Charlie Kaufman's Screenwriters' Lecture

Friday 30 September

Charlie Kaufman, the BAFTA-winning writer behind Being John Malkovich, Adaptation and Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, brought our Screenwriters' Lecture series to a close at the BFI Southbank with his first ever public lecture.

Screenwriters' Lecture Series - Charlie Kaufman

"A screenplay is an exploration, a step into the abyss, a secret even from you. There is no template." (Picture: BAFTA / J. Birch)
Screenwriters' Lecture Series - Charlie Kaufman

"Don't compartmentalise. Don't work towards results. Let things brew." (Picture: BAFTA / J. Birch)
Screenwriters' Lecture Series - Charlie Kaufman

"Do not simplify. Do not worry about failure. Failure is a badge of honour. It means you risked failure." (Picture: BAFTA / J. Birch)
Screenwriters' Lecture Series - Charlie Kaufman

Kaufman takes questions from the audience at the BFI Southbank (Picture: BAFTA / J. Birch)
Screenwriters' Lecture Series - Charlie Kaufman

"I don't consider myself a writer. I don't think I have writing talent. But I will continue to do it." (Picture: BAFTA / J. Birch)
Screenwriters' Lecture Series - Charlie Kaufman

"I'm so insecure. Ten years ago there was no way in Hell I could've done this." (Picture: BAFTA / J. Birch)
Screenwriters' Lecture Series - Charlie Kaufman

Kaufman was interviewed by journalist David Cox (Picture: BAFTA / J. Birch)
Screenwriters' Lecture Series - Charlie Kaufman

"I can't really tell you how to write a screenplay. If you offer something with authenticity and generosity, I will be moved." (Picture: BAFTA / J. Birch)
Screenwriters' Lecture Series - Charlie Kaufman

(Picture: BAFTA / J. Birch)