Ever wondered what it's like to rub shoulders with Hollywood stars at one of the world's most prestigious film festivals? Well, that's exactly what Rebecca Colby experienced during her first trip to the Cannes Film Festival. In a candid chat with Chris Jones from the London Screenwriters Festival, Rebecca spilled the beans on everything from chance encounters with Cuba Gooding Jr. to surviving on fancy party appetizers.

Here's the thing that might surprise you - Rebecca didn't even have a finished project to pitch when she decided to attend. Like many of us, she questioned whether she should wait until she had something concrete to show. But as she discovered, that's not what Cannes is all about. It's about diving in, making connections, and learning the ropes of the industry. As she put it, "I'm so glad I did because I've learned so much this week."

For all the introverts out there (and let's face it, there are plenty of us in the creative world), Rebecca's story is particularly inspiring. She went from being someone who'd typically shy away from networking to confidently working the room at exclusive events. The secret? A combination of preparation, support from the Talent Campus community, and the surprising discovery that industry veterans are actually eager to help newcomers. "People actually want to share what they've learned," she noted, which might come as a relief to anyone nervous about approaching the bigwigs.

Let's talk practical stuff - because Cannes isn't just about the glamour. Rebecca and Chris shared some genius tips for making the festival work on a budget. Forget expensive restaurants; apparently, you can survive on party canapés for a week! They also emphasized the importance of timing - the first week is crucial for business networking, and there are clever ways to get accredited without breaking the bank. It's not just about the red carpet events; the Cannes Film Market is where the real business happens.

One of the most valuable takeaways from their conversation was the long game perspective. Chris shared a fascinating story about a professional relationship that took twenty years to bear fruit. That's the reality of the film industry - it's not about quick wins but building genuine, lasting connections. Every conversation could lead to something down the line, even if it's not immediate.

The transformation in Rebecca's mindset was perhaps the most striking part of the discussion. Before attending Talent Campus, she thought she was years away from being ready for something like Cannes. But sometimes, you become ready by doing the thing you think you're not ready for. As she reflected on her experience, it became clear that stepping out of your comfort zone isn't just about professional development - it's about personal growth too.

For anyone dreaming of making it in the film industry, this conversation serves as a reminder that even the most prestigious events are accessible if you're willing to take the leap. The key is to show up, be genuine, and remember that everyone - even the biggest names in the industry - started somewhere. Whether you're a writer, director, or producer, there's room for you at Cannes. You just need to be brave enough to take that first step, even if you're surviving on canapés while you do it.

Mari's journey into filmmaking is proof that it's never too late to chase your dreams. After losing her husband, she found herself in her early 50s, looking for a new direction in life. Instead of playing it safe, she dove headfirst into the world of filmmaking, turning her beautifully written short story "Esmeralda" into a compelling film about grief, control, and chicken keeping (yes, you read that right!).

What's super cool about Mari's story is how she just went for it. She joined Talent Campus, which she jokingly describes as joining a "cult" of creativity, and started saying yes to every opportunity that came her way. Her approach was refreshingly straightforward - she didn't wait for permission to make a film, she just decided to do it. As she puts it, "You do not need permission to make a film," which has become something of a battle cry for aspiring filmmakers.

The way Mari built her film crew is pretty inspiring too. She started by pitching her project at Raindance, where she met her director Vipin. But here's the really awesome part - she was determined to do things right and actually pay her crew. She even got a lodger to help fund the film! That's the kind of dedication that turns dreams into reality.

Working with actor Stuart Sessions was another big milestone in Mari's journey. Their collaboration came about through trust and personal connection, which shows how important relationships are in filmmaking. Every step was a first for Mari - from pre-production to working with professional actors - but she tackled each challenge with determination and a willingness to learn.

What's particularly cool about Mari's story is how she's embraced the learning curve. Everything about making "Esmeralda" was new to her, but instead of letting that scare her off, she used it as motivation to learn more. She surrounded herself with experienced professionals and wasn't afraid to ask questions or admit when she didn't know something. That kind of humility and eagerness to learn is pretty refreshing.

Mari's not stopping with just one film either. She's already working on another short film script about PTSD and has gotten involved with a local film group. She's even tried her hand at stand-up comedy! Her message to other older folks thinking about getting into filmmaking is crystal clear: don't let age hold you back. As she says, "Being older, don't let being older ever hold you back for anything."

Her film's premiere at Genesis Cinema in Bethnal Green marks another milestone in her journey, but it feels more like a beginning than an end. Mari's story shows us that with passion, determination, and a willingness to learn, you can reinvent yourself at any age. It's not about having decades of experience or technical knowledge - it's about having the courage to take that first step and the persistence to keep going, even when things get tough.

Through Mari's journey from writing to filmmaking, we see how life's hardest moments can sometimes lead to unexpected new beginnings. Her story isn't just about making a film - it's about having the courage to start a new chapter in life when the old one ends, about finding your voice when you thought you might have lost it, and about proving that creativity doesn't have an age limit.

