The Filmmaker’s Playbook #37 Waris Islam: Writer/Director
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Feb 4, 2025 Waris Islam, an accomplished writer and director known for his work on shows like "The Bay" and "EastEnders," shares his journey in the filmmaking industry. He discusses the transition from film to television and the importance of balancing creativity with established formats. Waris highlights the value of hands-on shadowing for emerging filmmakers and the crucial role of agents in navigating the entertainment landscape. Delving into the collaborative nature of directing, he emphasizes teamwork and the duality of being both a writer and director.
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Early Film Interest
- Waris Islam's interest in film began when he saw film crews arrive in his town, feeling like a circus.
- Inspired by 90s indie filmmakers, he pursued a film degree and two master's degrees in film production and screenwriting.
Early Career Success
- Waris Islam developed a short film and a feature film spec script simultaneously.
- The spec script got picked up by First Film Foundation, and the short film was commissioned, leading to work with BBC Radio Drama, Channel 4, and Hollyoaks.
Attraction to Writing and Directing
- Waris was drawn to writing and directing because of a desire to connect with audiences.
- He felt that writers and directors had the most direct connection to the audience.