Artist Residency at Hawkwood: Alexandra Brodski
"I am sure I’m not the first one to say this but the 19th-century country house and the rooms we were staying in are incredibly beautiful as are the surrounding gardens and woodlands. I found going for winter walks in the fields and forest nearby as inspiring and useful as the actual writing! "
I had a great experience in Hawkwood! I loved the chance to focus on my debut feature film ‘KISA’ (working title) away from London and my regular duties. It’s so easy to get distracted by live admin and other work, so it was great to find the time and mental space to write my treatment.
I am sure I’m not the first one to say this but the 19th-century country house and the rooms we were staying in are incredibly beautiful as are the surrounding gardens and woodlands. I found going for winter walks in the fields and forest nearby as inspiring and useful as the actual writing!
I also loved the meals with the other residents – not just because of the incredible food 🙂 but also because I really enjoyed the creative exchange with other artists. I am normally ‘just’ surrounded by filmmakers and find it very inspiring to get to talk more to other kinds of creatives – like musicians, writers and theatre directors. In general, I felt that the residency provided a perfect mixture of ‘alone time’ and socialising.
The timing of the residency was ideal as I had the chance to stay in Hawkwood in the first week of January 2023. It was a great way to start the year and prioritise my writing goals. My directing work in TV is often very demanding and time-consuming and it can be difficult to carve out time for my own writing. I used the time in Hawkwood mostly to re-edit my 15- page treatment for ‘KISA’, a film I am currently writing for Film4. The residency gave me the chance to finalise the treatment so that I could finally send it to my producer after the residency.
I am very grateful to have gotten the chance to go to Hawkwood and would love to come back again in the future!
Original Blog Entry by Alexandra Brodski.
With thanks to the Francis Reckitt Art Trust, DCMS & Arts Council England for their funding that make these residencies possible. Read about our Artist Residency Programme here.
Alexandra Brodski
London-based writer-director Alex is an acclaimed force in storytelling. Set to direct Disney+’s “Jilly Cooper’s RIVALS” with luminaries like David Tennant, her career spans impactful collaborations. Notable for directing BAFTA-nominated drama “SOMEWHERE BOY,” she earned four nominations and an Audience Award. Alex’s debut feature “KISA,” developed with Film4, is poised for prominence after selection in Torino Script Lab 2023. Her short film “JOY” premiered at BFI London Film Festival, securing international recognition. With NFTS training, Alex’s work in commercials and music promos has garnered awards, including a Royal Television Society Award. Her journey epitomizes storytelling finesse.