Hey there, fellow screenwriters! Let's break down the most important legal stuff you need to know to protect your creative work and keep your career on track.

First up, here's some good news about copyright - it's actually super simple! The moment you write your script, you automatically have copyright protection. You don't need to register it or jump through any complicated hoops. That said, you can't copyright an idea alone (bummer, I know), but once you've turned that brilliant idea into a script, you're protected. Pro tip: keep good records of when you wrote things, and make sure you can prove it's your original work.

Now, let's talk about option agreements, which are basically like dating before marriage in the film industry. When a producer likes your script, they might want to "option" it, which means they're calling dibs on it for a while. They'll pay you a bit of money upfront (usually not life-changing amounts) for the exclusive right to develop your script. If they end up making it into a film, that's when the real money comes in. Think of it as a try-before-you-buy arrangement for producers.

Got a great idea for a script based on a true story? Awesome, but hold up a second! Writing about real people and events can be tricky legal territory. You'll need to be super careful about using public domain information and might need to get permissions from the people involved. The last thing you want is a lawsuit for defamation! Remember that different countries have different laws about image rights too, so do your homework.

Teaming up with another writer? Collaboration can be amazing, but it can also get messy without the right groundwork. Always, always, ALWAYS work with people you trust, but don't skip the paperwork. A simple written agreement about who's doing what, who gets what credit, and how you'll split any money can save you from major headaches later.

When it comes to protecting your work while pitching it, keep it professional but practical. Sure, you could ask everyone to sign an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement), but that might make you look a bit paranoid and could put off potential collaborators. Instead, keep good records of your meetings and send follow-up emails summarizing what was discussed. Build relationships based on trust while keeping your business sense sharp.

Remember, these legal aspects might seem overwhelming, but they're just part of the professional writing journey. Focus on creating great work first, but keep these principles in mind. The industry respects writers who understand both the creative and business sides of screenwriting. Stay enthusiastic about your projects, but don't forget to protect your interests along the way. And most importantly, don't let legal concerns stifle your creativity - just be smart about how you handle your work once it's ready to share with the world.

Horror writing isn’t just about throwing some blood and guts on the page – it’s about diving deep into the darkest corners of your mind and seeing what creepy creatures crawl out. That’s exactly what the folks on the Twisted 50 Volume 3 podcast showed us when they got together to chat about their spine-chilling anthology.

The podcast brought together quite the crew – you had Chris Jones hosting, Kate Bemis wearing her editor hat, and three authors (James, Paul, and Lewis) who weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty in the horror genre. Kate kicked things off by admitting she had to wade through 150 stories, which is enough to make anyone’s eyes cross! She joked about needing her glasses, but you could tell she was totally up for the challenge.

Things got really interesting when the authors started spilling the beans about their stories. Paul dove into his tale about a serial killer (because who doesn’t love a good murder story, right?), while James took us on a twisted journey through the mind of a psychopath on a date – talk about dinner conversation! Lewis brought something different to the table with his zombie apocalypse story, which actually came from a pretty personal place dealing with depression. It’s pretty amazing how writers can take their dark experiences and turn them into something creative.

The whole gang got really deep when they started talking about where they get their inspiration from. It turns out writing horror can be kind of therapeutic – who knew? Lewis really opened up about how feeling out of control in his own life led to his zombie story, saying “I felt I had no control over my own self and the whole outside world is controlling me.” That’s the kind of raw honesty that makes horror stories hit home.

One of the coolest things about Twisted 50 is how they handle feedback. Instead of the usual “this is great” or “this sucks,” they’ve got this whole community vibe going on where writers help each other out. James mentioned how easy it is to get lost in your own story and how having fresh eyes on your work can be a game-changer. The editing process sounds more like a writing workshop than a scary editorial chopping block.

The conversation took an exciting turn when they started talking about possibly turning some of these stories into movies. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see these twisted tales on the big screen? Paul was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement about the film potential, and honestly, a horror anthology film sounds pretty sweet.

The cherry on top was all the advice they dished out for aspiring horror writers. Kate dropped this gem: “The less you care, the better the writing almost always is.” It’s like she’s telling us to stop overthinking and just let our inner Stephen King run wild. They wrapped everything up by inviting writers to submit to Volume 4, basically saying “come on in, the water’s bloody… I mean, fine!”

For anyone thinking about dipping their toes into horror writing, this podcast showed that it’s not just about scaring people – it’s about finding your voice, sharing your darkness, and maybe making some friends who are just as twisted as you are. Whether you’re writing about zombies, psychopaths, or things that go bump in the night, there’s room for everyone in this creepy little corner of the literary world.

