Pop Culture Bash
@popculturebash.bsky.social
Freelance script reader/consultant
Producing MA, National Film and Television School UK graduate
I hope to work in scripted development one day. Meanwhile, I’m sharing my latest film, TV and culture thoughts and obsessions.
UK based
Producing MA, National Film and Television School UK graduate
I hope to work in scripted development one day. Meanwhile, I’m sharing my latest film, TV and culture thoughts and obsessions.
UK based
Writer or director characters are one of my personal pet peeves. After reading hundreds of new writers funding submissions, it’s a pattern that comes up quite a lot.
The below thoughtful guide on how to move beyond that comfort zone is definitely worth a read.
#scriptsky #filmmaking
The below thoughtful guide on how to move beyond that comfort zone is definitely worth a read.
#scriptsky #filmmaking
My latest Balls of Steel is live on @scriptmagazine.bsky.social ...
Get a Job.
Yes, stop writing about writers. Please.
scriptmag.com/balls-of-ste...
#scriptchat #screenwriting #WritingCommunity #ScriptSky #BookSky
Get a Job.
Yes, stop writing about writers. Please.
scriptmag.com/balls-of-ste...
#scriptchat #screenwriting #WritingCommunity #ScriptSky #BookSky
Balls of Steel™: Get a Job
Writing isn't always the most exciting career to give a character. Jeanne Veillette Bowerman shares why not to make a protagonist a writer in your script.
scriptmag.com
May 20, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Writer or director characters are one of my personal pet peeves. After reading hundreds of new writers funding submissions, it’s a pattern that comes up quite a lot.
The below thoughtful guide on how to move beyond that comfort zone is definitely worth a read.
#scriptsky #filmmaking
The below thoughtful guide on how to move beyond that comfort zone is definitely worth a read.
#scriptsky #filmmaking
A gentle Monday reminder that Mental Health Awareness Week may be over, but it's still important to take care of our own mental health and to look out for those around us.
I'm not an expert, but I find these resources really helpful. filmtvcharity.org.uk/get-support/...
#scriptsky #filmmaking
I'm not an expert, but I find these resources really helpful. filmtvcharity.org.uk/get-support/...
#scriptsky #filmmaking
May 19, 2025 at 1:31 PM
A gentle Monday reminder that Mental Health Awareness Week may be over, but it's still important to take care of our own mental health and to look out for those around us.
I'm not an expert, but I find these resources really helpful. filmtvcharity.org.uk/get-support/...
#scriptsky #filmmaking
I'm not an expert, but I find these resources really helpful. filmtvcharity.org.uk/get-support/...
#scriptsky #filmmaking
Rejection might be universal, but it so often feels like a lonely place. It’s tough not to take it to heart or question your work. Really appreciate you sharing your experience — it’s great reminder to keep going!
#scriptsky #scriptskyuk #filmmaking
#scriptsky #scriptskyuk #filmmaking
BBC Writers asked me to write a blog about rejection, as yesterday they began the task of letting down the 5,000+ writers who applied to the Open Call, and had a fair amount of abuse about it.
#scriptskyuk #scriptsky
www.bbc.co.uk/writers/blog...
#scriptskyuk #scriptsky
www.bbc.co.uk/writers/blog...
Being a Writer Means Dealing With Rejection
Paul Hunt explains how after years of unsuccessful applications he finally gained a place in our Scripted writer development group.
www.bbc.co.uk
May 18, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Rejection might be universal, but it so often feels like a lonely place. It’s tough not to take it to heart or question your work. Really appreciate you sharing your experience — it’s great reminder to keep going!
#scriptsky #scriptskyuk #filmmaking
#scriptsky #scriptskyuk #filmmaking
I had to set aside a dream I’d held since I was 16 — becoming an independent producer. Without personal financial support, it didn’t feel sustainable. I still hope to return to it, but with the industry as it is, it’s hard to say when.
#producing #filmmaking
www.screendaily.com/news/second-...
#producing #filmmaking
www.screendaily.com/news/second-...
Second Producers Roundtable survey paints bleak picture for UK indie producers
EXCLUSIVE: Almost nine in 10 UK independent producers say the job is not currently sustainable
www.screendaily.com
May 16, 2025 at 11:22 AM
I had to set aside a dream I’d held since I was 16 — becoming an independent producer. Without personal financial support, it didn’t feel sustainable. I still hope to return to it, but with the industry as it is, it’s hard to say when.
