When you go to the cinema, do you wait to watch the credits roll by while everyone else makes a quick exit? I stay seated because I want to know who composed the music, see the full cast list, and who directed the film. Sadly, not everyone does, it seems.
I was reminded of this while listening to Morag Fullerton who was the club’s guest speaker on Wednesday night. Never heard of her? Well, maybe if we all had been paying more attention to the credits we would know that she is a highly regarded writer and director of TV and theatre. For generations of viewers, Morag’s work has been part of the fabric of British television, directing many of the shows audiences return to again and again, such as Taggart, River City, Waterloo Road, and Rebus for which she won a Scottish Bafta.
It was with some surprise to discover Morag’s career as a director began with a panto at The Civic Theatre in Ayr, a place she spoke of with great fondness. Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Borderline productions at The Harbour Arts Centre in Irvine followed where she directed for 6-7 years.
Following a trainee course with BBC Scotland, Morag began her work in TV. However, as a freelancer, she continued to direct in theatres, including writing and directing at Oran Mor where she was co-artistic director of A Play, A Pie and a Pint from 2016-2020.
As the evening progressed, Morag shared many top tips to help members with script writing and encouraged everyone to have a go. Most importantly, she emphasised, we should make sure we have a great story, great dialogue and a great structure. The importance of reading your work out loud and remembering to show not tell, were also high on Morag’s list. She encouraged us to tell either an original story, or something known in a different way – and not to forget to eavesdrop conversations on buses, trains and in cafes when we are out and about. Most importantly, she told us, start your script with action, grab the audience’s attention and then don’t give too much away – let the audience work it out.
After a writing exercise and insightful feedback from Morag, time was up. I left feeling we had only touched the top of the iceberg as Morag’s knowledge runs very deep, covering writing, adapting, and directing for TV and theatre.
The evening was brought to a close with an entertaining poem from Maggie Bolton based on memories of an old teacher.
I hope members feel encouraged to enter the drama competition which Morag will adjudicate. That’s a chance not to be missed!
Fiona Johnson