From Script to Screen with Dana Atrach
In our seventh episode of The Ajyal Show, we explore the captivating career of Dana Atrach, a talented Palestinian screenwriter dedicated to bringing untold stories to light. Dana shares her path from her early school days through her enriching experiences at Northwestern University in Qatar (NUQ) and her decision to pursue an MFA in screenwriting.
She provides valuable insights into the unique aspects of screenwriting, highlighting its distinct layout and format, along with tips on script formatting. Dana explains how screenwriters develop rich, believable characters, emphasising the importance of understanding every nuanced detail about them. Dana shares her methods for findinginspiration and the significance of having a theme that characters either prove or disprove.
Throughout the episode, Dana discusses how to determine if a story is suited for the screen, focusing on four key elements—character action, dialogue, visual and audio cues. She talks about her involvement in projects beyond writing and her collaborative process with directors. Dana offers practical advice for first-time scriptwriters, including how to gauge if an idea is better suited for a short film or a feature-length project.
Dana also contrasts her roles as a writer and an educator, underscoring the importance of receiving constructive criticism. She outlines the structure of her screenwriting classes and the methods for providing feedback on peers' stories. Dana shares the satisfaction she derives from helping writers develop their narratives and discusses her criteria for selecting stories.
Join us for an engaging conversation with Dana Atrach, where we explore the intricacies of writing, character development, and invaluable insights to improve scripts and make them more compelling.
More About Our Guest Dana Atrach
Dana Atrach, a Palestinian screenwriter with a BS from Northwestern University and an MFA from UCLA, is dedicated to bringing untold stories to light. As a Script Consultant at the Doha Film Institute, she has contributed to award-winning short films. A certified video game writer, Atrach collaborates with Lunacy Studios on their debut game. Her film 'Our Time is Running Out' was featured at the Cannes Short Film Corner (2017), and her script 'Alterations' was shortlisted at the Outfest Screenwriting Lab (2018), which is currently in development. Atrach's talents span filmmaking, script consulting, and video game writing.