This blog is the second part of an interview with Jonathan Hourigan, which will eventually also be published as a podcast.

The previous blog, as well as a short biography of Hourigan, can be found here.

In our recent podcast with Jonathan Hourigan (soon to be published, watch this space!), we covered a number of topics, including not just screenwriting, education, and his many hobbies. But beyond his personal interests lies a profound dedication to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities that await them in the professional world. With two films on the brink of release, Hourigan offers his students a unique glimpse into the realities of professional screenwriting. By sharing drafts of screenplays that are about to hit the screen, he ignites excitement and inspiration among his students. More importantly, he bridges the gap between academia and industry, demonstrating that the challenges they face in the classroom are not far removed from those encountered in the professional sphere.

Hourigan instills in his students the confidence to navigate the complexities of the industry by emphasizing the importance of hard work and resilience. He provides them with the resources and skills they need to succeed, blending creative prowess with business acumen so that they emerge as ready professionals upon graduation. Networking plays a pivotal role in securing employment opportunities, and Hourigan ensures that his students understand its significance. By facilitating interactions with industry professionals, such as producers, he encourages students to champion their own work and take proactive steps toward building their careers. Too often, higher education can focus on concepts and processes and forget to connect students with industry professionals in an informal environment.

The Importance of Networking and Persistence in Building Careers

He imparts invaluable advice on networking, emphasizing the importance of persistence and personalization. Hourigan highlights the effectiveness of reaching out to professionals with a specific interest in their work, reassuring students that with perseverance and respect, they can make meaningful connections that propel their careers forward. A good way a lecturer can communicate this to their students is by emphasizing how much of this is a numbers game. For instance, if they email 100 prospective employers, 15 of them may respond, and a couple of these may lead to real-world useful connections.

While many students aspire to secure immediate employment upon graduation, Hourigan believes in providing them with a reality check. He acknowledges the competitiveness of industries like screenwriting and emphasizes the importance of managing students’ expectations during admission interviews. By offering transparency about the challenges they may face, Hourigan ensures that students enter the workforce with a realistic understanding of the journey ahead.

Empowering Students Through Unique Experiences and Practical Skills

Hourigan’s approach to teaching extends beyond imparting technical skills; he encourages students to leverage their unique experiences and perspectives. He cites an example of a student who drew upon their background in emergency services to craft a compelling screenplay. The rights to adapt this screenplay were later auctioned off and will be realized in a TV series later this year. By tapping into their personal experiences, students can create authentic and resonant narratives that set them apart in a competitive market.

Hourigan’s MA program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for success. With a focus on writing for both cinema and television, the course encompasses a range of assessments, from short film scripts to television pilots and feature film treatments. Students are encouraged to immerse themselves in the craft of writing, with Hourigan providing guidance and support even beyond the classroom. Recognizing that mastery takes time and dedication, he emphasizes the importance of multiple drafts in refining a script to production-ready quality.

In conclusion, Jonathan Hourigan’s approach to preparing students for the realities of employment is grounded in practicality, honesty, and empowerment. By imparting essential skills, fostering meaningful connections, and instilling confidence, he equips students with the tools they need to navigate the competitive landscape of the industry. As they embark on their professional journeys, Hourigan’s students are not just writers; they are resilient, resourceful, and ready to make their mark on the world.

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