International Screenwriters' Festival

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 This article is orphaned as few or no other articles link to it.
Please help introduce links in articles on related topics. (December 2007)


International Screenwriter' Festival
Location Cheltenham, United Kingdom
Language International
Official website

The International Screenwriters' Festival, founded in 2006, highlights the art, craft and business of Screenwriting. The festival is held annually (in June and/or July) at the Manor by the Lake in the Cotswold town of Cheltenham, in Gloucestershire.

Contents

[edit] History of the Festival

The International Screenwriters' Festival is the brain child of ex-BBC producer David Pearson who felt there was a niche in the festival market to be filled, aimed towards working and wannabe scriptwriters. The first festival took place in June 2006, from Tuesday 27th to Friday 30th, at the Cheltenham Film Studios and the Manor by the Lake. Over 500 delegates, speakers, sponsors, producers, directors, developers and finaciers descended on the quiet festival town for four days of networking, debates, discussions, panels, q&a's and general hanging about. A great time was had by all. The second festival took place the following year in July 2007, from Tuesday 3rd to Friday 6th, at the Manor by the Lake. This time over 600 delegates, speakers, sponsors, producers, directors, developers and finaciers came to the much bigger and packed four days. the third festival is in the pipeline with a date in July 2008, Tuesday 1st to Thursday 3rd, again at the Manor by the Lake. It is planned that it will be a smaller tighter affair, but will still look at having over 600 people over the three days.

“This festival has shown that there is a need and an appetite for a welcoming, open forum for screenwriting and that with the support of the industry and writers we can build on this in 2007. We welcome the new offers of sponsorship we have already had, and are happy to discuss inquires, and hope that we can expand the Festival and incorporate the suggestions and encouragement that delegates have given us for sessions, networking opportunities and services. The fact that several writers have reported to us that the festival gave them the help and impetus to move them and their projects onto success really makes me proud of the Festival.”
Festival Director David Pearson on the success of the 2006 Screenwriter's Festival

[edit] The Screenwriters' Festival 2006

[edit] Date

Tuesday 27th to Friday 30th June 2006

[edit] Venue

Cheltenham Film Studios and The Manor by the Lake Manor By the Lake
Arle Court
Hatherley Lane
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL51 6PN

