Due to the situation with the Coronavirus, we had to postpone this event and the weekend retreat. We and our funders are still committed to running this event, so we'll announce a new date as soon as we can.
Any questions or concerns, please contact info@parkelife.org
Thanks for your support, and stay healthy everyone!
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One-Day Retreat & Workshop
Connecting the Dots: A Creative retreat for Film & Story
This inspiring, day-long workshop retreat, in partnership with Ffilm Cymru, Bangor University, and BFI Network Wales will take place March 27, 2020 in Bangor, North Wales. We've got a BAFTA winner and Oscar short-listed producer, a bitchin' agent and script editor, and a PhD in Film & Industry. This event would be big bucks in London, but we get to offer it for just £50, thanks to Ffilm Cymru/BFI Network Wales/Bangor University, AND it's held in Narnia. I mean...Snowdonia.
What is It?
The day will combine script and story development with industry-focused talks to inform you about the industry processes, and to inpsire 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 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-career, with one or two productions under your belt, or those considering the field. This is also appropriatefor established creators looking at new projects or different genres/platforms. You should bring a script, treatment or project idea with you. Writer/director/producer teams are encouraged.
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. Our goal is to cut through the noise and confusion of the industry with top tips to get your project ready, and development presentations to take it to the next level. After a break for lunch and a brief adventure (hopefully outside, weather dependent), we will offer one to one sessions with our professionals, and a workshop to develop your skills to industry standards.
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 March 16, the cost is £50. After, the cost is £75.
*There are a limited number of bursaries for those who qualify; please register to be considered*
How do I sign up?
REGISTER for the workshop (March 27) HERE
PAY for the workshop HERE. (Note: if you are attending the weekend retreat, you do not need to pay for this element; see below to pay for the full retreat)
Questions? Email: ParkeLifeUK@gmail.com
What is It?
The day will combine script and story development with industry-focused talks to inform you about the industry processes, and to inpsire 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 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-career, with one or two productions under your belt, or those considering the field. This is also appropriatefor established creators looking at new projects or different genres/platforms. You should bring a script, treatment or project idea with you. Writer/director/producer teams are encouraged.
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. Our goal is to cut through the noise and confusion of the industry with top tips to get your project ready, and development presentations to take it to the next level. After a break for lunch and a brief adventure (hopefully outside, weather dependent), we will offer one to one sessions with our professionals, and a workshop to develop your skills to industry standards.
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 March 16, the cost is £50. After, the cost is £75.
*There are a limited number of bursaries for those who qualify; please register to be considered*
How do I sign up?
REGISTER for the workshop (March 27) HERE
PAY for the workshop HERE. (Note: if you are attending the weekend retreat, you do not need to pay for this element; see below to pay for the full retreat)
Questions? Email: ParkeLifeUK@gmail.com
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 currently consults on story, script, and audience. She works in education with Universities Wales, and lectures with Signum University and CAPA University, London.
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 currently consults on story, script, and audience. She works in education with Universities Wales, and lectures with Signum University and CAPA University, London.
SANDRA GOREL is a double 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, and is an Oscar short-listed producer for her short, Love at First Sight. She is currently the Editorial Executive for BBC iPlayer, and is producing a ten-part documentary series with director Adam Curtis for the BBC, with whom she also produced the BAFTA-nominated Hypernormalisation.
JEN BURNET is a script editor specialising in TV drama. She is currently working for Slim Film + Television on ‘Mystic,’ an ambitious 13 part environmental thriller for CBBC, Seven Australia & TVNZ. Jen started her career at the BBC, spending several years working in the EastEnders’ script department, and is a graduate of the NFTS script development programme.
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:
Proposed Itinerary:
Location: Powis Hall, Bangor University LL57 2DG. MAP (Entrance is near the number 65 on p.4 of this map, in the Main Arts Building - the one that looks like Hogwarts).
9:30 - Arrive/register - get caffeinated!
10:00 - 12:00: Introductions, and talks from Maggie Parke, Sandra Gorel, Fiona Grant, and Jen Burnet. All talks will focus on something from the industry they wish they'd known, 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
**There will be also be a weekend retreat immediately after the workshop. Places are first come, first served, and spaces are limited. Please see below for more information.**
Travel:
Bangor Is easy to reach 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.
Accommodation:
If you plan to come up early or stay later, here are some suggestions for where to stay (not in partnership with Parkelife retreats; just places we know of!)
The Management Centre at Bangor University
The Slate (just outside of Bangor, car or taxi required)
The Eryl Mor Hotel
- 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
- NOTE: If you are attending the weekend retreat, your entry to the one-day workshop is included
Proposed Itinerary:
Location: Powis Hall, Bangor University LL57 2DG. MAP (Entrance is near the number 65 on p.4 of this map, in the Main Arts Building - the one that looks like Hogwarts).
9:30 - Arrive/register - get caffeinated!
