and Ted
On Tuesday we continue our series of LondonSWF replays, the very best of our past events replayed live. This time it’s Phil and Ted on The Importance of Character in Storytelling. That will take place next Tuesday at 8pm UK time…. When: Tuesday Feb 27th at 8pm UK time Where:
William Nicholson on Rewriting ‘Gladiator’ and Landing an Unexpected Credit
On Friday we begin a series of LondonSWF replays, the very best of our past events replayed live. We kick off with Gladiator screenwriter William Nicholson. That will take place this Friday at 8pm UK time…. When: Friday Feb 23rd at 8pm UK time Where: https://londonswf.link/Friday Anyone can attend free.
Baba Yaga And The Monster At The Edge Of Your Story
Baba Yaga And The Monster At The Edge Of Your Story The most misunderstood character in mythology might be a witch who eats children. Most people see Baba Yaga and see a monster, a crone, a cannibal in the woods, surrounded by bones. That’s one way of reading her. But
Feedback for the 2026 Online Screenwriters Festival
‘Chris, you were a fabulous host and every guest had something useful and inspirational to share. Great diversity in sessions, too.’ Melissa Baumann Siebert / Screenwriter, journalist, author ‘Real people kept it real, no Hollywood intimidation, no filler, and real information. Loved it.’ Susan Holgate / Screenwriter ‘Amazing programme of
#ShitHappyPodcast with Toni Powell
I recorded this podcast a few weeks again and its finally gone live! Show notes below too… Filmmaker Chris Jones shares the wild, gritty, and deeply meaningful journey behind his Oscar-shortlisted short Gone Fishing, his early guerrilla films, dawn raids, near-catastrophes, and the self-development quest that reshaped his life. A
Writing Without Shame: Lessons from Erotic Author Helène Noire
Helène Noire did not set out to become an erotic writer in the conventional way. There was no market research, no calculated leap into a lucrative genre, and no desire to shock for the sake of attention. Instead, her work emerged from a deeply personal place: a need to write
AI Rights For Writers: Real World Case Study
The Publishers of The Guerilla Filmmakers Handbooks series have approached us about AI licensing. Right now it feels like we need to decline their new addendum to the contract. I don’t think what they are asking, in principle, is unreasonable. I think they NEED to ask or be left behind.
Timelapse Of Ealing Studios Redevelopment
For the last, what feels like two or three years, Ealing Studios has undergone a huge transformation. As you may know, I have been based at the studios since 1997 when we made Urban Ghost Story here, and I just never left. I have seen huge staff turnover, with the
How Chris Jones’ Filmmaking Programmes helped bring my new documentary to the big screen by Nick Horrell
My first experience of Chris Jones at full speed was in a crowded training room at Ealing Studios and stunned to silence by his assertion: ‘You are all filmmakers.
Making A Micro Budget Movie as a First Time Director by Eric Garson
I’ve written this blog for a filmmaker who is embarking on making their debut micro budget feature film. My name is Eric Garson and I am a British Film Director. My debut feature film ‘Trophy Wife’, was released last summer 2024 and is available to watch on AmazonPrime, Tubi, Fawesome,
What Can Indie Film Makers Learn From A 15 Year Old Found Footage Sci Movie From South Africa?
It’s been some time since I saw ‘District 9’, it was in 2009 the cinema when it was released to be accurate, so there’s been distance. I rewatched it a few nights back and it has really stuck with me. Not just as a great film, but for many other
AI: A Writer’s Secret Editorial Department
In the evolving landscape of modern writing, artificial intelligence has emerged as a powerful ally for authors, particularly those navigating the challenging waters of self-publishing. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Don McVey, author of the dystopian sci-fi novel “Karakorum,” who shared his journey of discovery with AI
One Day… THREE EVENTS!
December 14th is turning into the BEST day of the year! We have three very cool things happening, and YOU should really dive in and get involved. First, our Christmas Super Meetup For Film and TV… Tickets are free, and it’s happening at the Ealing Project in the evening. You
How Good Is AI At Giving Feedback On A Short Story?
