Simon Beaufoy: Screenwriters' Lecture

20 December 11

Whether a feel-good comedy or political drama, Beaufoy’s films are always insightful and full of compassion for his characters. His debut feature-length script, The Full Monty (1997), enjoyed huge critical and commercial success. The comedy followed six unemployed men who turn to stripping as a money-earner, and gave Beaufoy his first BAFTA and Oscar nominations.

Most recently, he enjoyed international success with his adapation of Slumdog Millionaire (2008). The film won seven BAFTAs and eight Oscars, including Best Film at both. Beaufoy’s latest film is a second collaboration with Danny Boyle, 127 Hours (2010), a real-life drama starring James Franco.

Narrative is a really seductive thing... it will take over... and that's the point.

In the full video, available to watch now on BAFTA Guru, Beaufoy talks about the influence of documentary filmmaker LINKLINKLINKPaul Watson, the screenwriter's responsibility to the facts of the stories he or she dramatises, and the benefits of 'hanging out' with people to capture their voices and character traits.

Watch the Simon Beaufoy lecture now on BAFTA Guru

_{BAFTA Guru is the Academy's online resource: inspiring minds in film, TV and games. Featuring the best in-depth video and podcasts from figures across the industries.}

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