Books in French are on www.livres-cinema.info
The Calling Card Script
A writer's toolbox for screen, stage and radio
by Paul Ashton
(0 vote)Average rating:
| 0 | rating |  = We can do without |
| 0 | rating |  = Good book |
| 0 | rating |  = Excellent book |
| 0 | rating |  = Unique / a reference |
Your rating: -
Book Presentation:
The calling card script is the script that expresses your voice, gets you noticed and helps you reach commission and production. Written by Paul Ashton, Development Manager of the BBC writersroom, and born out of his wide experience of reading scripts, working with writers, and as an industry 'gatekeeper', this is a guide to the key writing tools you need to know and understand to write a truly original script.
As many professionals need to switch mediums and genres in order to survive and thrive, the book uniquely draws together the universal principles of dramatic storytelling for screen, stage, and radio. With a focus on the script as a blue print for performance, sections and chapters break down into bite-sized practical insights and the book mirrors both the journey of the story and process of writing it.
The Calling Card Script shows how to tell a great story in script form and offers valuable professional development insight for all writers, whether established or just starting out, who wish to hone their craft and speak their voice.
About the Author:
Paul Ashton is Head of Film & TV at Creative UK, where he works extensively with writers and filmmakers and has lead industry talent programmes iFeatures and Breakout. He is Executive Producer on the film and TV slate - from Steve McQueen's 'Small Axe' and Netflix Original 'Calibre', to theatrical releases such as 'White Riot' and 'Benediction' - as well as on numerous shorts, including BIFA-winning and BAFTA-nominated films.Paul was previously Development Producer at the BBC, where his credits included ACADEMY and BAFTA-nominated shorts and BAFTA-nominated debut feature 'Shifty'. His work with talent through BBC writersroom has seen BAFTA, RTS, SONY, PRIX ITALIA, IMISON and TINNISWOOD winning drama and comedy by emerging writers produced across television and radio slots - from Mike Bartlett's first drama on BBC radio to 'Wolfblood' on CBBC. Paul has over 20 years of experience across film, TV, radio and theatre, with a career-long commitment to emerging talent and regional voices.
Press Reviews:
"offers valuable professional development insight for all writers, established or just starting out." ―Writers Forum (March 2011)
"Every aspiring writer needs a Calling Card Script and Paul Ashton's excellent book will help them acquire one. Just add talent." ―Ashley Pharoah, Writer and Creator (Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes, Wild at Heart, Case Histories) June 2011
"Marvellous. Wears its references lightly ...key shows like Being Human and Life On Mars are laced through the book as examples of how these shows can answer a variety of questions. The examples are clear, and the book is a positive examination about how good work is made and lessons to be learnt from this good work. It's clear, precise and inspirational...I wish I'd read it ten years ago." ―Jack Thorne, Writer (Skins, Cast-Offs, This Is England '86, Shameless) June 2011
See the publisher website: Bloomsbury Academic
> On a related topic:
Rem Koolhaas as Scriptwriter (2025)
OMA Architecture Script for West Berlin
Subject: Technique > Scriptwriting
Scriptnotes (2025)
A Book About Screenwriting and Things That Are Interesting to Screenwriters
by John August and Craig Mazin
Subject: Technique > Scriptwriting
Beyond the Monoplot (2025)
How to Write Unconventional Films (and Why We Should)
by Chris Neilan
Subject: Technique > Scriptwriting
Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect (2025)
Subject: Technique > Scriptwriting
We Have Some Notes... (2024)
The Insider's Guide to Notes, Script Editing and Development
Subject: Technique > Scriptwriting
Back
