The Script Lab Podcast: Krysty Wilson-Cairns — Co-Writer of ‘1917’ with Director Sam Mendes

The heart-stopping new World War I movie 1917 is one of the best films of the year. Directed by Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Skyfall) from a script by Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns (Penny Dreadful), the movie takes place in real-time with long, extended takes that last eight, nine minutes and are edited together to feel like the film is one long take. I jumped out of my seat several times in the film; the artistry here is masterful. Like The Aeronauts, this movie must be seen in a theater, Imax if you can.

I sat down with the feisty young Krysty to talk about how her first script Aether ended up on the Black List and got her an agent. She also talks about the challenge of writing a script with no cut tos or cutaways – the action is continuous. I was charmed by her humor and thick Scottish rogue and I think you will be too.

1917 opened December 25.

Listen to the podcast below.

Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

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