• Podcast hosted by Chris Jones discussing Talent Campus from the London Screenwriters Festival.
• Guest Delanne shares her success stories after attending Talent Campus 7 in 2019.
• Delanne highlights her experience at Talent Campus as a whirlwind of activities and networking.
• Discusses her movie "Father Christmas is Back," which she wrote while recovering from flu, leading to her first paid writing job.
• Emphasizes the importance of being prepared for opportunities, even in unexpected situations.
• Talks about her book "The Box of Silver Stars," originally pitched at Talent Campus, which she self-published after challenges with traditional publishing.
• Plans to rally the community to support her book's launch for a potential bestseller status.
• Delanne's future projects include writing short films and features, focusing on storytelling rather than mainstream success.
• Encouraged by her daughter to attend Talent Campus, which she credits for her growth as a writer.
• ScreenSkills funded a project, which was welcomed news.
• Balancing a creative career with adult responsibilities (bills, children) is challenging.
• Persistence is key; keep pursuing creative dreams despite setbacks.
• Teaching can help focus on writing.
• Writing is essential for personal happiness and creativity.
• Ideas often come unexpectedly and need time to develop.
• It's important to finish projects to avoid psychological discomfort from open loops.
• Completing projects allows for closure and the opportunity to revisit them later.
• The conversation ended with a hopeful note about future connections and success.

Ever wondered what it's like to get your horror story published? The Twisted50 podcast gives us a fascinating peek behind the curtain, featuring three writers who made it into their third anthology. It's pretty cool to hear how different their stories are - from creepy social media hauntings to mysterious midnight visitors and spooky swimming pool encounters.

The really interesting thing about these writers is that they're just like many of us - people who love writing but maybe haven't taken that big leap into publishing before. Take Ben, for example, who's been writing for years but kept it as his personal hobby. He actually submitted his story at the last minute (talk about cutting it close!) and ended up getting published. That's the kind of success story that makes you think, "Hey, maybe I could do this too!"

What really stands out is how supportive everyone is in this community. It's not like those scary writing competitions where you submit your work into a black hole and never hear back. These writers talk about getting tons of helpful feedback from other writers, and how that actually made their stories better. Susan mentions how everyone genuinely wants to help make each story the best it can be - which is pretty refreshing in what can sometimes be a competitive field.

The whole process sounds way less intimidating than you might think. Dylan (who actually won an award) keeps emphasizing how "brave" you need to be to just put your work out there. But he also points out that your odds of success are way better than in most other writing competitions. Plus, you get something valuable even if you don't make it into the anthology - actual feedback from real readers!

Getting published seems to be a total game-changer for these writers. Ben talks about how amazing it feels when friends and family contact you saying they've bought your book and read your story. That's got to be one of the coolest feelings ever - knowing that people are actually reading something you created. And it's not just about the publication; there's an awards ceremony too, which really makes the writers feel celebrated.

For anyone thinking about giving it a shot, these writers have some pretty encouraging words. They emphasize that you really can't lose - worst case scenario, you get some helpful feedback on your writing. Best case? You end up published in a horror anthology! The whole thing wraps up with a touching dedication to Ben's sister Amy, who helped get the project started, which just shows how personal and meaningful this whole experience can be.

This isn't just about writing horror stories - it's about finding your tribe, pushing your creative boundaries, and maybe even seeing your name in print. As Dylan puts it, "You can really push an idea. You can have fun with it... you can't really lose." That pretty much sums up what makes this whole thing special - it's a chance to do something creative in a supportive environment where everyone wants you to succeed.

In an era where digital connections often feel superficial, the Twisted50 horror writing project stands as a testament to the enduring power of genuine creative communities. Through an enlightening podcast conversation between Chris Jones, Leo from Norway, and Eimear from Ireland, we discover how a shared passion for storytelling can transcend geographical boundaries and transform aspiring writers into published authors.

The journey of these writers reveals a profound truth about the horror genre - it's not merely about violence or shock value, but rather a sophisticated medium for exploring deep-seated fears, societal issues, and personal transformations. As Eimear poignantly notes, "I had this idea that horror was very violent... But that's not what horror is about." This revelation challenges our preconceptions and invites us to explore the vast spectrum of horror literature with fresh eyes.

The collaborative nature of Twisted50 emerges as a powerful antidote to the isolation often experienced by writers. The project's structure, combining deadlines, peer feedback, and community support, creates an environment where creativity flourishes. Leo's observation that the community is "so important and unfortunately rare in the arts in general" underscores the unique value of this supportive ecosystem.

Perhaps most compelling is the project's role in combating imposter syndrome - that persistent doubt in one's abilities that plagues so many creative individuals. Through structured feedback and encouragement, writers find their voice and confidence. The transformation is particularly evident in Eimear's experience, as she progressed from being hesitant about horror to producing multiple short stories and discovering the genre's unexpected mental health benefits.

The success of Twisted50 demonstrates that when writers are given the right platform, support, and community, they can overcome their creative barriers and produce compelling work. Leo's experience with his first story about a sadistic job interview shows how the project encourages writers to push boundaries and explore challenging themes while maintaining a supportive environment.

For anyone considering joining a writing community or exploring the horror genre, the experiences shared in this podcast make a compelling case for taking that leap. The combination of structured support, diverse perspectives, and genuine encouragement creates an environment where writers can grow, challenge themselves, and ultimately find their unique voice in the vast landscape of horror literature.