Page One - TV and Film strands
*Please note, the deadline for applications to PAGE ONE for the FEATURE FILM and TELEVISION strands has now passed. For information on the current call for applications to the NARRATIVE GAMING strand, click here.
Think you've got what it takes to write a successful film, TV or narrative gaming script? PAGE ONE is your opportunity to get expert mentoring to develop your project to the treatment stage and potentially gain industry backing. Experience of writing for the screen, for radio or the theatre is not necessary, but would be an advantage.
INTRODUCTION TO PAGE ONE:
PAGE ONE is a development programme, not a training initiative. Its goal is to find fiction writers and projects capable of receiving industry backing in three areas: feature film, television and narrative gaming. We will work with production companies in each area, and will base selection primarily on the interest they express in a particular project and/or writer. Ultimately, we will only take forward projects they are prepared to option.
However, PAGE ONE should not been seen simply as an opportunity to get a project picked up. Along the way there will be a three day ‘bootcamp'/workshop that will mix masterclasses with intensive project interrogation, culminating in the writer having 15 minutes to pitch their project to an expert panel. The writers who demonstrate a combination of aptitude and understanding of their project will then receive a fee of £500 to write a treatment with expert assistance and script editor support. And following assessment of the treatments and in-depth interviews those writers and projects considered to be of a high enough standard will have their work optioned and developed professionally.
For each strand, we will invite a maximum of 10 writers to a 3 day bootcamp where their ideas will be ‘hot-housed'. At the end of the bootcamp, the writers will pitch their projects to a panel, including at least one representative of the company or companies selected in that strand. Up to ten writers will then be chosen per strand for further development.
The writers will work up their ideas to first draft treatment with expert support. We will then assess their material and interview them before choosing up to 4 writers in each strand to develop further. We will only take on projects that the production company wishes to develop. Writers will be paid an option fee by the production company and a writing fee by Screen Yorkshire to develop their projects to first draft script, and supported primarily by industry experts and when appropriate by the development executive.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
The two companies that have been selected to work with feature film and television writers are WARP X and ROLLEM PRODUCTIONS. They are both keen to see stories that are contemporary, edgy, and a twist on familiar genres. Warp X are looking for feature films, and Rollem for one-off dramas for television. Writers should be familiar with previous productions from these companies, and with current feature film releases and broadcast single dramas.
We are looking for writers with passion, commitment, flair and talent, who can demonstrate the ability to write well under pressure and work to deadlines. Above all, we are looking for original voices telling fresh new stories that can find and move an audience. Experience of writing for the screen, for radio or the theatre is not necessary, but will be an advantage.
Details of the narrative gaming strand and a call for applications will be released in September 2009. These will be publicised via the Screen Yorkshire and Game Republic websites:
www.screenyorkshire.co.uk
www.screenyorkshire.co.uk/gamerepublic
WHO CAN APPLY?
If you live in Yorkshire and Humber, are over 18 and not in full-time education or due to start or recommence full-time education at any time between March 31st 2009 and December 31st 2009, then you are eligible to apply.
TIMESCALE:
- Deadline for applications: 29 January 2009
- Successful applicants to be notified by 02 March 2009
- Bootcamp dates: 20 - 22 March 2009. Location TBC.
- Writers selected to progress further to be notified subsequent to bootcamp
- Treatments must be completed and delivered by 19 June 2009
- Interviews will take place during the week of 20 July 2009
Digital Shorts Case StudyWriter/Director Darren Bolton
The experience of making VIGILANTE was invaluable to me as a filmmaker, and I'd like to thank Screen Yorkshire not just for funding the project, but also for the development, support and encouragement they gave me throughout the process. Thanks to them, I have had the privilege of seeing my work screened at festivals across the world and have picked up two awards for the film in the process. The challenges involved in making a short film are only truly realised when you have a production on the horizon, and I have learnt so much about successful filmmaking thanks to the opportunities afforded me by Screen Yorkshire.
VIGILANTE was commissioned under the 07-08 Screen Yorkshire Digital Shorts Scheme, and went on to win 'Best Yorkshire Short' at Glimmer: Hull International Short Film Festival 2009, and an Accolade at The Accolade Competition. Darren's next short film, SCENT is currently in post-production, and was commissioned under the 08-09 Digital Shorts scheme. Both films were shot in North East Lincolnshire.
