Nancy Paton

Nancy Paton

Welcome to the Nancy Paton website! I’m so thrilled to be able to share my experiences as a screenwriter, producer, director and writer! It’s here that I will unpack the mysteries of writing, developing screenplays, and film and TV tips from both a Director/Producer’s point of view and how to work with your film crew as an actor. As a result of my travels, being a mother of three and my deep experiences of living in the Middle East, I realized that there were so many stories and unique perspectives that had never been shared with the world and founded Desert Rose Films to help tell those stories and cultivate the talent of tomorrow – whether it’s in front of or behind the camera. 

Mentorship is a huge part of what I do and I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the best in the industry, helping people find their voice and be heard, whether that’s through writing or the medium of film – especially women and future generations forging their own path in today’s ever changing environment. So without further ado, let’s dive in!

film reel

Here’s a selection of some of my previous and current work, along with a few passion projects.

I’ve been writing for years both for the screen and publications and learned a great deal along the way. I want to share not only excerpts of my own previous works, but also some of the writing I’m currently working on and encourage you to engage and comment – new perspectives are always welcome! I’d also love to see what you’re working on, so share away! I’ll also be sharing some of the great books I’m reading that serve as a daily source of inspiration. Read on…!

Nancy Paton Book recommendations

The Rosie Project

The premise is an interesting one, Don Tillman is a genetics professor who struggles to meet woman, so he devises a questionnaire to determine who will be suitable.

Nancy Paton Book recommendations

How to Write a Movie in 21 Days

Viki King's Inner Movie Method is a specific step-by-step process designed to get the story in the writer's onto the page.

And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt

Writings

Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting
by Robert McKee
Explore this Read
Picnic at Hanging Rock
by Joan Lindsay
Explore this Read

New Mother Need Mothers in Karen Russell’s “Orange World” an Essay by Nancy Paton

Fear Contaminates New Motherhood in Karen Russell’s “Orange World” In Karen Russell’s 2019 short story “Orange World,” becoming a new mother means discovering new worlds governed by fear. In her

Fiery Falcons of Fujairah

FIERY FALCONS OF FUJAIRAH A short story by Nancy Paton Here is the first one thousand words from a short story that is four thousand word and was inspired by Laline
Snow White's Renovations a Short Story By Nancy Paton

Summer’s Renovations a Gothic Short Story I wrote for Tell A FairyTale Day

Summer’s Renovations a Short Story By Nancy Paton Here is the first one thousand words from a short story that is eight thousand word and was inspired by Neil Gaiman’s

Writings

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Nancys Walkabout

Nancy’s Walkabout is a newsletter by our founder Nancy Paton. Sign up for know-how’s, engaging stories, reading reccs, writing prompts and more.

Bio

Nancy Paton is an award winning Polish-Australian screenwriter, director, producer and writer with nearly three-decades experience in the film, TV and writing industry. She has attended both the Atlantic Theatre Acting School and submitted screenplays to The Writers Place in New York City, making her equally at home in front of or behind the camera. Having traveled extensively from a young age and since making her home in the Middle East, Nancy has made it her life’s mission to tell the stories of the marginalized, cultivating up and coming talent, and giving the world insight into previously unknown cultures through a multitude of mediums. Nancy is also the founder of Desert Rose Films and currently pursuing her Masters at Harvard University and writing a novel, which she hopes to bring to the big screen upon publication.

Nancy Paton filmmaker and founder of Desert Rose FIlms

Desert Rose Films

Explore our films now!

Desert Rose Films is home to original, independent, female character-driven films that capture compelling stories. We believe that stories have the power to change minds and ignite action, so we support and develop projects of substance and significance for the generation of today and tomorrow.

Founded in 2014 by Abu Dhabi-based screenwriter, director and producer Nancy Paton, Desert Rose Films seeks to deepen our understanding of the Arab world. The region has always been synonymous with commerce but there is a wealth of culture to be explored and it is our mission to provide an alternative view with new voices and perspectives.

Desert Rose Films operates from London and Abu Dhabi with projects in development in both these centres as well as in Australia and Saudi Arabia and with an exciting slate of feature films and TV shows in development.
We are always open to having conversations with people about their ideas and turning them into meaningful work. We offer a number of ways to get involved with Desert Rose Films. To find out more, head over to our website: www.desertrose-films.com
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