‘We Have Some Notes… The Insider’s Guide to Notes, Script Editing and Development’ is published by Bloomsbury, in association with the British Film Institute (BFI).
The book provides insights and practical advice on how to make notes, script editing and development a successful, rewarding and harmonious creative process. Award-winning writers and directors share their expertise and advice, along with behind the scenes stories, to reveal what is, and what isn’t, useful.
The book also includes ‘top-tips’ from distinguished ‘note-givers’ – producers, commissioners, development executives and script editors.
“I can say without hesitation that this book is an invaluable resource.”
– David Puttnam, Oscar winning filmmaker
“Such an incredible resource and insight into the process of script development from the industry’s leading figures in both film and TV. Not only invaluable but also an inspirational read, Venetia has created a book that is a must read, for anyone with an interest in storytelling for screen”
– Lewis Arnold, BAFTA winning director
Features interviews with writers and directors from across the UK and Irish film and television industry:
- Simon Beaufoy, Oscar winning screenwriter (Slumdog Millionaire, The Fully Monty, 127 Hours)
- Sally Wainwright, multi BAFTA winning writer & director (Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack, Riot Women)
- Russell T Davies, multi BAFTA winning writer & showrunner (Doctor Who, It’s a Sin, Queer As Folk)
- Lynne Ramsay, BAFTA winning writer-director (You Were Never Really Here, Die, My Love, Morvern Callar)
- Alice Lowe, BIFA winning writer, director, actor (Timestalker, Prevenge, Sightseers)
- Michael Pearce, BAFTA winning writer & director (Beast, Encounter)
- Ben Wheatley, multi award winning writer, director & editor (Free Fire, A Field in England, Kill List, Rebecca)
- Krysty Wilson-Cairns, BAFTA winning screenwriter (1917, Last Night in Soho, The Good Nurse)
- Corin Hardy, multi award-winning filmmaker (Whistle, Gangs of London, The Hallow, The Nun)
- Tomm Moore, Oscar nominated animation writer and director (Wolfwalkers, The Song of the Sea, The Secret of Kells)
- Amma Asante, BAFTA winning writer & director (Belle, A United Kingdom, Mrs America)
- Lone Scherfig, BAFTA nominated writer & director (An Education, Their Finest, The Riot Club, Italian for Beginners)
- Edgar Wright, BAFTA nominated writer & director (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Baby Driver, Last Night in Soho)
The book also features advice from ‘note-givers’ including Director of BBC Film, Eva Yates, Oscar winning producer David Puttnam, multi BAFTA winning producer Nicola Shindler, Oscar nominated producer Pippa Harris and former Channel 4 Controller of Film and Drama, awarded a BAFTA for Outstanding Contribution to Film, Tessa Ross.
An interview with former BBC producer and script editor and Channel 4 drama commissioner, Peter Ansorge, provides some history and context of the evolution of notes and script editing in the UK industry.
Inter-chapter sections pose key questions, such as “What’s one thing never to do if you’re giving notes?” and “How do you deal with rejection or critical notes?”
“I came across this after listening to Venetia on The Directors Take Podcast and that episode was an absolute gem of an insight. So I bought the book. If you’ve ever been on either side of the “notes” process—giving or receiving—you’ll know how delicate it is. This book nails what it takes to get it right without bruising egos or killing creativity.
– Ramson Hada
What makes this stand out is how real it feels. It’s not just textbook advice; it’s packed with insights from industry legends like Russell T Davies and Simon Beaufoy, who tell it straight. Their honesty about the highs and lows of collaboration is refreshing and, honestly, a bit comforting. You’re not alone in finding notes challenging—it’s all part of the process.
What I love is how this book doesn’t just talk about improving scripts; it talks about improving relationships. Notes are personal—your work and your identity can feel so intertwined—and Hawkes captures that beautifully. It’s about building trust, being constructive, and helping a project thrive without stepping on anyone’s vision.
This book is practical, inspiring, and a great read whether you’re a writer, filmmaker, or someone who just loves getting into the nitty-gritty of storytelling. Highly recommend adding this to your shelf—it’s the kind of book you’ll keep going back to.”
“It has been a privilege to know and work alongside Venetia Hawkes for a number of years, and I’ve seen firsthand her remarkable insight into the art of storytelling. Her new book, ‘We Have Some Notes… The Insider’s Guide to Notes, Script Editing and Development’, is a testament to her deep understanding of the craft.
– David Puttnam, Oscar winning filmmaker
Having had the pleasure of reading it, I can say without hesitation that this book is an invaluable resource. Venetia’s expertise shines through on every page, making it an essential tool not only for students in film schools but also for anyone who loves and appreciates cinema.
Her thoughtful approach to script editing and development is both accessible and insightful, offering readers a rare insider’s perspective on a crucial part of the filmmaking process. ‘We Have Some Notes…’ is sure to become a go-to guide for anyone who wants to improve their storytelling skills or gain a better understanding of the intricate work that goes into creating great films.”
“Invaluable to anyone wanting to work in development!
If anybody is interested in film and TV development, this is essential reading!
– Ben Murrell, Duck Soup Films
Venetia Hawkes has effortlessly distilled decades worth of wisdom here.
Not only does the book contextualise how the role of a script editor arose in UK TV, but it examines how to be an effective and successful script editor / development executive / note giver. By interviewing some of the country’s best writers (Sally Wainwright, Russell T Davies, Lynne Ramsey, Edgar Wright, Alice Lowe and many more) Hawkes has managed to create a book full of tips, insights and anecdotes that will feed into the way you work with writers to craft outstanding stories.
Don’t walk, run and get a copy – this is what gold dust looks like in book form.“
“At last, a book that uncovers the true workings of the story development process from the perspective of successful writers, script editors and directors, illuminating the creative collaborations and forensic analysis that occurs in the shared pursuit of delivering the best story possible. Jam packed with nuggets for anyone interested in the development process, this book is a celebration of the importance and impact of collaboration withing the film and TV industries”
– Philip Matthews, Bournemouth University
“A must-read for anyone interested in the development of film and television, We Have Some Notes… demystifies what some of the UK’s biggest screenwriters really think about receiving story notes and how they embrace this collaborative process to better their scripts”
– Matthew Evans, University of Georgia, USA
“I devoured this book in one sitting, and bought a second copy as a gift for my Godson, who is studying filmmaking at University. Incredible interviews with some Industry giants of screenwriting/ directing. Hawkes has somehow managed to speak to so many writers from Film and TV, and in doing so has created a wonderful snapshot of their individual writing process, and how they deal with Studio / script notes . Thoroughly recommend.”
– John Lee
“Full of wit and wisdom.Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The interviews are a pleasure, not just for the advice the writers/filmmakers pass on, but they are lovely little pen portraits of the people that really put you in their company. As an aspiring screenwriter there are so many good nuggets of wisdom to take away. I’d definitely recommend to any writer in any medium.”
– Phil Reilly, screenwriter
Venetia Hawkes 