#producing #filmmaking
www.screendaily.com/news/second-...
#producing #filmmaking
www.screendaily.com/news/second-...
Absolutely love the thoughtful, educational work @thescriptreader.bsky.social is doing. It’s such a gift to have this kind of experience shared so openly.
The writers I support have found your posts incredibly accessible, and they’re already putting your advice into practice.
#scriptsky #filmsky
The writers I support have found your posts incredibly accessible, and they’re already putting your advice into practice.
#scriptsky #filmsky
Ideally, don't add shot transitions into your spec script unless they're ESSENTIAL to the storytelling.
CUT TO: is the biggest offender here. Some noobs seem to think you need to add this at the end of every scene - please don't!
#scriptsky
CUT TO: is the biggest offender here. Some noobs seem to think you need to add this at the end of every scene - please don't!
#scriptsky
May 13, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Absolutely love the thoughtful, educational work @thescriptreader.bsky.social is doing. It’s such a gift to have this kind of experience shared so openly.
The writers I support have found your posts incredibly accessible, and they’re already putting your advice into practice.
#scriptsky #filmsky
The writers I support have found your posts incredibly accessible, and they’re already putting your advice into practice.
#scriptsky #filmsky
Huge congratulations to the team! Mr Bates vs The Post Office is a powerful reminder of why I love this industry. Now more than ever, we need stories that stand for something. It’s so encouraging to see it recognised — and making real change beyond the screen.
#bafta #scriptsky #britishtv #hetv
#bafta #scriptsky #britishtv #hetv
May 12, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Huge congratulations to the team! Mr Bates vs The Post Office is a powerful reminder of why I love this industry. Now more than ever, we need stories that stand for something. It’s so encouraging to see it recognised — and making real change beyond the screen.
#bafta #scriptsky #britishtv #hetv
#bafta #scriptsky #britishtv #hetv
Sadly, I’ve been in this position more times I’d like to admit to myself. It’s disheartening — creative work is real work, and it deserves proper recognition. People don’t live and pay bills in exposure or portfolio.
We owe it to each other to break this cycle!
#scriptsky #filmsky #tvsky
We owe it to each other to break this cycle!
#scriptsky #filmsky #tvsky
Pay people for the work they do.
It doesn't have to be a lot.
Scale it to the budget of the project.
But pay people.
Every time we ask another artist/craftsperson to work for free, we're perpetuating a downward-spiraling circle of devaluation.
Pay people for their work.
#scriptsky #filmsky
It doesn't have to be a lot.
Scale it to the budget of the project.
But pay people.
Every time we ask another artist/craftsperson to work for free, we're perpetuating a downward-spiraling circle of devaluation.
Pay people for their work.
#scriptsky #filmsky
May 11, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Sadly, I’ve been in this position more times I’d like to admit to myself. It’s disheartening — creative work is real work, and it deserves proper recognition. People don’t live and pay bills in exposure or portfolio.
We owe it to each other to break this cycle!
#scriptsky #filmsky #tvsky
We owe it to each other to break this cycle!
#scriptsky #filmsky #tvsky
Reposted by Pop Culture Bash
“Yippee ki-yay…”
We are excited to tell everyone that Westminster Council decided on May 1st that the Prince Charles Cinema would be included in the list of Assets of Community Value maintained by the Council under section 87 of the Localism Act 2011.
We are excited to tell everyone that Westminster Council decided on May 1st that the Prince Charles Cinema would be included in the list of Assets of Community Value maintained by the Council under section 87 of the Localism Act 2011.
May 9, 2025 at 2:06 PM
“Yippee ki-yay…”
We are excited to tell everyone that Westminster Council decided on May 1st that the Prince Charles Cinema would be included in the list of Assets of Community Value maintained by the Council under section 87 of the Localism Act 2011.
We are excited to tell everyone that Westminster Council decided on May 1st that the Prince Charles Cinema would be included in the list of Assets of Community Value maintained by the Council under section 87 of the Localism Act 2011.
The film and telly industry is undoubtedly on the brink of change. The question is, where will it lead us?
#filmsky
#FutureOfStorytelling
#FilmAndTVThoughts
#filmsky
#FutureOfStorytelling
#FilmAndTVThoughts
quibi, relaunch, we were all just busy that month sherwood.news/culture/rise...
The rise of microdramas raises the question: Was Quibi right all along?
