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THE FUNDAMENTALS OF GRANT WRITING

  13 Apr 2017

Chilling psychological thriller Berlin Syndrome has been released in cinemas. The tale of a passionate holiday romance leading to an obsessive relationship was directed by Cate Shortland, produced by Aquarius Films and written by prolific Victorian screenwriter Shaun Grant. 

Taking time out from his full schedule Shaun chats to Film Victoria about adapting the Melanie Joosten novel, relocating to LA, the appeal of the dark side and his advice for aspiring screenwriters.

Some books are meant to be made into movies. How was the experience of writing the script for Berlin Syndrome? Are there any key differences between the book and the movie?

Melanie Joosten wrote a fantastic novel which I was drawn to at the exact same time I was drawn to, though for very different reasons, Jasper Jones. Each adaptation brings its own set of challenges. Berlin Syndrome was relatively short in length and required me adding a lot of story, particularly regarding the Andi character. Jasper Jones is a larger text with competing subplots, which meant I was mostly removing story rather than implanting it.

How and when do you know that you have a good concept for a film?

I’m not sure you ever know anything in this business– you just hope you have a good concept. Good books can often make bad movies though so no matter how great the literature you can’t be afraid to play with it. The greatest challenge in adaptation is that you’re trying to fit a round peg into a square hole, they are two entirely different forms. Many bad, or at least bland, adaptations have been guilty of sticking too close to the source material.

Berlin Syndrome, The Snowtown Murders, Jasper Jones… Thriller, crime, drama. It’s fair to say you’re drawn to dark stories – what intrigues you about them?

True, I like dark stories, sad songs etc. I always have. I love comedies too, and blockbusters, but overall there’s certainly a melancholic side to me that I mostly explore in my work. Outside the page I’m a pretty happy go-lucky guy.


A career that spans from a school teacher in a small country town to a sought-after writer in the glamorous city of Hollywood... What’s been the biggest challenge and the most rewarding moment in your journey so far?

The work is always a challenge. I love it, but I find it very challenging. Navigating the politics of the industry is another challenge in itself. There have been many rewarding moments. Three films into my career and I’ve been fortunate enough to have premieres at Cannes and Sundance, so that’s been amazing. Having people I’ve admired from afar become my peers and collaborators has also been great. And I guess being able to tell stories for a living and not a hobby is the best reward of all. I know how lucky I am to be in that position.

What are your daily writing routines and sources for creativity and inspiration?

Coming from already having a career as a teacher before having one in film meant I was used to 9am-5pm days and that’s what I try to stick to. Of course approaching deadlines can alter that but overall I think all writers need to find inspiration in life. Otherwise you’re just replicating what’s already been made. So live life and have experiences, they may not make your screenplay, but some part of you will and that part will be formed by the life you’ve lived, not the hours you’ve spent at the keyboard.

It’s often a long road for young and emerging film practitioners: what is a piece of advice you received early in your career that can inspire them?

I can’t remember any one piece of advice that’s been given to me, but I’ll say this: don’t be an a**hole! That shop is full in this business and you don’t need to be to succeed. Just work hard. There’s a belief that you have to be dog-eat-dog to get ahead but honestly some of the most successful people I know in Film and TV are also the most generous. Success and humility do not have to be mutually exclusive. Also, ignore the ‘It’s about who you know’ line. I was once told that when I was studying film and I didn’t know anyone in the industry. Thankfully it didn’t deter me, and now I do.


What’s next on your writing radar?

I’ve written two films– an adaptation of Peter Carey’s novel True History of The Kelly Gang and an original script set in America, entitled A Man With No Enemies. Both of which we’re hopeful of shooting in the not too-distant future. And I have some other projects in earlier stages of development.

 

Berlin Syndrome opens on 20 April.