COMPLETED! This workshop was a lovely day, with excellent attendees, and a relaxed vibe, and lots learned for where attendees can go next. Check back in, or sign up for our newsletter to find out about our next event.
Film & TV Development Workshop, Sept 8, 2023 Connecting the Dots: A Personal and Professional Creative Development Day
This inspiring, day-long workshop retreat, made possible with the support of Ffilm Cymru Wales & BFI NETWORK with funding from the National Lottery, will take place September 8, 2023 in Bangor, North Wales.
We'll be joined by a BAFTA winner and Oscar short-listed producer, an experienced agent, a producer for tv and film who's worked on big-network projects, and a script editor with a PhD in the Creative Industries. We'll spend the day sharing things we've learned the hard way or wish we knew earlier, we'll spend time with each of you helping to develop your next professional steps, we'll offer notes on any projects you'd like to share with us, and we'll aim to send you away inspired, refocused and empowered.
Date: September 8, 2023. 9:30-4:30 Location: Pontio, Bocs Gwyn/White Box Studio, Bangor University Cost: £70 if you register before August 25. £95 after that. There are also a few bursaries available for tuition, childcare, travel, or other access needs. See details below. What is It? The day will combine script and story development with industry-focused talks to guide you on processes and to inspire you, or take your idea to the next level. Speakers (see profiles below) will present on their area of expertise, and our goal is to help you cut through the mystery and noise on project development to help clarify the creator’s voice, brand, and story, while learning key industry practices.
Who is It for? Creators - specifically TV/Film script writers, producers, developers, and directors. Early/mid-career, with a few productions under your belt, or those considering the field. This is certainly appropriate for established creators looking at new projects or different genres/platforms as well. We aim to support Welsh talent as much as possible, but of course are happy to welcome all to attend. **You can also submit a script or outline ahead of time for review for individual feedback and notes from this experienced panel.**
What will we do? The morning will be spent introducing our speakers and hearing their stories and experiences. We'll follow the process of project development focusing on key tips and skills to develop your project. After a break for lunch and a brief adventure (hopefully outside, depending upon the weather), we will offer one to one sessions with our professionals, and a workshop to develop your skills and projects.
What does it cost? We're able to offer this workshop at a discount thanks to support from Ffilm Cymru's Connector Fund. Early bird discount if you register by Aug 25, the cost is £70. After, the cost is £95. *There are a limited number of bursaries (travel, childcare, or other access requirements, etc.). Please register to be considered* *Bangor University students are free of charge*
Who Are We? MAGGIE PARKE earned her PhD researching the adaptation of event films and fan management on the sets of Twilight (2008), Captain America (2010), and with the game company Turbine Inc., makers of The Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO) and DC Comic’s Infinite Crisis. She produced and co-hosted Rings & Realms for Prime Video's Rings of Power series, and she currently consults on story, script, and audience. She also lectures on film and business with CAPA and IFSA in London, and is the Head of Studios at Signum Studios.
SANDRA GOREL is a BAFTA, EMMY and RTS award winning producer who began her career at the BBC, working on live productions. After a year working in Australia as Executive Producer on Sky News and Sky Sports Active, Sandra returned to the BBC as a Multi Platform Commissioner for Entertainment, before joining Maverick TV. Throughout her career she has extensive experience of producing fully interactive, ground-breaking TV series, including the multiple award-winning Embarrassing Bodies: Live from the Clinic for Channel 4, several festival favourite short films, including the Oscar shortlisted Love at First Sight starring John Hurt, and various documentary films. Sandra returned to the BBC as Editorial Executive for BBC iPlayer but is still producing feature docs with director Adam Curtis, including the BAFTA-nominated HyperNormalisation and the most recent BAFTA winner Russia 1985-1999: TraumaZone.
Jen Burnet is currently working as a producer on The Couple Next Door, a 6-part psychological drama series for Channel 4 & Starz.
Jen started her career in production, working as a floor runner by day and producing short films in her spare time, before moving to the BBC and spending several years working in the EastEnders’ script department. After graduating from the National Film & Television School’s prestigious script development programme, Jen worked for a number of producers and writers as a freelance script reader and editor. She joined Slim Film + Televison in 2019 to script edit the first series of the multi award-winning children’s drama Mystic, stepping up to the role of UK Producer for Series 2 & 3.
FIONA GRANT represents British and international screenwriters and directors at the Dench Arnold Agency. Originally from Australia, Fiona worked as a lawyer at an international law firm, but gave it up to follow her true passion and put her encyclopedic film knowledge to good use. The Dench Arnold Agency represents writers, directors and heads of department working across all of film and TV. Recently Fiona has had clients named on the Brit List and selected for the BBC Writers Room (Drama).
Your registration will cover:
One-on-one expert feedback from industry professionals about your project
Presentations to help take you and your project to the next level
Presentations on tips and skills emailed to you after the event
The opportunity to network and get inspired in a friendly, beautiful space
Lunch included (sandwich buffet, snacks, fruit, desserts, salads), hot drinks
Proposed Itinerary (subject to change until time of event): Location: Pontio, Bocs Gwyn/White Box Studio, Bangor University LL57 2DG. MAP. 9:30 - Arrive/register - get caffeinated! 10:00 - 12:00: Introductions, and talks from Dr. Maggie Parke, Sandra Gorel, Fiona Grant, and Jen Burnet. All talks will focus on something from the industry they wish they'd known, learned the hard way, or they wish their prospective clients knew. 12:00 - Lunch break (included in the day), and optional mindful walk to the hills for a beautiful view, stretch of the legs and refresh of the brain! 13:00 - 16:30 - Workshops, and one to one sessions to get feedback on your current projects. 16:30 - Closing session
Travel: Bangor Is easy to reach by car or public transport from London, Manchester, Liverpool and beyond via train or car. Bangor Train Station is on the direct line to London, and to the ferry port in Holyhead. It's a short walk or taxi from the train station to the university and taxis are plentiful. The closest airport is Manchester or Liverpool. Pontio is an accessible building (wheelchair access, disabled toilets etc.). Do reach out if you'd like more specific accessibility details.