Tumbleweed TV Interview

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WriteWords talks to Jo Keaney of Tumbleweed TV

Tell us all about Tumbleweed; history, ethos, etc

Tumbleweed Productions is a small production company set up by myself and another producer, Elise Keusch, who I used to work with. We both started out from business backgrounds and, a career change or two later, found ourselves producing, directing and writing educational programmes for professionals. While we both loved the production process, the high volume of programming made it seem more like working in a factory, churning out the same stuff day after day. One day – I believe a pub was involved – we decided to start our own company and try and make the kind of projects that interested us and we could be passionate about. For the last year or so, we have developed our growing interest in film.

How do you find writers?

In all sorts of ways – recommendations, friends of friends, at festivals or industry events, or from courses. For about a year we’ve been having regular meetings with some writers we met on a course, which is a great way to meet new and exciting writers, get constructive feedback, and hopefully collaborate successfully on projects.

What excites you about a piece of writing-

All the usual things – getting drawn into a new world, being entertained, wanting to find out what happens next and why, being made to laugh/cry. Sometimes you can really see what the writer is writing – I mean this in a truly visual way – like scenes from a film playing in your head. That’s obviously really exciting for me with my producer’s/director’s hat on, as it immediately gets you enthused and hooked into a project.

and what makes your heart sink?

Stories that are just middle but with no beginning or end. I know that sounds really obvious, but it’s amazing how many times you read something and you have no idea what’s going on, why characters are behaving the way they are, or what the story is meant to be.

A longer version of this interview is available to WriteWords Full and Community Members.
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Comments by other Members

old friend at 18:50 on 20 October 2006 Report this post

An interesting interview but a little short on specific advice for writers new to that medium.

Len

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Nik Perring at 22:05 on 20 October 2006 Report this post

Thanks for sharing, Jo.

I'd be interested to know what you look for in an outline. Any hints, tips or things you hate?

Best wishes to all at Tumbleweed. Great name by the way!

Nik.

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