Screenwriting student and student ambssador, Leila shares her advice on getting the most from your MA Screenwriting at London Film School.
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Life at LFS
The screenwriting course at LFS is wonderful in so many ways. It’s challenging and exciting and invigorating all at once. One thing is for certain: it will definitely help you grow both as a writer and as an individual.
Wise people often speak about how important life experience is for creating art, that in order to write great stuff you need to be able to live it and immerse yourself in it first. Whether you agree with this carpe diem attitude or not is up to you, however, I think it’s a nice way to approach studying at LFS. Remember that there is more to life than just writing, that you will ultimately be a better writer if you embrace other passions. You have the right to live a whole life that doesn’t just revolve around the course (although this is often easier said than done!).
Make time for yourself, your friends, other passions. Then let it inspire you and bring it back into your writing. Here’s a few ways to do just that.
Seizing Opportunities
Say yes to things you may not always say yes to. One of the best things about studying at LFS is that everything is intrinsically collaborative and people are always looking to meet fresh faces and get involved in different capacities. From taking on the role as Script Supervisor on a filmmaking student’s short film to taking part in set building workshops so that you can provide art assistance on set, there is a myriad of experiences just waiting for you. As a writer, any role that gets you on set is helpful for your craft. You get to step back and re-evaluate the art of screenwriting when you see it come to life. It may just help you crack that pesky dialogue scene you’ve been working away at for weeks.
Perhaps even more important, go out and see London! Covent Garden is great, but there’s a whole city full of art exhibitions, cafes, whacky performances, funky street food markets and more. Go find them! You may even find a cool new location to set your next screenplay in.
Health & Wellbeing
Saying no is just as important, if not more so, than saying yes. Burnout is real and it’s no secret that creative professions can be both physically and mentally taxing. The course modules take up a lot of your time; when you’re not in class then you’re working independently on your projects and when you’re not doing that you’re probably constantly thinking about how you should be doing that. The curse of a writer’s life is never being able to fully switch off because you could be writing in your head anywhere at anytime.
Make sure you take time out to take care of yourself. Some people need alone time to unwind, some people thrive off socialising. Everyone is different. Either way, never feel bad for saying no or turning down offers for social plans or extra curricular film projects if your diary is full and you simply don’t have the energy.
One of the first things I did when starting LFS was identifying my ‘me time’ which for me is boxing, dance classes and walks. I scouted out my local places, did the tasters and signed up. This is now carved into my weekly schedule and something I don’t compromise on. When the writing becomes intense, you need self-implemented switch off time that allows you to step away and come back to your work with fresh eyes. I highly recommend!
Prioritising Yourself
Think of your screenwriting journey as one long screenplay where you are the protagonist. In this film and in this world, you are at its centre. Take any pressure off yourself by worrying what other people may expect from you and set yourself some goals from you instead. Only you know how hard you work and the breadth of what you’re capable of achieving. As long as you’re happy in your own lane and on track to achieving those goals, you’ll have a great year!
Remember, the protagonist needs to be active not passive in their choices. Put yourself first. Your health, your work, your well-being. Trust me, your future self will thank you!
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Speak to Leila and ask your own questions here Ask a Student | London Film School (lfs.org.uk)