This retreat-like workshop was a lovely day, with excellent attendees, a relaxed vibe, informative presentations, one on one time with an agent, producer, and commissioner, and a lot was learned about what attendees can do next with their ideas and projects.
Below Is the original Information about the day, as an example of what we can accomplish
Film & TV Development Workshop 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, took place on September 8, 2023 in Bangor, North Wales.
We were 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 spent the day sharing things we've learned the hard way or wish we knew earlier, we spent time with each attendee helping to develop their next professional steps, we offered notes on the projects they shared with us, and our aim was to send them away inspired, refocused and empowered.
Date: September 8, 2023. 9:30-5:30 Location: Pontio, Bocs Gwyn/White Box Studio, Bangor University What was It? The day combined script and story development with industry-focused talks to guide attendees on processes and to inspire, or take their ideas to the next level. Speakers (see profiles below) presented on their area of expertise, and their goal was to help attendees 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 was It for? Creators - specifically TV/Film script writers, producers, developers, and directors. Early/mid-career, with a few productions under their belts, or those considering the field. This was appropriate for established creators looking at new projects or different genres/platforms as well. **Attendees could also submit a script or outline ahead of time for review for individual feedback and notes from the panel.**
What will we do? The morning was spent introducing our speakers and hearing their stories and experiences. We followed the process of project development focusing on key tips and skills to develop projects. After a break for lunch, we offered one to one sessions with our professionals, and a workshop to develop skills and projects.
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).
Registration covered:
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
Itinerary (copied from the day) 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.