Introducing a collection of interviews with some of London’s best British talent, from artists to actors, and what they love about our one of wonderful neighbourhoods, Soho!
Charlotte Macleod is a playwright, screenwriter and book writer who is drawn inexorably and always, to stories about women who are underestimated. A passionate cinephile, she founded and currently runs The Script Factory – one of Britain’s leading film development organisations for filmmakers.
Alumni include Stephen Knight (Dirty Pretty Things), Moira Buffini (The Dig) and Geetika Lizardi (Bridgerton). Described by The Times as “the beating heart of the British film industry”, The Script Factory is highly regarded for its staged readings, screenwriting programs and masterclasses including such luminaries as Wes Anderson, the Coen Brothers, Aaron Sorkin and Spike Lee.
We sat down with Charlotte to hear about the latest talent and her favourite places to watch movies in Soho.
What was the inspiration to you rekindling your company, The Script Factory?
This crazy world needs storytellers. But telling great stories is not for the fainthearted. It takes graft, grit, and guts. We re-kindled The Script Factory to empower screenwriters to write the stories they need to tell.
The Script Factory is one of Britain’s leading film development organisations for filmmakers, tell us about what new projects you have lined up this year?
The Script Factory is collaborating the British Film Institute, and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School on two new projects aimed at helping playwrights take the leap into writing for the screen. Our sessions explore how to embrace the creative possibilities of film, whilst keeping true to your own writing voice.
The Script Factory hosts your workshops with our neighbour – The Soho Theatre. Tell us about what you are doing there?
Many organisations only teach online, but we’re big on the importance of being in the room. It’s great for concentration, interaction and creating a screenwriting community. We host classes at the Soho Theatre on everything to writing your first short film, to raising the stakes in your feature film, and encourage everyone to join us at the bar downstairs afterwards to carry on the conversation.
The Resident Soho is on the doorstep of some of the best cinemas in the capital. What are your favourite cinemas in and around Soho?
The Regent Street Cinema, built in 1848, and considered ‘the birthplace of British cinema’ is a complete joy. It’s got an art deco auditorium, elliptical-coved ceiling, and an original working organ. I like to catch a classic matinee, and make-believe I’m in a scene from Cinema Paradiso. The Picture House Central has seven state of the art cinemas, an all-day café and a bougee first floor bar. I recommend indulging in this unbeatable combo – salted popcorn, pick’n’mix sweets, and a dirty martini. Cinema heaven. For those epic movie-going moments – Leicester Square always delivers. It has not one, not two, but three giant cinemas – the Vue, Cineworld and Odeon Luxe. Go Big or Go Home, I say!
As passionate cinephile, what are your top films that you are looking forward to seeing this year, and why?
There’s already a buzz about Blitz by 12 Years a Slave director Steve McQueen. It stars Luke Dickinson and one of my favourite actresses of all time – the mesmerising Saoirse Ronan. Bring it on.
I can’t wait to see Bird, starring Oscar nominated Barry Keoghan, who comes fresh slurping bathwater in Saltburn. It’s directed by Andrea Arnold – the maverick filmmaker behind Fish Tank and American Honey.
And I’m excited to see The End – Joshua Oppenheimer’s post apocalyptical musical starring Tilda Swinton and George MacKay. George starred in one of my plays, and he’s a total genius. He brings such ferocious intelligence, vulnerability and grace to every role he plays. I can’t wait to see him in this.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
The late, great filmmaker Anthony Minghella always used to say, “You can enable or disable with your words, be careful how you use them.” It’s my guiding principle.
And what advice would you give to talent trying to break into the industry?
Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. The only difference between a talented writer who makes it and one who doesn’t is that the one who made it never gave up.
Tucked away by Soho Square, The Resident Soho is in the heart of London’s West End. A stylish haven amidst the urban buzz of one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, our hotel is the place to stay for anyone wanting to experience London from the inside out.
