So here it is, the first of my shows from the Edinburgh International Film Festival, where I hooked up with screenwriter Paul Laverty to talk about his new film It's A Free World
I actually met Paul ten years ago when he came to Birmingham to do a Q&A for his first film, Carla's Song
He's since written six more features with Ken Loach and his newest, It's A Free World
He talked about scenes from My Name is Joe
I recorded the session and then re-introduced myself as people piled out to ask him if he'd like to give an interview for the Shooting Screenwriters show. He was happy to but only had 10 minutes of his day free later that night before some meal he had to attend. So we hooked up later and he happily talked for half an hour before I let him go.
Paul on screenwriting courses : People seem to take great delight in knocking all these courses but I actually learned a great deal, because I had so much to learn, and still do I think ... finding out how other people do it is not a bad idea in any job, is it!
On working with Ken Loach : I suppose neither of us are great ones for the auteur theory. I'm a writer and he's a director and we meet in the middle as filmmakers.
On writing 'issues' : I don't think a great issue makes for a great film. You have to find a subtle and unexpected way into it. But I think great issues deserve a great story.
The show now has a svelte 30-mins-or-less time slot and you can either right-click and 'Save target as' to download it, or go to the Shooting People Podcasts page to subscribe for free and get future shows sent to you direct.
It's A Free World