Kurosawa has inspired me greatly with films such as Rashomon and Seven Samurai in terms of blending storytelling, composition and action.

From a writing-directing angle, films like The Piano, early Terence Malick - I love for their lyrical style. Then, on the other hand, I’m a big fan of James Cameron, Terminator 2 is in my top three, and 90s action-thrillers like The Fugitive, Lethal Weapon and Patriot Games.

For me the most important moment in a film is seeing early on, what the hero really cares about, be it a person or something internal or moral. I recently watched Jaws again, and you are immediately gripped because you know that this Sheriff really cares about the town and his family, and he’ll do what it takes to protect them.
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In terms of my writing style, everyone is different, but I start with a short pitch and then get feedback on that from friends to see the general consensus. I’ll then write a synopsis breaking the story, and a basic outline with the beats. Then I’ll write the script - and follow that up with the hardest stage - i.e. surviving script notes and starting the re-drafting process! 

I am shooting an indie feature film early 2017 about the refugee crisis, aiming to release it on the Festival circuit later in the year.
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Mono Ghose is an award winning writer/director.  Find out more about Mono’s work at www.monoghose.com .

Plot, character, and structure. The three act structure; beginning, middle, and end. Each paragraph ought have characters—unforgettable characters—with: Point of view, attitude, dramatic need, intentions and obstacles, and the capacity to change - and if you craft it well, they do. Using a cascading progression of intentions and obstacles each character meets challenges, and conflicts that drive the story. Each paragraph tells you something about the character, or drives the tale. Lead characters have an objective, and obstacles, conflict, and their arc throughout the narrative creates a tension that drives readers to turn the pages. Go for a knockout ending!
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D.D. Cross - Writer, Editor, Artist, and Creative Consultant

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