Mobile-first, minutes-long scripted content is blowing up around the world....
sherwood.news
May 10, 2025 at 1:30 AM
The film and telly industry is undoubtedly on the brink of change. The question is, where will it lead us?
#filmsky
#FutureOfStorytelling
#FilmAndTVThoughts
#filmsky
#FutureOfStorytelling
#FilmAndTVThoughts
Thank you @mattbelloni.bsky.social for your quick reaction!
Both American and global industries are in a deep crisis. We don’t need more issues, but real solutions and financing restructuring!
#movie #filmsky #tariffs
Both American and global industries are in a deep crisis. We don’t need more issues, but real solutions and financing restructuring!
#movie #filmsky #tariffs
New pod: So THAT happened. Trump's movie tariffs would be disastrous for Hollywood...BUT...there's a non-calamitous path forward here. We think. With @lucasshaw.bsky.social. Listen! open.spotify.com/episode/7C91...
Trump's Movie Tariff Bombshell and Hollywood’s Freak-Out
The Town with Matthew Belloni · Episode
open.spotify.com
May 5, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Thank you @mattbelloni.bsky.social for your quick reaction!
Both American and global industries are in a deep crisis. We don’t need more issues, but real solutions and financing restructuring!
#movie #filmsky #tariffs
Both American and global industries are in a deep crisis. We don’t need more issues, but real solutions and financing restructuring!
#movie #filmsky #tariffs
My beloved grandpa, a longtime humanities teacher, just passed. At his funeral, students from across decades showed up. I realised then he didn’t just inspire my love of storytelling – he sparked it in generations.
Here’s to those who first lit the flame for writers and filmmakers!
#scriptsky
Here’s to those who first lit the flame for writers and filmmakers!
#scriptsky
April 23, 2025 at 12:47 PM
My beloved grandpa, a longtime humanities teacher, just passed. At his funeral, students from across decades showed up. I realised then he didn’t just inspire my love of storytelling – he sparked it in generations.
Here’s to those who first lit the flame for writers and filmmakers!
#scriptsky
Here’s to those who first lit the flame for writers and filmmakers!
#scriptsky
Anyone else from the filmmakers out there found The Studio very anxiety inducing? ;)
#appletv #thestudio #tvshow #filmmakerslife
#appletv #thestudio #tvshow #filmmakerslife
an older man in a suit and tie sits in a dark room
ALT: an older man in a suit and tie sits in a dark room
media.tenor.com
April 3, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Anyone else from the filmmakers out there found The Studio very anxiety inducing? ;)
#appletv #thestudio #tvshow #filmmakerslife
#appletv #thestudio #tvshow #filmmakerslife
I hope that Adolescence will prove to both writers and commissioners that socially engaged drama is worth a while. We need more of them!
#adolescence #tvshow
#adolescence #tvshow
March 28, 2025 at 11:55 AM
I hope that Adolescence will prove to both writers and commissioners that socially engaged drama is worth a while. We need more of them!
#adolescence #tvshow
#adolescence #tvshow
As always, it was great to attend BFI Flare- a LGBTQ+ film festival!
This year I was able only watch Hot Milk and If I Die There Will Be Joy. I’m looking for recommendations on queer films screened there I should look out for.
#bfiflare #filmfestival #queer #queerfilm #lgbtq+ #filmsky
This year I was able only watch Hot Milk and If I Die There Will Be Joy. I’m looking for recommendations on queer films screened there I should look out for.
#bfiflare #filmfestival #queer #queerfilm #lgbtq+ #filmsky
March 27, 2025 at 2:32 PM
As always, it was great to attend BFI Flare- a LGBTQ+ film festival!
This year I was able only watch Hot Milk and If I Die There Will Be Joy. I’m looking for recommendations on queer films screened there I should look out for.
#bfiflare #filmfestival #queer #queerfilm #lgbtq+ #filmsky
This year I was able only watch Hot Milk and If I Die There Will Be Joy. I’m looking for recommendations on queer films screened there I should look out for.
#bfiflare #filmfestival #queer #queerfilm #lgbtq+ #filmsky
Reposted by Pop Culture Bash
Flow global box office is over $36 Million and still going strong!
Not bad for a $3.7 million budget!
Exciting times for independent animation!
variety.com/2025/film/bo...
Not bad for a $3.7 million budget!
Exciting times for independent animation!
variety.com/2025/film/bo...
March 20, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Flow global box office is over $36 Million and still going strong!
Not bad for a $3.7 million budget!
