Programme announced for major TV industry event in Newcastle
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New Writing North brings a major TV industry event to Newcastle, aimed at writers from across the north who want to improve their screenwriting skills, get industry know-how, and make new connections.
Sponsored by North East Screen, the Screenwriting Weekender takes place at Live Theatre in Newcastle from 31 January to 2 February.
It features leading screenwriters, such as Tony Schumacher (The Responder), executives from TV production companies such as Clerkenwell (Baby Reindeer), Merman (Motherland) Warp (The Virtues) and RED (It’s a Sin) as well current opportunities from BBC Writers. It will also showcase tips on how to break into TV scriptwriting from agents at Curtis Brown and Casarotto.
The event features a keynote speech from the critically acclaimed screenwriter, Peter Straughan. His credits include this year’s highly anticipated film Conclave, starring Ralph Fiennes, the BAFTA award-winning, Academy nominated film, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (co-written by Bridget O’Connor) and the BAFTA and Golden Globe winning adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall for the BBC.
The weekend will explore a range of topics from demystifying writers’ rooms and creating iconic characters right through to pitching. On hand are representatives from North East Screen, CreativeUK, Film Hub North, BBC, BFI NETWORK, and the Film and TV Charity, as well as execs and producers from regional production companies keen to build networks with northern writers.
Other speakers include development producer Emma Millions, who has created hundreds of pitch decks, and written for the likes of Ant and Dec, and Alex Cameron from Parrot Analytics, who uses data to explore the tension between writing what you think an audience wants, and what you as a writer want to say.
Topics will also explore mental health and wellbeing for writers, and ways to improve the often financially precarious and emotionally challenging experience of being a working writer for TV.
The leading entertainment company, FilmNation TV, is supporting 10 bursary places to support northern writers who would otherwise be unable to access the event to take part.
Screenwriting Weekender: 31 Jan-2 Feb, Live Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne. Tickets: £100+ booking fee, there are a limited number of bursary tickets available.
Book: https://newwritingnorth.com/event/screenwriting-weekender/