Big industry names due at screenwriting event
A Screenwriting Weekender will put aspiring North East writers for TV and film in touch with influential figures.
The event, organised by New Writing North and sponsored by North East Screen, is to take place at Live Theatre in Newcastle from January 31 to February 2.
It will feature a keynote speech by Gateshead-born Peter Straughan whose credits include acclaimed adaptations of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (co-written with his late wife, Bridget O’Connor) for the big screen and, for the BBC, Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall.
His adaptation of Robert Harris’s novel, Conclave, is due in UK cinemas on November 25, starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini.
Tony Schumacher, the former Merseyside police officer responsible for Liverpool TV drama The Responder, starring Martin Freeman, will be in conversation with South Shields-based screenwriter Emile Robson.
Also attending will be executives from TV companies including Clerkenwell (Baby Reindeer), Merman (Motherland), Warp (The Virtues) and RED (It’s a Sin), and representatives of literary agencies Curtis Brown and Casarotto.
Subjects covered will include pitching and creating iconic characters (this with screenwriter Sarah Morgan), and there will be a panel discussion on writing comedy chaired by Malak El-Gonemy of Tiger Aspect.
Lisa Laws, North East Screen development director, said: “Stories are the lifeblood of our industry and the region has a rich history of storytelling in all its forms. However, for years we have lacked a visible local screen industry.
“That’s starting to change with the North East seeing an 89% increase in film and TV production over the last two years and a fourfold increase in commissions from the region.
“For anyone who wants to make the most of these new opportunities to get their untold stories in front of global audiences, this event is a must.”
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Entertainment company FilmNation TV is supporting 10 bursary places for northern writers who would otherwise be unable to access the event.
Creative director Kirstie Macdonald said: “I’m delighted to be involved in this exciting event amongst such wonderful local talent, and to be part of the renewed wave of enthusiasm for our fantastic region.”
Roxy McKenna, development producer (screen) at New Writing North, said the Screenwriting Weekender would offer insight into life “at the coal face of TV” and provide networking opportunities.
For tickets - £100 plus booking fee, with some bursary tickets available – go to the New Writing North website.