Masterclass with screenwriter of Hallow Road, William Gillies

Our London campus recently welcomed rising screenwriting talent William Gillies for a special in-person masterclass. William’s debut feature, Hallow Road (2025), has just been released—a psychological thriller directed by Babak Anvari and starring Rosamund Pike, Matthew Rhys, and Megan McDonnell. The film premiered at SXSW 2025 and was released by Universal Pictures in the UK and Ireland on 16 May.

Set during a single night, the film follows a fractured family who receive a call from their daughter after a hit-and-run. The journey that follows leads them down a dark, twisted path through guilt, fear, and supernatural menace. Taking place largely inside a moving car, Hallow Road explores tension, trust, and the eerie line between reality and delusion.

In our conversation, William reflected on the origins of the project, which he began writing during the pandemic. He challenged himself to craft something contained but emotionally resonant, taking inspiration from the likes of Halloween (1978) and other classic horror-thrillers. He also shared insights into his writing process and spoke about the collaborative experience of working closely with Anvari, the producers, and the cast throughout the film’s development.

William touched on the importance of creating space and time for writing by avoiding an overloaded schedule and always keeping notebooks handy. He encourages other writers to explore what scares them, as horror often begins with a deeply personal emotional response.

He also spoke about his early days at film school and the process of learning the ropes, as well as the importance of turning down certain work to protect his creative focus. William shared insights into his writing routines—which include reading, going to the gym, and writing at night—and how switching between writing spots, from his desk to the sofa or jotting notes by hand, helps keep the process fresh.Reflecting on collaboration, he likened co-writing to an ‘arranged marriage,’ contrasting it with the dynamic energy of a writers’ room. He also emphasised the value of building strong relationships with directors and producers, rooted in honesty and persistence.

His final advice emphasised the importance of building a strong portfolio, noting that perseverance matters more than age or background. He encouraged writers to share their work and actively engage in both giving and receiving feedback.

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