Graduate spotlight: Ben Peddle - an award-winning graduate scriptwriter
19 January 2024
Introducing Ben Peddle: a 2023 BA(Hons) Television (now BA(Hons) Television & Film Production) graduate who already holds an international award win, and has sights set on the big screen. We chatted to Ben about life after graduation, scooping that award and what’s next for his career.
Isabella is the award-winning story that got Ben noticed as a scriptwriter, and was written during his last year at Falmouth. At just ten pages long it packs a real punch, telling the story of Isabella; a woman living a seemingly perfect life with her wife, Emma. However, things aren't as they seem when a nosy neighbour starts to ask questions, and unsettling secrets and mysteries are revealed...
Written during Ben’s third year studying here at Falmouth, Isabella has won the We Script Awards – a three-day festival and awards ceremony held in Phoenix, Arizona - and received an honourable mention at The Best Script Awards, too. A huge achievement for such a recent graduate, we asked Ben about the experience.
“Honestly? I had entered the awards after spotting them on FilmFreeway, and when I got the invite to the festival I was already happy: I never thought I would win. Going out there was my first time in America and just such a great experience; I made some real industry connections - like producers and other scriptwriters – and it was such a useful, positive time.
“Then, on the last day of the festival the awards were held, and it was my name announced first as the overall winner. It was a real shock. I was on stage and just thought ‘but... I didn’t expect to win!’”
Going from script to production
But it’s not the first time Isabella has been noticed. Ben’s time on BA(Hons) Television also set him up to tackle big creative challenges outside of scriptwriting – especially when it came to turning Isabella into a short film.
“I crowdfunded for the production to take Isabella to film, and we hit the target. It was incredible: we had actors, technicians and filmmakers collaborating from across the University working together to turn the script into something real. I’d previously worked as a script supervisor for The Hag Stone (a short film by senior lecturer Marie Macneill) and the experiences are so valuable.
“On the Television course, there are lots of different routes to go down – producing, writing, cinematography, whatever you’re best at. People can choose what works for them.”
What’s next?
And what’s next? Ben has some big plans for the future. While he’s seen early success with Isabella, Ben’s been busy building his CV, including highlights that make him stand out, working on other scripts for submissions and trialling new genres to broaden his writing experience.
“The ultimate dream is to see my scripts on screen. Working in the film or TV industries as a writer would be amazing, but for now I’m always thinking about new ideas, and trying to be as versatile as I can be in this early stage of my career. While I’ve taken to a thriller with Isabella, I'd like to try my hand in other areas.
“Graduating was a bit daunting: you’ve got your degree and then you’re sort of out in the world. My advice to students or other new graduates is to try and absorb different types of media; watch new TV shows, keep watching films and take yourself out of your comfort zone with the genre. When it comes to writing, it helps make you a better writer, and set you apart.”
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