Leila Murton Poole wins May 2021 Writing Battle + Interview
Winning script + interview available at: https://www.writingbattle.com/past-winners —> May 2021
What got you into screenwriting, and how long have you been at it?
Not too long! I graduated from Sydney Film School at the end of 2019 which is where I wrote my first script. The first film I wrote/directed is currently doing well on the film festival circuit and that’s been really inspiring to keep writing and creating (more info available at: https://www.lemiroirfilm.com). However, I only really started writing properly during lockdown, mainly for competitions like this. I’ve found these so useful to improve my writing skills as well as to build up a collection of scripts which can then be made into films as I want to be a writer/director. I’m slowly building up to a feature which is the ultimate aim so watch this space...
Is there a particular process you follow while writing?
I’m very much a “write and see what happens” type of person which means that every script has a different process. I don’t plan or outline as I find it unnecessarily restricting and can force you to write with preconceived ideas on how the story should be written rather than how it needs to be written. I usually find that the story evolves constantly on the page and my first draft is usually nothing like the final script. I go through a number of edits and re-edits where time allows. It’s why competitions like these are great as otherwise I’d be editing forever! I almost always have music written into my stories and so listening to the right songs can also be very inspirational. Sending my work for feedback from trusted beta readers is also very much a part of the process - getting those initial reactions is so crucial to see if your story is working anywhere other than inside your own head!
The entire script is great, but I think what really sets this apart is every character felt authentic and unique. Even minor characters like Christos. Do you tend to visualize and hear the characters before the story? Also, have you been to many Greek parties?
Thank you! Again, it is very script dependent but I’m big on setting/location and I usually find that the characters grow out of the environment that I set the story in. For Opa!, the story/setting came first and then the characters second. Whilst obviously there’s no right way to work, I often find that this can be a reason why characters feel authentic and like they belong to their setting. For me personally, I also find that this is a result of writing to prompts. I’ll usually try to think of a story to fit the prompts and then the characters grow from the story. If I’m writing ‘freely’, a character often comes first.
I have been to many a Greek party! I’m originally from the UK and spent my summer holidays in Greece for the first 20 years of my life. As a child, that environment made a huge impression on me as it was so exciting and ‘dangerous’ with the fire and plate smashing. So yes, personal experience was absolutely an inspiration for the script and a traditional Greek party was one of the first things I thought about with the prompts ‘bar’ and ‘gasoline’. I actually based the setting on somewhere I used to go to - fortunately, that was as far as the inspiration went! I can confirm that the storyline was not inspired by real life events.
Do you gravitate towards detective-type stories or is this your first time writing Crime? Favourite genre(s)?
This is my first time writing Crime but it’s a genre that I do really enjoy watching, both TV series and film but also, and probably more so, true crime documentaries which are usually stranger than fiction! I also love murder mysteries and read a lot of Agatha Christie growing up. I’ve always been a big fan of solving puzzles and so being on the other side, and crafting them, is equally satisfying.
Favourite genre is a tough one! I like mixing genres but find that I often include elements of magical realism in my work which lends itself towards fantasy. I also enjoy both watching and writing in the suspense/thriller genres but leaning more towards the psychological side. I’m also drawn towards dystopian settings and envisioning unintended consequences of scientific/technological advancements as well as corrupt governments and investigating power and control that has gone too far. So yes, a bit of a mix...
Are you enjoying the competition? Any advice for newcomers?
Yes, it’s been so much fun! Leading on from the above, it’s a great way to try out different genres and create stories that you otherwise wouldn’t write. I’m actually thinking about turning the first script I wrote for this competition into an animated short so it’s been really worthwhile creatively.
In terms of advice for newcomers, I’d say don’t get too fixated on redrawing your prompts. Whilst the option to redraw is amazing and one of the reasons that this competition is unique, constraints can often lead to the greatest creativity. Embrace the boundaries and explore them creatively!
— Writing Battle, https://www.writingbattle.com/past-winners
