John Giwa-Amu Interview

WriteWords

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WriteWords talks to BBC Talent winner, screen director John Giwa- Amu

Tell us something about your background.

I was in film school until 2000. I then got a job as an assistant editor and made editor within six months which I carried on for 3 steadily more painful years(paid education is how I saw it) until I quit and started directing. My first film afterwards won the 48hr film challenge and the 2nd won the BBC talent award. I currently have one more touring festivals this year.

What kind of writing are you looking for?

It sound obvious but primarily what I look for in a writer is a good understanding of story and structure. I want to be first hooked by your unique take on a concept then forced to turn every page with growing anticipation of the next.
I have found writers through websites like WriteWords, Shooting people, but also through agents, various film councils and perhaps foremost my personal contacts and word of mouth

Who are your favourite writers and why?

I have many favourite writers for different reasons. For a visual eye allowing himself to juggle with light, the work of Mathieu Kassovitz in ‘La Haine’. In Asia most recently the work of Jo Yun Hwang and Chun Hyeong Lim in ‘Old Boy’. Meera Syal's ‘Anita and me’ has some truly beautiful moments and a great story from the UK. David Ward for pure structural genius in ‘The Sting’ and again for visual flair and allowing a good director the space he deserves, Hampton Fancher for ‘Blade Runner’.

What excites you about a piece of writing-

Someone who is honest and fearless of consequence.

and what makes your heart sink?

Knowing more about a subject than the writer who wrote the script.

A longer version of this interview is available to WriteWords Full and Community Members.
Click here to learn more about becoming a member.

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