Information About Carolyn - Barnes teacher

Personal Description:

I am an award-winning working screenwriter and director, with twenty years of produced projects - feature films, shorts and documentary - and projects in development with top production companies. I am a diverse and flexible filmmaker, with experience across genres and formats.

Optioned projects include a sci-fi feature, a period military family drama feature, a thriller TV series, a Cold War theatrical feature doc with an Emmy-winning, Oscar shortlisted producer.

A sample of recent produced projects include:
1. a comedy series on ROKU - writer and story editor
2. a high-end true crime five-part doc series on Amazon US (writer)
3. a microbudget horror feature film that was released theatrically and distributed in six countries - writer/director and producer
4. a feature film starring Oscar winner Richard Dreyfuss - story editor

I spent 13 years as a script analyst for the Harold Greenberg Fund, Canada's top broadcaster-funded development fund, giving notes on scripts from David Cronenberg, Bruce McDonald, Elan Mastai and other leading writer/directors. Though I am now London-based, I remain active in the film industry in both the UK and Canada.

I enjoy teaching because I am passionate about helping filmmakers achieve their vision and helping writers find their voice. I am driven by my great belief in the power of story and the absolute necessity in this world for great storytellers.
I have taught privately one-to-one, and for an acting school in London. I have appeared as a panelist and guest speaker.

Highlights and awards include:
1. Selection to The Writers Lab, supported by Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman (2020)
2. Writers Guild of Canada Sondra Kelly Award (winner, 2022)
3. Academy Nicholl Fellowship quarterfinalist
4. Three times shortlisted for Sundance Development Track
5. Banff World Media Festival Fellowship winner, 2022
6. Two official selections to JETS, held at the Berlinale
7. The Writers Lab UK Finalist, 2021
9. Challenge Alexa winner, 2020
10. Women in the Directors Chair selection

Affiliations include:
Board member, Directors UK
Writers Guild of Canada
BAFTA Connect
Women in the Directors Chair

Teaching Experience:

I have taught screenwriting workshops and done a lot of work with writers one-on-one as a script doctor and story editor.

I work with people at all levels. I have years of experience story editing and as an analyst in Canada for the scripts of some of the country's top filmmakers (ie David Cronenberg). I am equally happy helping emerging filmmakers find their voice.

I am also currently an instructor at a central London acting studio, where I teach acting for film, and do auditioning workshops.

Teaching Approach:

Great projects begin with understanding what you want to say. I start by asking you to tell me what your story is, in a sentence. I encourage you to dig deep to find its core, its beating heart. I will help you break down and understand your characters, so they exist organically within the story. I will work on dialogue with you to make it natural, non-expositional and funny (if it's a comedy) I'll help you make every word count. I teach you about structure -without tying you down to any one method. Every story is different and must be allowed to breathe in the way that suits it best. I never try to put my thumbprint on your work - rather, my goal is to help you achieve your vision.

I can guide you through all stages of development, including treatment, pitch materials such as mood board and pitch deck, and script, for both fiction film and documentary.
I am also happy to offer my insights and general guidance about the industry, whether it's financing options, contests, festivals or production, particularly indie.
With experience in Canada, the US and the UK, I can help you prep your project for both the North American and UK markets.