[edit] Guest Speakers


Abigail Abban Mensah writer Doctors, The Story of Tracy Beaker
Allan Scott writer Don’t Look Now, The Witches, Cold Heaven
Ashley Pharoah writer/co-creator Life on Mars, Bonekickers
Barbara Machin writer Waking the Dead
Bridget O’Connor co-writer Sixty Six, Mrs. Ratcliffe's Revolution
Bryan Elsley writer Skins, The Crow Road, Complicity
Dan Reed writer/director Lewis, Straightheads
David Cummings writer Kevin and Perry go Large, The Fast Show
David Hughes writer/journalist/author The Greatest Sci-Fi Films you’ll Never See, Tales from Development Hell
Debbie Isitt writer/director Confetti, Nasty Neighbours, The Illustrated Mum
Francesca Marciano writer Don’t Tell, Love is Eternal While it Lasts
Gary James Martin writer Suburban Shootout, The Little Things You Do
Guillermo del Toro writer/director/producer Hellboy II: The Golden Army, Pan’s Labyrinth, The Devil's Backbone
Guy Jenkin writer Outnumbered, Drop the Dead Donkey
Holly Hughes writer Skins
Jack Thorne writer Skins, The Spastic King
James Watkins writer Gone, My Little Eye
Jimmy McGovern writer The Street, Hillsborough
Julian Fellowes writer/actor/director Young Victoria, Separate Lies, 'Gosford Park
Justin Trefgarne writer/director Life XP, Time Killing
Laurence Marks co-creator/writer Birds of a Feather, The New Statesman
Mark Duffield writer/director The Ghost of Mae Nak
Mark Huckerby writer The Amazing Adrenalini Brothers
Maurice Gran writer Birds of a Feather, The New Statesman
Misan Sagay writer/producer The Secret Laughter of Women
Nick Ostler writer The Amazing Adrenalini Brothers
Nigel Floyd Journalist
Olivia Hetreed writer The Girl with the Pearl Earring
Peter Straughan co-writer Sixty Six, Mrs. Ratcliffe's Revolution
Phil Nodding writer Shameless
Richard Jobson writer/director The Purifiers, 16 Years of Alcohol
Robert Weide writer/director Curb Your Enthusiasm, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People
Roger Beckett writer Suburban Shootout
Sam Snape writer Perfect Woman, Medics
Simon van der Borgh writer In Tranzit
Steven Moffat writer Jekyll, Dr. Who, Coupling
Terry Loane writer Goal II: Living the Dream, Mickybo and Me
Tony Grisoni writer Death Defying Acts, Brothers of the Head, Tideland
Tony Marchant writer The Whistle Blowers, Mark of Cain
William Nicholson writer/novelist Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Gladiator
Angeli McFarlane script editor
Anne Woods script editor Euroscript
Arvind David producer Slingshot Films
Charles Moore lawyer Wiggin LLP
Claire Moorsom script editor
Colin Brown editor Screen International
David Pearson producer/SWF director Arturi Films Limited
David Thompson head of development BBC Films
Dictynna Hood director Journey Man
Ed Clarke head of development & acquisitions Capital Films
Elizabeth Karlsen producer How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, Sixty Six
Elizabeth Morgan Hemlock producer / SWF board member Arturi Films Ltd
Fiona Kinsella managing director Moonstone
Gina Carter producer Kingdom, Bright Young Things
Hugh Stoddart chairman The Writers’ Guild Film Committee
James Hawes director Dr. Who, Fanny Hill
Jo Tracy script editor
Jonny Percy producer Slingshot Films
Judy Conihan producer Rebus, Goodbye Mr Chips
Julian Friedmann agent Blake Friedmann Associates
Kate Leys script reader
Kate Ogborn producer Revolution Films
Katherine Butler head of development Channel 4/Film4
Katy Evans producer Red Films
Kevin Loader producer Venus, The History Boys
Linda Dawe Script Editor
Liza Marshall commissioning editor – drama Channel 4
Marcia Williams head of diversity The UK Film Council
Matthew Bates agent Sayles Screen
Mervyn Watson executive producer BBC
Mia Bays producer Six Shooter
Nic Ransome Journalist
Nicholas Roeg director Puffball, Don’t Look Now
Paul Hoggart Journalist
Paul Weiland director Sixty Six, Mr Bean
Paula Jalfon pead of production Ingenious
Peter Carlton senior commissioning executive Film4
Phil Parker screenwriting lecturer NyAc
Rachel Holroyd agent Casarotto Ramsay & Associates
Sean Steele executive director Neilson Ratings Group
Stephen Woolley producer/director The Crying Game, Stoned
Tara Halloran screen academy manager Skillset
Veena Verdi commissioning editor 4Talent
William Pennington life coach Chi Coaching
Rachel Connors Development Slingshot Films


[edit] Sponsors


Film4 Arturi Films South West Screen Cheltenham County Council
UK Film Council, The Skillset Learning Skills Council, The Cheltenham Film Studios
The Gloucestershire Media Group (GMG) British Academy of Film and Television Arts, The (Bafta) Face Group, The University of Gloucestershire
Manor by the Lake Cheltenham Film Studios Skillset Wiggin LLP
Arista Development Chi Coaching Cineworld Cliknetik
De Lane Lea Soho Films@59 Fusion Graphic Design James Fletcher
Kodak The Location Catering Company Lynx Computing Ottakar's
Powerline Silicon 19 Soho House


“FilmFour were proud to have been the headline sponsors of the inaugural Screenwriters' Festival which took a bold step of encouraging writers away from their desks and pitching them into discussion with each other. We look forward to building on this year’s success and establish an international debate.”

