Exclusive interview with Ruth Muray – Screenwriter
Ruth was born and brought up in Ireland – Derry (then, alas, a city of murderous religious battles) and the more peaceful Donegal – and attended a peace-loving Quaker school, (overlapping there with the actress Judi Dench), followed by top Oxford degrees in classics and anthropology, then fieldwork and university teaching in Africa, Fiji, Texas and England, all contexts for learning about ideas, about beautiful words, and, most of all, about people, finally a fulfilling career at Britain’s pioneering Open University. Regular ecumenical church -member
In a more formal context, Ruth Finnegan OBE is Emeritus Professor of the Open University UK, Fellow of the British Academy, International Fellow of the American Folklore Society, and an Honorary Fellow of Somerville College Oxford. An anthropologist, poet and librettist, she is the author of a wide range of prize-winning academic books of the multi-award literary novels ‘Black Inked Pearl’ and ‘Voyage of Pearl of the Seas’, and, most recently, screenplays. Currently she is also deeply engaged as co-editor of ‘Hearing Others’ Voices’, an inspiring new series for young adults ( Balestier Press).
NY Glam: What projects are you currently working on?
A screenplay about Odysseus, the man of men, as sung by Homer, inspired by my university classical studies. Also more on my Kate-Pearl epic romance novels, currently “Fire-Pearl” (will possibly later adapt as screenplay, it’d be very visually dramatic)
NY Glam: What makes a film great for you? Are there certain qualities that make a film better for you?
If it takes me out of myself – inspiring me
NY Glam: As a screenwriter, what is the most important aspect of building a character?
To be that character, then it just happens (actions and facial expression and gestures and feelings not just words))
NY Glam: How important is itfor you being a finalist at International Screenwriting Competition –ISC?
“Wow” sums it up!
NY Glam: Top 3 favorite projects that you have been involved in?
Screenplays: “Black ink pearl”, and “The Mountain”
Production of “No biscuits in heaven”, for which I was the Consulting producer- it’s so so exciting to work with such a talented and creative team
Books: “Communicating, The multiple modes of human interaction”
NY Glam: Do you express yourself creatively in any other ways?
Yes, in novels (see above), And also poetry, a radio play,; oratorio libretto and just daily life. My academic writing also has a creative side with a rhythmic sonic side and its own inspiration and creativity.
Listening to music which I do a lot also has an active creative side. So does looking at the sea,
NY Glam: What advice would you give to someone who wants to have a career in filmmaking?
Just write ….write….write (any medium and every day), and love the sound and rhythms of words and the sight of action. And get feedback.
NY Glam: What can we expect from you in this actual year?
I’d guess about six or more prize-winning screenplays (just can’t stop!) and two or three productions. Oh, and probably a couple of books,
NY Glam: Where can everyone keep up with you to learn more? …social media…website
www.ruthhfinnegan.com
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