Exciting times for independent animation!
variety.com/2025/film/bo...
Not bad for a $3.7 million budget!
Exciting times for independent animation!
variety.com/2025/film/bo...
Reposted by Pop Culture Bash
📣Applications now open!
ScreenSkills, in association with Directors UK, is offering an opportunity for three directors new to HETV drama and based in the regions, to receive mentoring and support from experienced and established directors in the genre.
📅Apply by Thu 24 Apr
🔗 ow.ly/UzB850Vlk6L
ScreenSkills, in association with Directors UK, is offering an opportunity for three directors new to HETV drama and based in the regions, to receive mentoring and support from experienced and established directors in the genre.
📅Apply by Thu 24 Apr
🔗 ow.ly/UzB850Vlk6L
March 20, 2025 at 11:25 AM
📣Applications now open!
ScreenSkills, in association with Directors UK, is offering an opportunity for three directors new to HETV drama and based in the regions, to receive mentoring and support from experienced and established directors in the genre.
📅Apply by Thu 24 Apr
🔗 ow.ly/UzB850Vlk6L
ScreenSkills, in association with Directors UK, is offering an opportunity for three directors new to HETV drama and based in the regions, to receive mentoring and support from experienced and established directors in the genre.
📅Apply by Thu 24 Apr
🔗 ow.ly/UzB850Vlk6L
Berlin ER is my recent German AppleTV discovery.
Very gritty, strongly grounded in reality of underfunded hospitals and full of ambiguous characters. I recommend giving it a go even if you’re not a fan of non English language shows!
#tvshow #tv #appletv #krankberlin
youtu.be/VXNlCOtVDnE?...
Very gritty, strongly grounded in reality of underfunded hospitals and full of ambiguous characters. I recommend giving it a go even if you’re not a fan of non English language shows!
#tvshow #tv #appletv #krankberlin
youtu.be/VXNlCOtVDnE?...
Berlin ER (KRANK Berlin) — Official Trailer | Apple TV+
YouTube video by Apple TV
youtu.be
March 19, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Berlin ER is my recent German AppleTV discovery.
Very gritty, strongly grounded in reality of underfunded hospitals and full of ambiguous characters. I recommend giving it a go even if you’re not a fan of non English language shows!
#tvshow #tv #appletv #krankberlin
youtu.be/VXNlCOtVDnE?...
Very gritty, strongly grounded in reality of underfunded hospitals and full of ambiguous characters. I recommend giving it a go even if you’re not a fan of non English language shows!
#tvshow #tv #appletv #krankberlin
youtu.be/VXNlCOtVDnE?...
River City becomes next British long running show to be cancelled in recent years…
This is a terrible news not only for employees and their families but also an end to a fantastic talent pipeline.
#britishtv #tvshow #bbc #scotland
www.televisual.com/news/bbc-axe...
This is a terrible news not only for employees and their families but also an end to a fantastic talent pipeline.
#britishtv #tvshow #bbc #scotland
www.televisual.com/news/bbc-axe...
BBC axes River City after 23 years - Televisual
BBC Scotland has announced that long-running drama series, River City will come to an end next year after more than 20 years on screen.
www.televisual.com
March 18, 2025 at 3:09 PM
River City becomes next British long running show to be cancelled in recent years…
This is a terrible news not only for employees and their families but also an end to a fantastic talent pipeline.
#britishtv #tvshow #bbc #scotland
www.televisual.com/news/bbc-axe...
This is a terrible news not only for employees and their families but also an end to a fantastic talent pipeline.
#britishtv #tvshow #bbc #scotland
www.televisual.com/news/bbc-axe...
I love that!
Great news coming out of the weekend for #TheGreyList25 writers!
One writer being read by a well known manager.
Another who, after being read, is now talking to a potential manager.
A third whose script is in the hands of a major streamer.
This is what it's all about!
#scriptsky #filmsky
One writer being read by a well known manager.
Another who, after being read, is now talking to a potential manager.
A third whose script is in the hands of a major streamer.
This is what it's all about!
#scriptsky #filmsky
March 17, 2025 at 5:12 PM
I love that!
The greatest British TV shows were born out of band 2 budgets and commissioners not afraid to take creative risks.
We don’t see much of either anymore.
#tv #tvshow #uktv
www.thetimes.com/article/80b8...
We don’t see much of either anymore.
#tv #tvshow #uktv
www.thetimes.com/article/80b8...