FilmFour - The Headline Sponsors of the International Screenwriters' Festival 2006

[edit] Festival Board

Chairperson - Clare Reddington, Watershed; David Pearson, Arturi Films Limited; Elizabeth Morgan Hemlock, Arturi Films Limited; Colin Brown, Screen International; Stephen Cleary, Arista Development; Greg Browning, Silicon 19; Dan Howard, University of Gloucestershire; Ken Jennings, Cheltenham Borough Council; Miles Ketley, Wiggin LLP; Sarah-Jane Meredith, South West Screen; Caroline Norbury, South West Screen

[edit] Credits

Festival Director - David Pearson; Festival President - David Bill; Festival Coordinator - Kenny MacDonald; Studio Liaison and Logistics, Jennie Scanlon; Education Coordinator - Lucy Heywood; Public Relations - Spohie Toumazis & Jennifer Reynolds, TPR Media; Festival Assistants - Cathie Beloe, Emily Elgar, Christine Tracey, Adam Laity, Vanessa Frank, Maureen Blake, Bruno Conde, John Simon, Joanna Wivell; Stage Manager - Kirstin Dryburgh; Website and Logo Design - James Escandance and Jon Pratt; Video - Catherine Longbottom; Brochure Design - Hamish McWhirter and Nick Pointon; Staging/Audio/Visual - Central Presentations; Marquees - Mobenn Marquees; Generator and Power - Powerline; Catering - The Henley Catering Company; Amenities - Andy Loos; Chauffer - David Elsey.

[edit] Volunteers


Michael Coleman, Mark Harmer, Chris Jackson, Andrew Rannie, Harriet Barbir, Laura George, Kareena Nagar, Marc Griffiths, Sam Bick, Rebecca Dickerson, Tom Morgans, James Mann, Claire Carpenter, Pauline Mulombe, Scot Jefferson Warner, Holy Jonston, Sam Ross, Llaria Morelli, Tim Vick, Cicely Playfair, Bethany Clift, Andy Knott, Isobel Turner Cross and Daniel Burt

[edit] Comments, Quotes and Reviews

“I felt like a long lost traveller who was wandering starving in the wilderness and stumbles upon a fertile oasis populated by people miraculously speaking his own language. We screenwriters need such nourishment.”
Screenwriter William Nicholson

“There’s a lot of talk about Development Hell but last week in Cheltenham was the opposite. The first Screenwriting Festival was a chance to listen to great practitioners sharing their secrets with their peers and most enjoyable for me – to spend time with other writers comparing notes, techniques, projects and horror stories. There was a great laid-back, supportive, creative atmosphere. If there’s a development heaven it might look like this.”
Screenwriter Olivia Hetreed

"It was a fantastic Festival in a fantastic setting, with a great, friendly and well organised team; making welcome opportunities for screenwriters to meet and discuss important issues with other writers and producers. We were deeply impressed.”
Head of BBC Films David Thompson

"It was a very open, positive and professional festival, and it was therefore possible to have a better quality of conversation with both speakers and attendees than is often achievable in London."
The UK Film Council's Natalie Wreyford

“You don't need a dark night of the soul to be a screenwriter, or even an extensive vocabulary. You need a story. And you need to want to tell it. I hope the screenwriters' festival has encouraged new people to be able tell their stories. I hope the screenwriters' festival has brought screenwriters more into the body of the Kirk. Not writers - film-makers.”
Screenwriter Tony Grisoni

"Thanks for a superbly co-ordinated event with some fantastic guests (especially Guillermo del Toro and Scott/Roeg). I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Festival and will definitely return next year (studio deals notwithstanding ;-)"
Journalist Nic Ransome

"Just a quick note to say thank you for looking after me so well last week. You all should be rightly proud of your efforts. I had a great time and felt very lucky to be part of the event. Please pass on my thanks and congratulations to David and all of the team."
Writer/Director Justin Trefgarne

