Screenwriting Weekender
Event information
Where: Live Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DQ
Date: 6 – 8 February 2026
Cost: £100 + booking fee
The Screenwriting Weekender is a packed weekend of TV industry talks, workshops and networking aimed at writers who want to improve their screenwriting skills, get industry know how and make new connections.
We’ll hear from leading screenwriters, TV execs and agents as well as dig into a range of topical subjects from writing micro-dramas and how to earn a living as a screenwriter right through to nuts and bolts sessions on character and structure. There will also be the opportunity to network with other writers as well as producers and funders at mixers throughout the weekend.
The Screenwriting Weekender will run from Friday 6 February evening until early afternoon Sunday 8 February at the Live Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne. The price of the ticket includes access to all sessions across the weekend, lunch on Saturday and refreshments throughout.
The Screenwriting Weekender is sponsored by North East Screen.
Download last year’s full programme Read Sam’s 2024 Weekender recap
Bursary Tickets
Thanks to generous support from FilmNation TV we are able to offer a limited number of free bursary tickets to the Screenwriting Weekender, for those who would be unable to attend without financial help. FilmNation is a leading independent entertainment company, focused on the production, financing, and distribution of premium content.
You are eligible for a bursary ticket if you are in receipt of Jobseekers’ Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance, Asylum Support, or Universal Credit. If none of the above applies but you feel that you are still eligible, please get in touch. Bursary places will be selected at random from valid applicants.
Please email [email protected] with the subject line Screenwriting Weekender Bursary, and briefly outline the way in which you are eligible for a free ticket.
The deadline for applying for a bursary is Tuesday 14 November
FAQs
Do I have to attend all parts of the weekend?
The Screenwriting Weekender will run Friday, 6 Feb early evening until Sunday, 8 Feb mid afternoon. The price of the ticket includes access to all sessions across the weekend, lunch on Saturday and refreshments throughout.
What refreshments will be provided?
The cost of your ticket includes a complimentary tea and coffee on Saturday and Sunday and lunch on Saturday.
Accessibility at Live Theatre
Live Theatre is fully accessible venue. Please see here for full details of facilities and access information: https://www.live.org.uk/plan-your-visit/accessing-venue
Live-captioning at the Screenwriting Weekender
Live captions will be provided throughout the weekend for all sessions taking place in the Theatre. Please note that the Scene Slam event will not be live captioned.
