C4/NWN Northern Talent Network: Peer Networks and Collaboration

Programmed by New Writing North in partnership with Channel 4, as part of the Northern Talent Network.

This special workshop for emerging TV screenwriters will support people to create and sustain their own mutually beneficial and productive peer networks and offer tips for how writers can make the most of these. We will also share experiences of writing collaboratively and offer advice on how to build trust and communicate effectively in relationships with other writers.

Afshan D’souza-Lodhi was born in Dubai and forged in Manchester. She is a writer of scripts and poetry. Her work has been performed and translated into numerous languages across the world. Afshan is currently a Lab Fellow for Global Performance and Politics at Georgetown University. Afshan has been commissioned to write and direct a short film for Channel 4 (An Act of Terror) and a radio play for BBC Sounds (Chop Chop). In 2021, Afshan was a Sky Writes writer-in-residence for Rotherham, a partnership between Sky Studios and New Writing North. She is also currently developing a TV series with Sky Studios. Her debut poetry collection ‘re:desire’ (Burning Eye Books) was longlisted for the Jhalak Prize (2021). As well as her own writing, Afshan is keen to develop other younger and emerging artists and sits on the boards of Manchester Literature Festival and Pie Radio and is also a Young Trustee Ambassador for the North West.

Sheffield-based Screenwriter Joe Willis’ (pronouns: He/They) work is often centred around ensemble pieces, found communities, mental health and LGBTQIA+ stories; with a style that mixes social realistic settings and sensitive character portrayals with a humorous and often surreal tone. Their most recent achievements include being chosen for: BAFTA Connect 2022-2025, Screen Yorkshire Flex Scheme 22/23, John Yorke Story Course for Writing for Video Games 22/23, BBC Northern Voices 21/22, BBC Children’s Voices 21/22, BBC Script Room 2021 (Submission in top 2% of submissions), Netflix/Creative UK Breakout Scheme (Submission shortlisted). As well as having projects supported by: BFI Network Short Film Fund, Sky Studios Table Reads, Sheffield Film Fund. They are also a BIFA Voter and work as a Development Exec at BIFA Award Winning Production Company, Tyke Films. For more information check out their website www.jwwriting.com or follow them @fallsoveralot.