Allan Shiach Masterclass, Friday 4 December 2009

Edinburgh Napier University was delighted to welcome Scottish writer/producer Allan Shiach to present a  masterclass to students of the Edinburgh Skillset Screen and Media Academy in December entitled Making Movies – A Fool’s Guide.

Allan has been an Ambassador for the Academy since it first opened in 2006, and his masterclass was another demonstration of his long-standing commitment to Edinburgh Napier University and the Academy. 

Allan has written, co-written or produced over 20 feature screenplays, including the classic Don’t Look Now. (1973) starring Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland.  He was executive producer on Shallow Grave which was filmed in Scotland as was  Regeneration which he wrote and produced.

In the masterclass, Allan shared his experience of screenwriting with the students, and provided them with practical advice about how to succeed in the highly competitive film-making industry.  Feedback from the students was very positive and many said that they were inspired by Allan’s talk.

 

"Allan is a fascinating and entertaining speaker.  His wealth of experience as a writer and producer, combined with his nuggets of wisdom on the art and craft of screenwriting will be invaluable to the next generation of filmmakers."

 Russell Davidson, MA Screenwriting, 2009