"Thank you for a great day at the Screenwriters’ Festival. I thought the atmosphere was truly great - relaxed and informal but absolutely stimulating. And of course you pulled off the weather situation brilliantly."
Script Editor Angeli MacFarlane

"I really enjoyed the Screenwriters’ Day, it gave me the kick I needed to finish my work. Which I have done now, and been taken on by an agency in the USA."
Delegate Annette Williamson

"Congratulations on a fantastic event. Really good."
Delegate Rowena Goldman

"Many thanks to you and all the team behind the Screenwriters' Festival. I found it incredibly useful and look forward to next year."
Delegate Stephen Dunleavy

"I just wanted to send a quick email saying congratulations on the New Writers Day. I'm very new to the whole world of screenwriting and I found the day invaluable. I hope the rest of the festival went well, and I hope there are plans for one next year."
Delegate Dave Maguire

"I just wanted to thank you for all your efforts on the screenwriter's festival. I had a lovely time and really appreciate all your hard work."
Delegate Mary Albanese

"Just to say thank you very much again for the festival. It was great. I did in the end attend the whole festival as I realised that the professional festival was of more use to me than the new writer's day."
Delegate Caroline Bannock

"Firstly, can I say how much I enjoyed the New Writer's Day, thank you for all your effort’s. Hopefully I'll be back in the future as a full delegate."
Delegate James Kick

"Thanks for a great day."
Delegate Ricky Kane

[edit] The Screenwriters' Festival 2007

[edit] Date

Tuesday 3rd to Friday 6th July 2007

[edit] Venue

The Manor by the Lake
Arle Court
Hatherley Lane
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL51 6PN

