Eleanor Morton on screenwriting, stand-up, and staying sharp
By MetFilm School
29 May 2025
Eleanor Morton might be best known for her sharp wit and viral online sketches, but before the stand-up specials and Writers’ Guild Award nominations, she was honing her craft at MetFilm School. A graduate of our MA Screenwriting course, Eleanor reflects on the lessons that have stuck with her—from mastering story structure to learning the business side of the industry—and how they continue to shape her work across comedy, radio, and beyond.
What made you choose MetFilm School for your MA in Screenwriting?
Well I can’t pretend I thought it wasn’t a bit cool that it was in the historic Ealing Studios, but I also knew it had a good reputation and access to some cool people and resources.
What’s one thing you learned on the course that still sticks with you today?
I think I learned a lot about story craft but also about the importance of knowing the ins and outs of the business, and how important it is to grab the attention of a reader or viewer quickly. If you can’t make them interested in the first 10 pages, you probably won’t sell the script.
How did the structure of the MA help you shape your voice as a writer?
I think it instilled in me a sense of brevity which I find really useful – making sure you get right in with the story as quickly as possible. We watched a lot of great films that really highlighted how crucial it is to get your story going ASAP, and I always try to remember that.
Were there any standout moments or tutors who made a big impact during your time here?
I loved working with Jamie – as well as being a great tutor, he had some excellent anecdotes. I also remember David Lemon giving really great advice, especially for anyone who wants to get into writing for radio, which I think is often underserved by writing courses.
Did you collaborate with students from other courses – and if so, how did that influence your work?
Yes we did, but mostly in the beginning. It was really useful to understand how the rest of the set and industry works, and how the script is just as much a tool as it is a piece of art. Your script isn’t just for the actors and the director – it’s for the DOP, the sound and lighting guys, the editor, the costumers…
Can you tell us what you’ve been working on since graduating?
Lots and lots of things, since it was a decade ago now. I’ve done all the tedious jobs you have to do to get by – flyering, tutoring, call centres – but luckily (hopefully!) I’m earning mostly through writing and performing these days. I’m working as a stand-up comic, I’ve been writing and performing in lots of online sketches, and I even got nominated for a Writer’s Guild Award for one. I also wrote a book, Life Lessons From Historical Women, so even though I’m not writing TV and film scripts all day, I am incorporating a lot of the skills I learned.
How did your time at MetFilm School help prepare you for the realities of working in the screen industries?
I would say the most important thing I learned – the thing you can’t learn simply from writing alone – is how the industry really works. Learning how to format and pitch your work is just as, if not more, important than writing something great. I think they did a really great job of bringing in industry professionals who could actually give you hard, practical advice. Because everyone can write 90 pages of film, but not everyone knows what to do with it afterwards.
Do you still stay in touch with anyone from the course or wider school network?
Yes, I try to. Not everyone is still in the UK, but we’re all on each other’s socials. The person I’ve probably seen the most is Dilpreet Kaur Walia, who’s absolutely killing it in children’s TV right now.
What advice would you give to someone considering the MA Screenwriting course at MetFilm School?
I have no idea what it’s like to be a film student at the moment, so I can only say what I did: watch lots of films and TV, especially the ‘classics’, and try to find the writing in them – which parts of the story can you see as they happen? And pay attention to the business classes too – they’re just as important as the creative writing ones for a working screenwriter!
Ready to write the next great screenplay? ✍️
At MetFilm School, our MA Screenwriting course gives aspiring writers the tools to craft compelling stories for film, television, and digital platforms.
You’ll develop your voice as a screenwriter while learning the art of structure, character, dialogue, and visual storytelling. Through workshops, script labs, and one-to-one mentoring, you’ll write original scripts and adapt existing stories — all while gaining the professional insight and feedback to elevate your work.
Apply now to study MA Screenwriting — and turn your ideas into stories that audiences remember.
