I spent the evening attempting to tidy my study and ejecting some of the dross that’s been hogging space on my bookshelves. My filing system now goes something like this:
Top Shelf – Religion and Philosophy – more a hangover from my college days than anything else. I keep whittling this section down so it’s much more philosophy based than religion (which now amounts to the core texts of the main religions in their native languages (I want to learn Arabic one day – but I need to get my French much sharper before I start that)).
Middle Shelf – My pride and joy – the complete Robert Rankin collection, with signed copy of the Antipope. And I’ve read them in chronological order. Which is a bit sad. Also my Umberto Eco collection and highlights of Terry Pratchett.
Bottom Shelf – Neil Gaiman selection, Screenplays, Screenwriting books, French language books, Winemaking books. My long term goal, once I’ve mastered the art and craft of filmmaking is retire and run a vineyard here in Kent. I’m hoping that in about fifteen or twenty years the climate will have warmed suffently to grow some decent grapes like the French do now (rather than the German stuff that traditional English growers seem to think we should grow here).
Along the back of the desk – General Filmmaking, Directing and Editing – A fine selection of books, all well thumbed.
I’ve also been typing up Ken Colley’s hand written notes into something that looks a lot like a script which will, after a few rewrites, become his next short film. I’ve been helping Ken with some other bits and pieces for this little project in the past week, but if I told you what they were, I’d ruin the story somewhat.
One of the things I really liked about Ken’s script, and learnt a lot from, was the dialogue. I guess as an actor he’s had his fair share of dodgy lines to speak, so his dialogue comes across as very natural. He’s also good at writing around the subject and injecting heapfuls of subtext without ever being on the nose (something I struggle with).
It’ll be interesting to see where he takes it. I know where I would, but I’m only playing secretary for him while the lady who normally types up his stuff is away on holiday…
4 comments
Lee says:
September 18, 2006 at 8:19 am (UTC 1 )
My complete Rankin collection only goes so far as Hollow Chocolate Bunnies, at which point I just, I don’t know why, lost interest. I still try and read The Brentford Triangle once a year though, for it is nothing other than utter genius.
Andy Coughlan says:
September 18, 2006 at 9:35 am (UTC 1 )
I must admit I also struggled through Hollow Chocolate Bunnies. Not sure if it was the book or I just got a bit Rankin’d out.
I still haven’t plucked up the courage to walk into a pub and ask for a pint of Large, though.
I met Robert once, and he vaguely bemoaned the fact that Terry Pratchett was making a mint from selling the screenplay rights to his books (where are the films!?) and he wasn’t.
It would be truly awesome to adapt one of his books.
Tim Clague says:
September 19, 2006 at 2:28 pm (UTC 1 )
Stop twatting about with your books. You know you only do it to avoid writing. Or is that just me?
Robert Grant says:
November 15, 2006 at 11:03 am (UTC 1 )
I agree wholeheartedly on the Rankin and the Pratchett but I’d have to add Jasper Fforde to those as well, particularly ‘The Big Over Easy’.
I’d have liked a complete listing of the film/screenwriting books – I’m always fascinated by other peoples bookshelves.
BTW The BBC have turned The Hogfather into a feature for Christmas in case you’re interested. The cream of British TV talent appears to be in it. I suspect it’ll be better than the radio plays/animated features anyway.