Today we’d like to introduce you to Margaret South.
Hi Margaret, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I help writers tell their stories. I’ve worked with writers my whole adult life. From assistant to a producer, to reading scripts, to Reader, to Development Director, to Producer, I enjoyed working with writer on their stories more than anything.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Once you’re lucky enough to get a movie made, everything changes. The studio has invested much money and faith in you and the material, so they have a lot to say about casting. Hiring. Rewrites. I find that I’m happiest when I can work directly with the writer without any “outside” interferences. Often, a writer will worry about finding an agent, or entering a contest by a certain time, or deciding who will play the part. For the time that we’re developing the material, I tell my writers: “You have one job. Don’t get distracted. Finish the script or novel or memoir.”
It’s so important to enjoy this part of the process because it’s the only time you are in complete control. It’s just you and your ideas.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Many writers teach writing workshops. I’m first and foremost a teacher. I’ve taught children at every grade level up to university. Think of myself as a teacher who writes. There’s nothing like watching your student getting a new concept and applying to their work.
I teach classes and run workshops online and find I’m happiest when I can work one-on-one with the writer. We work on craft as well as focus. Often, a writer will worry about finding an agent, or entering a contest by a certain time, or deciding who will play the part. For the time that we’re developing the material, I tell my writers: “You have one job. Don’t get distracted. Finish the script or novel or memoir.”
It’s so important to enjoy this part of the process because it’s the only time you are in complete control. It’s just you and your ideas.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Margaret South founded All Girl Productions with Bette Midler and Bonnie Bruckheimer. She developed feature film projects for Disney, Fox and Tri-Star Studios, HBO, ABC, and NBC, including the beloved Beaches. Together with Ms. Midler, she wrote the screenplay A View from a Broad for Disney Studios.
Ms. South also created the innovative Kids Talk Story curriculum in public schools. She has spoken at the Crossroads Writers’ Conference, the Maui/Hawaii Writers’ Conference, the Women in Film Convention, American Pen Women, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She has worked with writers at all levels for over three decades. She currently offers her services through Story Summit.
Contact Info:
- Website: margaretsouth.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/margaret.south.796