‘British stories are dying out’: the cash crisis threatening TV
The rise of YouTube and global streamers such as Netflix means raising funding for shows that appeal mainly to UK audiences is increasingly difficult
www.thetimes.com
March 14, 2025 at 2:39 PM
The greatest British TV shows were born out of band 2 budgets and commissioners not afraid to take creative risks.
We don’t see much of either anymore.
#tv #tvshow #uktv
www.thetimes.com/article/80b8...
We don’t see much of either anymore.
#tv #tvshow #uktv
www.thetimes.com/article/80b8...
Love reading this #WIP trend! I want to get to know more of you brilliant writers 😊
#scriptsky #filmsky
#scriptsky #filmsky
Five things you’ll find in my WIP:
1. A headstrong gal determined to find the truth
2. A methodical killer
3. A supernatural curse
4. Dozens of keys scattered across the country
5. And holy hannah, surgical horror 💀 We're going there!
#scriptsky #filmsky
1. A headstrong gal determined to find the truth
2. A methodical killer
3. A supernatural curse
4. Dozens of keys scattered across the country
5. And holy hannah, surgical horror 💀 We're going there!
#scriptsky #filmsky
Five things you’ll find in my WIP:
1. Neurodivergent outcasts trying to make a movie
2. Mahler’s 8th Symphony
3. Eastbourne, England
4. A drama teacher on a Faustian journey
5. Chaos
#scriptsky #filmsky
1. Neurodivergent outcasts trying to make a movie
2. Mahler’s 8th Symphony
3. Eastbourne, England
4. A drama teacher on a Faustian journey
5. Chaos
#scriptsky #filmsky
March 13, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Love reading this #WIP trend! I want to get to know more of you brilliant writers 😊
#scriptsky #filmsky
#scriptsky #filmsky
In this weird times of diversity regress, I feel that the UK should work even harder in that area.
Reservation Dogs is an amazing example of community representation but not many Brits have seen it. Watch it to get inspired!
#scriptskyuk #tvshow #reservationdogs
youtu.be/YWYVTyhFAOU?...
Reservation Dogs is an amazing example of community representation but not many Brits have seen it. Watch it to get inspired!
#scriptskyuk #tvshow #reservationdogs
youtu.be/YWYVTyhFAOU?...
Reservation Dogs Season 1 Trailer | Rotten Tomatoes TV
YouTube video by Rotten Tomatoes TV
youtu.be
March 11, 2025 at 5:15 PM
In this weird times of diversity regress, I feel that the UK should work even harder in that area.
Reservation Dogs is an amazing example of community representation but not many Brits have seen it. Watch it to get inspired!
#scriptskyuk #tvshow #reservationdogs
youtu.be/YWYVTyhFAOU?...
Reservation Dogs is an amazing example of community representation but not many Brits have seen it. Watch it to get inspired!
#scriptskyuk #tvshow #reservationdogs
youtu.be/YWYVTyhFAOU?...
Reposted by Pop Culture Bash
WGGB was involved with + support's @tuc.org.uk's new AI manifesto, published today, which calls for action to protect workers in the creative industries amid huge changes in AI
Read more in the Guardian, incl a quote from our Chair @emmajanereeves.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Read more in the Guardian, incl a quote from our Chair @emmajanereeves.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
UK unions call for action to protect creative industry workers as AI develops
TUC says proposals on copyright and AI framework must go further to stop exploitation by ‘rapacious tech bosses’
www.theguardian.com
March 3, 2025 at 9:42 AM
WGGB was involved with + support's @tuc.org.uk's new AI manifesto, published today, which calls for action to protect workers in the creative industries amid huge changes in AI
Read more in the Guardian, incl a quote from our Chair @emmajanereeves.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Read more in the Guardian, incl a quote from our Chair @emmajanereeves.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
In my opinion Flow is the biggest winner of #oscars. This tiny production made with free #blender won with the best names of the #animation industry. It’s a legendary achievement!
I hope that it will give more courage to animators out there and open up more funding opportunities.
#indieanimation
I hope that it will give more courage to animators out there and open up more funding opportunities.
#indieanimation
March 3, 2025 at 11:22 AM
In my opinion Flow is the biggest winner of #oscars. This tiny production made with free #blender won with the best names of the #animation industry. It’s a legendary achievement!
I hope that it will give more courage to animators out there and open up more funding opportunities.
#indieanimation
I hope that it will give more courage to animators out there and open up more funding opportunities.
#indieanimation