About Me - Ali Duffey

In case you were wondering about the Maltese Kiwi * – I am she. You don't need me to tell you that it's a play on "The Maltese Falcon",  the brilliant Dashiell Hammett novel that was turned into a cinematic masterpiece in 1941.

I have spent the best part of four decades working with words and with moving image, as a producer, researcher, writer, director, and script editor, and as a film festival programmer and director.

So, page and screen – the Maltese Kiwi – get it?

Over the years I've:

• Copyedited novels, memoirs, how-to fiction.
• Edited dozens of blog posts, e-books and articles.
• Written literally (and I mean that literally) thousands of voice-overs, stand-ups/pieces-to-camera and studio scripts, for news, current affairs, documentaries, travel shows, reality shows, magazine/lifestyle shows and more.
• Written speeches, introductions, bios, resumes, grant applications, survey questionnaires.
• Written and edited major film festival program books.
• Written and edited film, program, book and article synopses, promotional materials, grant applications and pitches.
• Written and edited a dozen websites.
• Ghostwritten directors' treatments for huge international ad campaigns.
• Ghostwritten six non-fiction books.
• Ghostwritten dozens of screenplays.
• Script edited three sitcoms in the development stage, one of which went into production for two seasons.
• Critiqued hundreds of manuscripts, screenplays, proposals, short stories.
• Screened and programmed films for two major film festivals.

More About Me:

• I'm a "Third Culture Kid", which is shorthand for someone who grew up all over the place and experienced many countries and cultures.

               Happy side effect of this:  I'm literate in several forms of English – that from England, America, New Zealand and Australia.

• Currently I live in the captivating city of  New Orleans, Louisiana.

               It is as creatively inspiring a town as you could find.

• I am a Master Certified Coach, working with women in the arts, media and creative fields who want more fulfillment and more ease in their lives.

               Therefore: I have a pretty good understanding of people and the way they tick. You'll get the benefit of my training, experience and 
              insight in my writing and editing, which can only add to the authenticity and depth of your message.

• I spent ALL those years working in film and television.

               This means: I have a deep understanding of narrative structure, character and plot dynamics, and how to efficiently say the most in
              the fewest and clearest words.

You can find out more about me and about coaching here. The Maltese Kiwi can be contacted here.

* No, not a scruffy little terrier crossed with a tangy fruit; I was born in Malta and lived for much of my life in New Zealand, though I am originally British. New Zealanders call ourselves Kiwis, after our national bird, after which the kiwifruit (as we call it) is also named. With me? Good.