BAFTA Screenwriters Lecture: Charlie Kaufman
The BAFTA-winning writer behind Being John Malkovich, Adaptation and Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind brought the series to a close at the BFI Southbank with his first ever public lecture.
Superb screenwriting lecture from Charlie Kaufman tonight, the first he's ever given. Highlights as follows... #BAFTAwriters- Charlie Kaufman: "A screenplay is an exploration, a step into the abyss, a secret, even from you. There's no template." #BAFTAwriters
- Kaufman: "Don't let anyone tell you how to write a story. Go out of your way to write a non-story; it'll still be a story." #BAFTAwriters
- Charlie Kaufman: "Don't compartmentalize. Don't work towards results. Let things brew." #BAFTAwriters
- Charlie Kaufman: "Do not simplify. Do not worry about failure. Failure is a badge of honour. It means you risked failure." #BAFTAwriters
- Kaufman: "A screenplay should be something that *has* to be a movie. If it doesn't have to be a movie, you shouldn't make it." #BAFTAwriters
- Kaufman: "Bullying is a significant part of our culture. Our culture is marketing. It drives politics + art. It's despicable." #BAFTAwriters
- Kaufman: "I can't tell you how to write a screenplay. If you offer something with authenticity + generosity, I will be moved." #BAFTAwriters
- Charlie Kaufman: "In many ways, your major obstacle is your deeply seeded belief that you are not interesting." #BAFTAwriters
- Kaufman says the industry's "only goal" is to sell a product. Writing with "courage, vulnerability + honesty" is essential. #BAFTAwriters
- Charlie Kaufman on giving the lecture: "I'm so insecure. Ten years ago there was no way in hell I could've done this." #BAFTAwriters
- Kaufman: "Seriously, I don't consider myself a writer. I don't think I have writing talent. But I will continue to do it." #BAFTAwriters
- Huge thanks to Charlie Kaufman, the last in our #BAFTAwriters series with @BFI. Transcripts/videos from all seven will be on bafta.org soon.
