ABOUT
Thanks for your interest in Gentle Prod. We're a project writing house for Radio, Film and Television. It's kind of a new concept. But think what Chicane and Enigma did for Music and you're halfway there.
Why Gentle Prod? Well, it's a friendly way of getting someone's attention. Who knows, one day we might start a sister project in the Horror Genre called Poke in the Eye with a Pen. It's unlikely, because our forte is high concept comedy and drama that seeks to ponder the conventions of human life. Crikey. That's getting a bit heavy for the page opening. Best read on if you want to find out more about who's behind Gentle Prod...
BACK STORY
Hi, I’m Greg, Gentle Prod’s Protagonist. I’m 48, live in Poole, Dorset and absolutely love a good story.
Over the past 25 years I’ve worked in the Commercial, Public and Charity sectors - mostly in Communications, Media and Campaign Management. For the past 13 years I’ve been a self-employed freelance ‘one-man-full-service-creative-agency’ and dabbled with scriptwriting.
On the back of a difficult 2016 when my married, stable, comfortable family life (the sort most people dream of in their 20s) went properly south, I had to rethink. Faced with what felt like oblivion, and armed only with the ‘your-scriptwriting-attempts-aren’t-half-bad’ assurance of a household name who was good enough to spend an afternoon reading them, I decided to pack the red spotted handkerchief and pursue a dream.
I'm firm believer in serendipity and the fundamental interconnectedness of all things. So, after happening on a Bournmemouth University prospectus which fell open at the MA Scriptwriting page, I spent 2016/17 studying. I graduated with Distinction. At 45, halfway through my working life, I finally knew my dream job - earning a crust writing for Radio, Film and Television. But unless you're Harry and Megan, it's a very hard industry to break into. But those narrative skills are just as relevant in my communications roles. In 2020 - when Covid struck - I fell between the support cracks, so I'm currently working in a communications role for Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership's Growth Hub - Dorset Gateway.
It’s all far cry from that slightly podgy, sun-hat-wearing little lad sat in the sea. But even then I was probably contemplating an epic tale about a flawed but brave boatman, with a signature stripy hat, overcoming insurmountable odds to save all-hands on a yellow tug-boat adrift in storm-force seas.
SKILLS /QUALIFICATIONS
As well as being good with words, I know my way round Adobe Creative Suite, HTML/CSS (see site credits) and have a good eye for design. Oh, and I’ve been to University a few times…
EXPERIENCE DEPTH
Life experience can make all the difference when it comes to writing deep, well rounded, informed stories that connect with an audience.
I've been promoted, made redundant, virtually broke and comfortably-off. I've spent a Winter repping in the French Alps, headed award winning campaign teams coordinating national behavioural change (on Climate Change - 2006 - 2008), worked with clients to write marketing copy, tone of voice and brand image for their businesses and I’ve run a graphics and sign-making business. It's all grist to the narrative mill, which - as a single Dad of two wonderful but lively sons - I've also well and truly been through. They say all roads lead to Rome - in my case they led to Scriptwriting.
DAY JOB BREAD+BUTTER
Pursuing a dream and establishing a career in writing for Radio, Film and Television isn’t easy. Even writers have to eat.
To facilitate living I do other work. Check out Cracking Communications ®, and if you need any marketing communications services please consider me.
COLLABORATION TOGETHERNESS
I love collaboration. In fact, I much prefer the American model of writing - with many writers in a room bouncing ideas around, building creative momentum, solving any issues of plot, character and tempo.
All filmmaking is collaboration. It’s exciting and exhilarating and I’m always up for it. So if you’ve got something you fancy collaborating on, drop me a line.
DOWNTIME FUN
It’s not all 'werk-werk-werk'.
I’m also a musician and perform in a Rock covers band called BH-Rock and an Acoustic Duo called BH-Vibe. If you happen to be in Poole come out and see us, you can find our gigs over on Facebook. I also like to make the most of the outdoors and fantastic surroundings where I live. I walk and run for fun and in 2018 hope to start sailing again. And when summer arrives who says I can't take my writing to the beach.
MOON TAKE AIM
My ambition is simple. To break into writing for Radio, Film and Television and make a living from it.
By nature that’s ambitious - because there are a lot of brilliant writers out there with strong ideas (I made friends with a few during my MA course) and competition is fierce. It also takes tenacity to get your ideas noticed and get that all important breakthrough.
FAIRYTALE ENDINGS
We all dream of a Fairytale ending. For me it’s having something original, which I’ve written, commissioned, performed or broadcast - and it getting a good reaction.
Seeing ‘Created by’ or 'Written by’ and my name in the opening credits can feel like a long-shot sometimes. But we are allowed to dare to dream, and if you don't try, you don't know.