This post is a chronology of events, of an experiment more than anything. To ask the simple question, in 2024, can ChatGPT 4.0 offer useful feedback on a short story? What do you think?
Why Do We Have Such An Emotionally Violent Reaction To AI As Creatives?
I have a lot to say about AI. And maybe I will start posting here about my thoughts. Maybe I won’t. I am tired of the division and inability to have a coherent conversation without shock and hysteria on all sides. But I do have one biggie to share.
Do you suffer from Network-a-phobia? Join the club!
Do you suffer from Network-a-phobia? Join the club! Recently, the Guardian posted an article titled, There’s nothing more excruciating than trying to talk to someone who isn’t interested. And I should know … by Adrian Chiles. The article begins, ‘there are few things worse than trying to engage in conversation
Can Writing Horror Shorts Be A Career Accelerator?
Chris Jones Talks Twisted50 with Lucy V Hay of B2W There’s still time to write your horror short for Twisted50 volIII, and this podcast with Lucy V Hay explores the best way to succeed if you do. Related Posts: Can you write a Twisted Short Story to be published in
Twisted50 Podcast: Why We LOVE 1980’s Horror Movies
We all love horror literature. We are guessing we also have a passion for horror movies too. And the high watermark for cinema terror is the late 70’s and 80’s. So. Nervously shuffle down the jump scare back alley that is the 80’s cinematic and VHS memory lane, with Chris
Welcome to Twisted’s Weekly Themed Writing Challenge
Each week between now and the close of submissions, we are going to throw out a writing challenge for the community. A theme if you like. You can still write and submit any story to Twisted50, and at any time of course, but the themed weekly writing challenge will offer
Why Your Biggest Challenge In Your Career May Not Be Your Writing
The truth? People get hired by people they know. And people who like them. You need to be KNOWN. You need to be LIKED. You should also be talented too. But the truth? Talent has no value if people don’t know you, or do know you, but don’t feel that
Twisted50 vol III launches… Can YOU write a 2,000 word Twisted Tale?
What is Twisted 50? Twisted 50 is a part of the Create 50 initiative, which provides writers with the opportunity to submit their short scripts and stories for consideration. The project was born out of the desire to create a mechanism for writers to get their first credit on a
Roger Corman: The Inspiration Behind A Generation
‘Every film would be improved by removing 15 minutes and adding a helicopter explosion.’ I have yet to hear a more incisive and fundamentally true quote from any filmmaker. Roger Corman was the granddaddy of the ‘fuck it, let’s do it’ generation of filmmakers that I stand shoulder to shoulder
Dealing With Analogue Documents in a Digital World
The time has come. I have a stack of boxes of paperwork I just can’t carry around any more. They are from projects spanning the last 30 years and in truth I likely don’t need the paperwork at all. But still. Should I toss contracts? Urghhh. Hence them moving from
Join us for our LondonSWF’s4 Online Launch Weekend FREE!
A Full Weekend Of Screenwriting Sessions From The Best In The World… FREE Form LondonSWF Join us for our LondonSWF’s4 Online Launch Weekend FREE! March 2nd and 3rd, we are hosting a TWO DAY Screenwriters Online Festival and YOU can attend completely free. We have sessions delivered by Robert McKee,
The Tuesday Online, LSFReplay: Character in Storytelling with Phil and Ted
On Tuesday we continue our series of LondonSWF replays, the very best of our past events replayed live. This time it’s Phil and Ted on The Importance of Character in Storytelling. That will take place next Tuesday at 8pm UK time…. When: Tuesday Feb 27th at 8pm UK time Where:
William Nicholson on Rewriting ‘Gladiator’ and Landing an Unexpected Credit
On Friday we begin a series of LondonSWF replays, the very best of our past events replayed live. We kick off with Gladiator screenwriter William Nicholson. That will take place this Friday at 8pm UK time…. When: Friday Feb 23rd at 8pm UK time Where: https://londonswf.link/Friday Anyone can attend free.