[edit] Guest Speakers


Abi Morgan writer Brick Lane, Tsunami: The Aftermath
Anthony Horowitz writer Stormbreaker, Alex Rider Books, The Gathering
Atiha Sen Gupta writer Skins
Brian Ward writer Death Defying Acts, The Interpreter
Christopher Smith writer/director Severance, Creep
Danny Stack writer Doctors
David Hare playwright/writer The Hours, Damage
Diana Ossana writer Brokeback Mountain, The Streets of Laredo
Jake West writer/director Evil Aliens, Razor Blade Smile
Michael Goldenberg writer Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Contact, Peter Pan
Noel Clarke writer/actor/director Adulthood, Kidulthood, Dr. Who
Paul Bassett Davies writer The Magic Roundabout
Rahila Gupta writer/novellist Provoked
Rowan Joffe writer/director Secret Life, 28 Weeks Later
Shawn Slovo writer Catch a Fire, A World Apart
Simon Hunter writer/director The Mutant Chronicles, Lighthouse, Wired
Stuart Hazledean writer Riverworld
Terence Davies screenwriter/director The House of Mirth, The Long Day Closes
Teresa De Pelegri writer Unconscious, Only Human
Tony Jordan writer Hustle, Life on Mars
Valentin Tabau writer War Devils
Alison Owen producer Brick Lane, Shaun of the Dead
Amanda Tabak casting director Kidulthood, Wasp, Large
Ann Hilden
Charles Harris script reader Euroscript
David Kavanagh chief executive Irish Playwrights & Screenwriters Guild
David Kipen author The Schreiber Theory
Ed Blum director Scenes of a Sexual Nature
Ed Rubin development BBC Films
Elinor Burns agent Casarotto Ramsay & Associates
Finola Dwyer producer Severance, Stoned
Guy Shepherd lawyer Wiggin LLP
Isabelle Raynauld professor Montreal University
Jack Arbuthnott development The UK Film Council
Jane McCloskey director of programmes ITV West
Jeremy Hylton Davies script reader Euroscript
Jurgen Wolff creativity coach and lecturer
Kate Rowland creative director BBC Writers Room
Keith Potter producer Dan Films
Maggie Ellis head of production Film London
Matt Connell agent Berlin Associates
Menhaj Huda director/producer West 10 LDN, Kidulthood
Paul Ashton development manager BBC Writers Room
Paul Brett executive producer Prescience Film Finance
Paul Gallagher script reader
Paul Green talent scout National Film and Television School, The (NFTS)
Pere Roca head of development The Machinist, Beyond Re-Animator
Peter Sleeman managing director Pinnacle Software
Dr. Raj Persaud consultant psychiatrist The Maudsley Hospitals and Institute of Psychiatry
Rhianna Pratchett games writer Heavenly Sword, Overlord (PS3 Games)
Rob Kraitt agent A.P. Watt
Robert Jones producer Run, Fatboy, Run
Robyn Slovo producer Catch a Fire, Alpha Male
Sam Lavender Development Editor Film4
Sarah Gavron director Brick Lane, This Little Life
Sarah Smith head of feature development Aardman Animation
Simon Oakes chairman and CEO Hammer Films
Simon Relph producer / chairman of SWF board of directors Greenpoint Films
Sophie Janson agent Sheil Land Associates
Stephen Frears director The Queen, Mrs. Henderson Presents, Dirty Pretty Things
Sue Kent
Susan Rogers sr. lecturer, programme director University of London
Tally Garner agent Curtis Brown
Tanya Seghatchian head of development The UK Film Council
Ashley Pharoah writer/co-creator Life on Mars, Bonekickers
Holly Hughes writer Skins
Jack Thorne writer Skins, The Spastic King
Justin Trefgarne writer/director Life XP, Time Killing
Nigel Floyd Journalist
Olivia Hetreed writer
Simon van der Borgh writer In Tranzit
Tony Grisoni writer Death Defying Acts, Brothers of the Head, Tideland
William Nicholson writer/novelist
Charles Moore lawyer Wiggin LLP
David Pearson producer/SWF director Arturi Films Limited
David Thompson head of development BBC Films
Elizabeth Morgan Hemlock producer / SWF board member Arturi Films Ltd
Kate Leys script reader
Katherine Butler head of development Channel 4/Film4
Matthew Bates agent Sayles Screen
Mia Bays producer Six Shooter
Peter Carlton senior commissioning executive Film4
Phil Parker screenwriting lecturer NyAc
Rachel Holroyd agent Casarotto Ramsay & Associates
Tara Halloran screen academy manager Skillset
Veena Verdi commissioning editor 4Talent


[edit] Sponsors


Arturi Films Cheltenham County Council South West Screen UK Film Council, The
ITV Skillset Learning Skills Council, The Cheltenham Film Studios
The Gloucestershire Media Group (GMG) British Academy of Film and Television Arts, The (Bafta) Face Group, The Screen International
Skillset United International Pictures (UIP) Ealing Studios Ingenious
British Sky Broadcasting BBC Films 4Talent Spanish Embassy Cultural Office, The
Scottish Screen Glasgow Film Office International Business Wales University of Gloucestershire
Skillset Academy Wales Film London David Lean Foundation, The Scriptwriter Magazine
Manor by the Lake Wiggin LLP I2in Limited Films@59
Blue Sheep Powerline Shooting People Fusion Graphic Design
Cineworld Mobenn Marquees

[edit] Festival Board

Chairperson - Simon Relph, Greenpoint Films, Clare Reddington, Watershed; David Pearson, Arturi Films Limited; Elizabeth Morgan Hemlock, Arturi Films Limited; Julian Friedmann, Blake Friedmann Associates; Phil Parker, NyAc; Kevin Loader, Free Range Films Limited

