Award-winning screenwriters Meg LeFauve and Joe Forte share their insights on transforming ideas into movies, crafting powerful characters, taking notes, and navigating today’s screenwriting marketplace. A must-read for emerging screenwriters.

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.