John Ridley says it has been great to spend time with other writers during the awards circuit.
Ridley was on the red carpet at the Bafta awards, where he was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay for 12 Years A Slave.
Speaking exclusively to FemaleFirst on the red carpet, Ridley said: “In this process I have been very fortunate to be able to get to know the writers and creators.
“Their character, how they wrote, how they go about their process and their good nature, it has been amazingly collegic. I think I am a better person and a better writer for being able to be around those folks as well.”
12 Years A Slave has been winning over critics and audiences since the festival circuit last autumn, but Ridley admits that it was a very tricky and challenging adaptation.
“It certainly started with Solomon Northup’s memoir, as it is an absolute singular document from the way that Solomon wrote and his elevated language.
"Also, his nature and character as he could write without bitterness and hate, despite the circumstances which he found himself in.
“It was English, but it wasn’t my English, and it was set 150 years ago, a time and space that I knew very little about. Solomon was an amazing guide and I really give all praise to him and his writing.”
And Ridley says 12 Years A Slave brought together a great cast of people to bring this story to the big screen, with everyone playing a very important role.
“I was an amazing group of individuals from the DP and the editor to all of the cast. I was difficult subject matter, but these individuals gave so much of themselves.
“They took something that was difficult and they made it relatable, very empathetic, and made audiences care about these individuals and their circumstances.”
12 Years A Slave was one of the big Bafta winners last night, as it went on to scoop Best Film and Best Actor for Chiwetel Ejiofor.
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