[edit] Festival Advisory Board

Chairperson - Kevin Loader, Free Range Films Limited; David Bill, Manor by the Lake; David Pearson, Arturi Films Limited; Elizabeth Morgan Hemlock, Arturi Films Limited; Caroline Norbury, South West Screen; Olivia Hetreed, Writer; William Nicholson, Writer, Simon Relph, Greenpoint Films; Peter Carlton, Film4; Miles Ketley, Wiggin LLP; Phil Parker, NyAc; Brian Ward, Writer; Julian Fellowes, Writer/Director/Actor; Natalie Wreyford, The UK Film Council; Charles Moore, Wiggin LLP; Michael Gubbins, Screen International; Julian Friedman, Blake Friedmann Associates; Colin Vaines, The Wienstein Company; Dan Howard, University of Gloucester; Greg Browning, Silicon 19/The GMG; Emma Broughton, BBC Films; Derek Wax, Kudos; Nigel Floyd, Journalist; Barbara Machin, Writer; Carloe Sheridan, Scottish Screen; Ken Jennings, Cheltenham Borough Council; Rachel Holroyd, Casarotto Ramsay Associates; Matthew Bates, Sayles Screen; Peter Edwards, Film Agency Wales; Huw Penault Jones, De Lane Lea; Ed Clarke, Capitol Films; Keith Potter, Dan Films; John Willis, Mentorn; Tony Grisoni, Writer; Adrian Wootton, Film London; Dan Reed, Writer/Director; Paula Jalfon, Ingenious; Simon van der Borgh, Writer; Stephen Cleary, Arista Development; Sarah-Jane Meredith, South West Screen; Colin Brown, Screen International; Mark Horowitz, H20 Films; Paul Brett, Prescience Film Finance; Rob Kraitt, AP Watt; Susan Rogers, University of London; Colleen Woodcock, Pathe; Mervyn Watson, BBC and Hugh Stoddart, The Writers' Guild.

[edit] Credits

Festival Director - David Pearson; Festival President - David Bill; Festival Coordinator - Kenny MacDonald; Studio Liaison and Logistics, Rachel Harvey; Education Coordinator - Cathie Beloe; Public Relations - Spohie Toumazis & Jennifer Reynolds, TPR Media; Vlogger - Tom Williams; Festival Director's Assistant - Vanessa Frank; Sponsorship Consultant - Liz Keynes; Marketing Consultant - Caroline Ferguson; Marketing Team - Judy Lai, Amanda Graham; Festival Assistants - Rosie Smith, Henry Bennetts, Cathy Gremin, Becky Pratchett, John Simon, Joanna Wivell; Volunteer Coordinator, Ricky Kane; Stage Manager - Kirstin Dryburgh; Assistant Stage Manager - Oliver Purches; Website and Logo Design - James Escandance and Jon Pratt; Brochure Design - Hamish McWhirter and David Webb; Staging/Audio/Visual - Central Presentations; Marquees - Mobenn Marquees; Generator and Power - Powerline; Catering - Clink Clink/Gastronomy; Amenities - Andy Loos; Chauffer - Richard Russell; Security - Jedi Security.

[edit] Volunteers

Michael Coleman, Mark Harmer, Chris Jackson, Andrew Rannie, Harriet Barbir, Laura George, Kareena Nagar, Marc Griffiths,Saddam, Rebecca Dickerson, Tom Morgans, James Mann, Claire Carpenter, Sad Man Venneear, Pauline Mulombe, Scot Jefferson Warner, Holy Jonston, Sam Ross, Llaria Morelli, Tim Vick, Cicely Playfair, Bethany Clift, Andy Knott, Isobel Turner Cross and Daniel Burt

[edit] Comments, Quotes and Reviews

"The Screenwriters Festival is a wonderful resource, the sort of thing I wish we had more of in the States. David Pearson has created an environment both rigorous and generous, where aspiring screenwriters can get the feedback and reality checks they need to improve their craft in an exceptionally positive atmosphere."
Writer Michael Goldenberg

"I just wanted to say thank you for inviting me down to the festival. It was great to hear David Hare’s speech and to see what a marvellous set up you have down there. You really have created something impressive."
Head of Development at Ealing Studios, Sophie Meyer

"The festival was thoroughly well organized, but what impressed me the most was the sheer level of industry insiders they managed to get. It was truly dedicated to the screenwriter, lectures and events were given by people who actually wrote, produced and directed for a living."
Writer/director Simon Hunter

