Calling Card Script

The calling card script is the script that expresses your voice, gets you noticed and helps you reach commission and production. Written by Paul Ashton, Development Manager of the BBC writersroom, and born out of his wide experience of reading scripts, working with writers, and as an industry 'gatekeeper', this is a guide to the key writing tools you need to know and understand to write a truly original script.

As many professionals need to switch mediums and genres in order to survive and thrive, the book uniquely draws together the universal principles of dramatic storytelling for screen, stage, and radio. With a focus on the script as a blue print for performance, sections and chapters break down into bite-sized practical insights and the book mirrors both the journey of the story and process of writing it.

The Calling Card Script shows how to tell a great story in script form and offers valuable professional development insight for all writers, whether established or just starting out, who wish to hone their craft and speak their voice.

Paul Ashton is Head of Film & TV at Creative UK, where he works extensively with writers and filmmakers and has lead industry talent programmes iFeatures and Breakout. He is Executive Producer on the film and TV slate - from Steve McQueen's 'Small Axe' and Netflix Original 'Calibre', to theatrical releases such as 'White Riot' and 'Benediction' - as well as on numerous shorts, including BIFA-winning and BAFTA-nominated films.



Paul was previously Development Producer at the BBC, where his credits included ACADEMY and BAFTA-nominated shorts and BAFTA-nominated debut feature 'Shifty'. His work with talent through BBC writersroom has seen BAFTA, RTS, SONY, PRIX ITALIA, IMISON and TINNISWOOD winning drama and comedy by emerging writers produced across television and radio slots - from Mike Bartlett's first drama on BBC radio to 'Wolfblood' on CBBC. Paul has over 20 years of experience across film, TV, radio and theatre, with a career-long commitment to emerging talent and regional voices.