10:00 - 12:00: Introductions, and talks from Maggie Parke, Sandra Gorel, Fiona Grant, and Jen Burnet. All talks will focus on something from the industry they wish they'd known, 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
**There will be also be a weekend retreat immediately after the workshop. Places are first come, first served, and spaces are limited. Please see below for more information.**
Travel:
Bangor Is easy to reach 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.
Accommodation:
If you plan to come up early or stay later, here are some suggestions for where to stay (not in partnership with Parkelife retreats; just places we know of!)
The Management Centre at Bangor University
The Slate (just outside of Bangor, car or taxi required)
The Eryl Mor Hotel
Retreat: March 27-29, 2020
After the One-Day workshop, we're offering a personal & creative retreat. The purpose is to provide you with space and time to write, work, and get inspired. We will provide food and shelter in a beautiful place, plus expert advise if you'd like it to help develop your project or idea - and also yourself! The goal is to meet you at your level, and provide you with space, inspiration, and support to take your project to the next step.
When is it?
The day-long workshop is Friday, March 27. The retreat is immediately after it - taking you from Bangor the evening of the 27th, to a mountain retreat in Snowdonia for Friday and Saturday night, and we'll conclude by noon on Sunday. We can help arrange rides or provide taxi numbers if you're not driving. You must attend the one-day workshop in order to attend the retreat. This is included in your weekend retreat fee, and you do not need to pay for Friday's event separately.
What's the cost, and what is included?
The retreat is £300 for the weekend for a shared (with one other retreat member), en-suite room. There are 2 private rooms available which will have an additional fee of £50. Included in this fee are all of your meals (vegetarian, all diets can be accommodated), a lovely place to sleep, work, and explore, and the opportunity for workshops, and one-to-one consulting sessions with us throughout the weekend. We'll also offer informal meditation, yoga, and walks into Snowdonia if folks fancy it.
Where will we stay?
We will stay at the Snowdonia Mountain Lodge retreat centre. It's a stunning location on the doorstep of Snowdonia. There's plenty of options for runs/walks, incredible scenery, cozy rooms, quiet spaces and informal hang out spots to get your creative spirit thriving! It's warm, clean, inspiring, and very instagrammable.
On the form, please list your accommodation preference (private £350 for the weekend, shared £300). Your place is not confirmed until we have emailed you confirming the availability, and payment is received. There are no refunds for the weekend retreat once payment is received - sorry!
Rooms Available:
Room A- 2 twin beds (shared)
Room B- 2 twin beds (shared)
Room C - 2 twin beds (shared)
Room D - 2 twin beds (shared)
Room E - 1 bed, twin (private £50 additional fee)
Room F - 1 bed, twin (private £50 additional fee)
How do I sign up?
Please (1) complete the form here, we will confirm your room, and then (2) purchase the retreat here. Please state your room preference on the form (single or shared). Space is first come, first served.
Cancellation Policy:
Due to our costs being up front, we will not be able to refund your stay once payment is received.
Please (1) complete the form here, we will confirm your room, and then (2) purchase the retreat here. Please state your room preference on the form (single or shared). Space is first come, first served.
Cancellation Policy:
Due to our costs being up front, we will not be able to refund your stay once payment is received.
Sample Schedule-*
Friday: We have the day-long workshop in Bangor (see details above). Afterwards, transfer to the Snowdonia Mountain Lodge for a good sleep in the hills, and awaken refreshed and inspired. You must be registered for the one-day workshop in order to attend the retreat.
Saturday:
Morning: yoga/meditation session
Breakfast
Creative workshop if there's interest
Snacks, tea, and coffee available all day in the kitchen.
Lunch
Afternoon: walking, mountain hike, or one-to-one sessions
Dinner
Evening: writer's talk or film screening, probaby with wine :) depending on what folks are craving.
Sunday:
Yoga/Meditation, buffet breakfast, ending session. All depart by 12pm.
*All activities are optional. If you'd rather snuggle up with a book, stay in your room and snooze, or walk on your own you're very welcome. We're here with options if you want them, and our aim to create a space for you to do as you wish, but also perhaps to try incorporating something new in your creative process and practice.
Friday: We have the day-long workshop in Bangor (see details above). Afterwards, transfer to the Snowdonia Mountain Lodge for a good sleep in the hills, and awaken refreshed and inspired. You must be registered for the one-day workshop in order to attend the retreat.
Saturday:
Morning: yoga/meditation session
Breakfast
Creative workshop if there's interest
Snacks, tea, and coffee available all day in the kitchen.
Lunch
Afternoon: walking, mountain hike, or one-to-one sessions
Dinner
Evening: writer's talk or film screening, probaby with wine :) depending on what folks are craving.
Sunday:
Yoga/Meditation, buffet breakfast, ending session. All depart by 12pm.
*All activities are optional. If you'd rather snuggle up with a book, stay in your room and snooze, or walk on your own you're very welcome. We're here with options if you want them, and our aim to create a space for you to do as you wish, but also perhaps to try incorporating something new in your creative process and practice.
