A self-taught, boots on the ground, female director for feature, short film and music videos, I purchase and option screenplays; I read through them, dialogue only making notes, then read through, several more times. I memorise the story this way, and I can see what is happening, what talent will play what roles; I notate where films can be produced while I'm out driving. All of this helps me tell the story. The most rewarding part, for myself and my team, is getting the project off the ground, whether or not there is funding. I enjoy reaching out to screenwriters because writing for me is challenging but I love buying and optioning their stories to get them to the screen. I feel it's important for all of us.