"Just wanted to drop you a line and say it was good to meet you at the screenwriters festival. Was a great event in a lovely location, and I was quite surprised how receptive people were to the idea of writing for games."
Games writer Rhianna Pratchett

I came along to the rising talent part of the festival this year and I just wanted to say that enjoyed it very much. My favourite speaker was Justin Trefgarne on Development Hell who I thought was just brilliant."
Delegate Ida Akesson

"I really enjoyed the festival last week. I learnt plenty and enjoyed mixing with other writers. I also got universally positive feedback from everyone I spoke to."
Delegate Richard Brandon

"Many thanks for an absolutely brilliant Festival. I really enjoyed the experience, met some very interesting people and heard some fantastic speakers - a thoroughly inspiring time. Thanks for everything."
Delegate Lesley Robinson

"Very enjoyable, very interesting and very useful: just some of the feedback I've heard from a variety of festival goers from a range of backgrounds. Bloody well done."
Delegate Andy Freedman

"This year's screenwriters festival was absolutely brilliant. Thank you so much for the evident hard work and dedication to the cause of the writer. Things are moving along for me, and I am freshly inspired following the buzz of creativity and determination that is in the festival air."
Delegate Jane Payne

"Thanks very much for a great two days last week. Every year of this festival looks to be so good - it just gets better! Amazing what you have all created there."
Delegate Mark Lavender

"I hope you are well. I would just like to say a very big thank you, once again, for a well organised and successful festival this year. I enjoyed last year's, but this year was even better!"
Delegate Richard Bate

"I attended the Festival last week for the four days and wanted to say how much I enjoyed it. You all did a great job to make it smooth-running and professional and everyone I spoke with felt the same. As a newbie writer to the industry I learned so much both from the sessions and from talking to such a broad range of people. As you mentioned, some of the smaller sessions, such as Terence Davies' were extraordinary. Please let me know if there will be interim events, but in any event, I look forward to coming again next year."
Delegate Phillip Forsyth

"I wanted to learn more about the creative process and came away feeling enriched and exhilarated (if a trifle brain damaged) after an amazing experience, which delivered insight and (hopefully) inspiration to the writing of screenplays!! You organised a really terrific event - opportunity to network and also talk to such "approachable" experts. I did not hear one word that was not positive and/or praise-filled and want to personally congratulate you on such a successful festival. Sincere thanks again to all concerned."
Delegate Debi Nethersol

"Thank you for a couple of wonderful days in Cheltenham. It really was a great pleasure and very inspiring – also for us non-scriptwriters."
Delegate Riina Spørring Zachariassen

[edit] The Screenwriters' Festival 2008

[edit] Date

Tuesday 1st to Thursday 3rd July 2008

[edit] Venue

The Manor by the Lake
Arle Court
Hatherley Lane
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL51 6PN

[edit] Guest Speakers

This is a preliminary list and subject to change.

Deborah Moggach writer Pride and Prejudice (2007), Final Demand
Christopher Hampton writer/actor/director Atonement
Julian Fellowes writer/actor/director Gosford Park, Young Victoria
Lucy Prebble writer Secret Diary of a Call Girl
Jane Tranter Head of BBC Fiction
Peter Kosminsky Writer / Director The Government Inspector
Tanya Seghatchian Producer / Development Executive Harry Potter (first four films of the franchise)
Laura Mackie Head of Drama ITV
Tony Jordan Writer/Producer EastEnders, Hustle, Life on Mars
Kay Mellor writer Fat Friends, The Chase
David Bishop comic writer 2000 AD
Robbie Morrison comic writer 2000AD, Nikolai Dante
Deborah Tate comic writer 2000AD
Professor Richard Hand Professor of Theatre and Media Drama co-author London's Grand Guigol and the Theatre of Horror
Professor Mike Wilson Professor of Theatre and Media Drama co-author London's Grand Guigol and the Theatre of Horror
Terry Pratchett Novelist Discworld series of fantasy novels
Vadim Jean Director Hogfather / Colour of Magic
Simon Miller writer/director Seachd:the Inaccessible Pinnacle

[edit] Sponsors


As Sponsors sign up they will be added to the table below...

