Friday Five: Laura White at RR Scouting

Answering the #FridayFive today is literary scout for film and TV, Laura White of RR Scouting.

Tell us a bit about your job?

I am a literary scout for Film & TV, finding books and IP for adaption on behalf of a roster of production companies.

What are the key ingredients for success?

Being curious and inquisitive. Working hard. Staying up late at Book Fairs as that’s when all the most interesting conversations happen. Oh and being kind and always maintaining a sense of humour.

Describe a normal day? 

Well at the moment of course, no day is normal. But ordinarily, I get to the office and respond to queries from clients. I’d usually have a couple of meetings with agents and editors throughout the day, to hear about their upcoming projects. And then find the time to read the latest submissions of course.

For those trying to break into the industry, could you explain how you got to where you are today?

Predictably, I studied English at University and couldn’t quite believe that there might be a job out there that allowed me to do what I love all day. I applied to do an MA in Publishing at UCL and took out a irresponsible bank loan, to see if the rumours were true. I interned a little and fell into scouting. I then moved across to TV to work as a Content Executive across Scripted drama and comedy and after 3 years of that, decided to return to scouting and specifically for Film & TV.

What are you reading, watching and listening to now?

I’m reading heaps of manuscripts for work, of course. I’m watching Noughts and Crosses and documentary Honeyland is next on my to-watch list. I recently re-watched all three series of Shane Meadows’ This is England and would recommend everyone do the same. I’ve just finished listening to podcast Tunnel 29 – a perfect, tear-jerking listen for these crazy times.