We recently had the chance to chat with MA Screenwriting (Online) student, Julian Mercury-Meredith. We found out all about his experience on the course, as well as how he balances life as an MA student with his other responsibilities. Read on to hear from Julian himself!
Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to pursue an MA in Screenwriting at CFS?
English was always my best subject, so I always thought that would translate into writing books or short stories. Problem is, I always found it hard to just sit there with a book, even if I was enjoying it. I found it a lot easier to consume media through film and tv, but never considered it storytelling in the same way as print – when it absolutely is! Even more so, I’d say. Film isn’t just saying “this person does this, and then this happens”. It’s a multidisciplinary format where you can portray so much without saying it. Once I realised I had a much easier time digesting film than books, I became fascinated with it. It’s so complex, and it all begins and ends with the script. I chose an MA at CFS because I’d not long finished my BA, and wanted something challenging and specialised.
What motivated you to study online and part time rather than full time on campus?
Most of my BA was online since it was during COVID, so I felt well-prepared for an online degree. When I was looking at unis, I wanted part time and online to allow me some flexibility. I knew the course would be intensive in that it was something I’d not done much formal study in, but I didn’t want to get bogged down doing multiple classes at once the way you would on a full time course. I wanted room for creativity instead of being stifled by deadlines.
What were you doing professionally before starting the course?
I had finished my BA English with Creative Writing, and almost went back to do MA then and there. But I took a year out to make sure I was ready to commit to it. Professionally I was supporting myself as a barista.
How have you found studying screenwriting in an online environment?
It’s been great for the most part. It’s a small class, which means it feels like everyone gets a chance to talk about where they are in projects or what’s not clicking with the material. We do one module at a time, which is best for me since I can dedicate myself to my best work in one project. The only real drawback is, being so far from campus.
What advice would you give to an aspiring screenwriting student?
I think you just need to write. Translating how something looks in your head down to the page can feel gargantuan, and it’s stopped me from writing at all a few times. But if you have the power to write – leave it for days, weeks or months – at least you have something written down, and you can keep editing it as much as you need to. I’m still tackling the hurdle that my first written draft isn’t the final draft.
If I can give another [piece of advice] I’d say working on a script doesn’t always have to be sitting down and writing. I find my writing process is very similar to Aaron Sorkin; research can foster new ideas, scenes can form just while you’re out and about, taking a step away to see your work with fresh eyes. You don’t need to sit down and write 10 pages every day. Progress doesn’t have to be physical for it to count.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on the first draft of a script for my final major project. It’s a coming-of-age story set in Birmingham 1979, about a young teenage girl discovering who she is through music. It’s something of a passion project and special interest including jazz and 2 Tone ska as vehicles for this character-driven story. It’s strange to be putting so much of myself into this project, but now I finally understand when people say “write what you know”.
How do you balance the course alongside work or other commitments?
It can be tricky, and I’ve definitely stumbled. Nora Roberts has a glass ball theory; imagine the work-life balance as juggling balls, where some commitments are glass and some are plastic. It’s up to the person to identify which are which for them, knowing what to prioritise, but ultimately knowing that every so often you will drop a ball and it’s not the end of the world – even if it’s glass. It’s important not to be too hard on yourself for dropping something in favour of another, and what is glass one day may be plastic another.
I’ve taken on extra shifts or stayed later at work knowing that doing so will give me less time to dedicate to study or socialising, but needing the extra cash. Going out with friends can feel like wasting study time, and vice versa. No two days are the same.
If you could only watch one thing for the rest of your life, which film or TV box set would you pick?
This might be cheating but I’d say the Karate Kid franchise. If you’re twisting my arm, I’d say the first film.