Just looking back on my career, I got my break as a UK script consultant and script writer for hire on Channel 4 in the UK back in 1994.
I won a nationwide Channel Four script writing competition called the Lloyds Bank Channel Four Film Challenge. What an experience! It started my career and probably changed my life…
It was the first time that competition had run, and I ended up with a short film broadcast on Channel Four (right after Brookside!) The film starred Ewan McGregor (It’s his first credit on the IMDb) and I was there from the first draft, right to the final edit. I was 19 years old.
There was a documentary made about the competition and it contains some still very relevant advice for script writers starting out their careers today.
It’s below. I was 19 but look about twelve…
Matthew Cooper has been a script writer for hire for over 20 years. He’s written for most of the UK soaps, including writing award winning episodes of Emmerdale, EastEnders, Hollyoaks and Family Affairs and has been BAFTA shortlisted and Royal Television Society nominated as a script writer. He’s also a leading UK script consultant. You can find some of his broadcast credits on the IMDb. You can get in touch with Matthew on matcoop23@yahoo.co.uk or hire him on Peopleperhour