Arturi Films Cheltenham Borough Council South West Screen British Sky Broadcasting
Manor by the Lake Wiggin LLP I2in Limited 4Talent
Central Properties Lionsgate BBC Films Mobenn Marquees
Central Presentations

[edit] Festival Board

Chairperson - Simon Relph, Greenpoint Films, Clare Reddington, Watershed; David Pearson, Arturi Films Limited; Elizabeth Morgan Hemlock, Arturi Films Limited; Julian Friedmann, Blake Friedmann Associates; Phil Parker, NyAc; Kevin Loader, Free Range Films Limited

[edit] Festival Advisory Board

Chairperson - Kevin Loader, Free Range Films Limited; David Bill, Manor by the Lake; David Pearson, Arturi Films Limited; Elizabeth Morgan Hemlock, Arturi Films Limited; Caroline Norbury, South West Screen; Olivia Hetreed, Writer; William Nicholson, Writer, Simon Relph, Greenpoint Films; Peter Carlton, Film4; Miles Ketley, Wiggin LLP; Phil Parker, NyAc; Brian Ward, Writer; Julian Fellowes, Writer/Director/Actor; Natalie Wreyford, The UK Film Council; Charles Moore, Wiggin LLP; Michael Gubbins, Screen International; Julian Friedman, Blake Friedmann Associates; Dan Howard, University of Gloucester; Greg Browning, Silicon 19/The GMG; Derek Wax, Kudos; Nigel Floyd, Journalist; Barbara Machin, Writer; Carloe Sheridan, Scottish Screen; Ken Jennings, Cheltenham Borough Council; Rachel Holroyd, Casarotto Ramsay Associates; Matthew Bates, Sayles Screen; Peter Edwards, Film Agency Wales; Huw Penault Jones, De Lane Lea; Ed Clarke, Capitol Films; Keith Potter, Welsh Film Board; Tony Grisoni, Writer; Adrian Wootton, Film London; Dan Reed, Writer/Director; Paula Jalfon, BBC Films; Simon van der Borgh, Writer; Stephen Cleary, Arista Development; Sarah-Jane Meredith, South West Screen; Colin Brown, Screen International; Mark Horowitz, H20 Films; Paul Brett, Prescience Film Finance; Rob Kraitt, AP Watt; Susan Rogers, University of London; Colleen Woodcock, Pathe; Mervyn Watson, BBC, Sophie Meyer, Ealing Studios, Sarah Conroy, Sky and Kate Leys, Script Editor.

[edit] Links

For further information about screenwriting itself please go to Wikipedia's Screenwriting page.

[edit] Downloadable Scripts

Drews Script-o-Rama - http://www.script-o-rama.com
Movie Page - http://www.movie-page.com
The Daily Script - http://www.dailyscript.com

[edit] Screenwriting Software

Final Draft - http://www.finaldraft.com
Movie Magic Scriptwriter - http://www.screenplay.com/products/mms
Practical Scriptwriter - http://www.practicalscriptwriter.co.uk
Celtx - http://www.celtx.com
BBC Writers Room Scriptsmart - http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scriptsmart
Scriptbuddy - http://www.scriptbuddy.com
Sophocles - http://www.sophocles.net
Dramatica Pro - http://www.dramatica.com

[edit] Screenwriting Webshops

The Screenwriting Store - http://www.screenwritersstore.co.uk
The Write Brothers - http://store.write-bros.com
Movie Soft - http://www.moviesoft.co.uk
Story Scribe - http://www.storyscribe.com

[edit] Screenwriting Magazine Websites

The Scriptwriter Magazine - http://www.scriptwritermagazine.com