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Were you a Hammer fan growing up?

JG:Sure, I think its part of everybodys childhood isnt it?

Its an extraordinary piece of work (laughs).

What are the ingredients of a scare would you say?

How do you craft one?

Susan Hill:I read a lot of ghost stories, because I was writing a ghost story.

Being frightened when youre not sure youre all right is a big difference.

What about in terms of the audio on the film?

The film is very pared back in terms of its atmosphere so theres an immediacy there.

Whats your take on that?

JG:I dont have a fatigue for it, I love splatter gore horror!

JW:I think theres a broad church and room for lots of different things.

Its more of a yearning for that than something that has to necessarily be cerebral or sophisticated.

Good storytelling and something that actually frightens you.

What has frightened you in the past?

JG:Which films?

Consciously I wasnt quoting but I know there are areas where there are probably films referenced.

I know the genre very well and if I look back at films likeThe Innocentsthere are definitely techniques.

The techniques are different, though, because were in a much more modern idiom.

You could not make a film quite at that pace now, it would bore people.

Often the default setting for some of these films is to go really monochromatic and bleach the colour out.

Its very hard to pinpoint exactly what your influences are.

Did that put any pressure on things?

JW:It would be disingenuous to say you dont consider those things.

Some are very good and people respond to Dan and they have views onPotter, whatever they are.

So, we talked about the part, we saw the part in the same way.

I think he really carries the film.

I think its a real proper grown-up performance.

And were proud of what hes done.

Jane, can you tell us what you have coming up next?

(Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children)

JG:That is one of them yes.

Are you going to be writing for Johnny Depp then?

Are you working on any sequels by any chance?

That sounds like youre involved…

JG:(laughs) No, Im honestly not.

JG:I would be terrified to do it because Im such a huge fan.

Neil Gaimans more confident than I am.

Neil, quite rightly so, has great self-confidence but Im one of those writers whos plagued by self-doubt.

I want to enjoy it as a fan and dont want to ruin the magic.

James Watkins, Jane Goldman, Susan Hill, thank you very much!

Read our interview with Daniel Radcliffe onThe Woman In Blackhere.