CALL FOR INTEREST - SCREENWRITERS

CALL FOR INTEREST - SCREENWRITERS

ACT is developing the CROSS CHANNEL FILM LAB in partnership with Le Groupe Ouest and Pippa Best Script Consultancy. We are currently applying for Interreg funding to run a pilot project in 2010. If our application is successful, we hope to offer a unique screenplay development opportunity for four screenwriters, two based in Cornwall and two in Brittany: THE CROSS CHANNEL FILM LAB.

If we get the funding, there will be very little time between our formal call for applications and the deadline for applications (this is expected to be 15 April), so we wanted to let you know about this opportunity now. If you would like to register your interest in applying, or have any questions at this stage, please email Pippa Best at info@pippabest.com.

Who is the lab for?

The CROSS CHANNEL FILM LAB is aimed at experienced screenwriters. We will be looking for two screenwriters currently living in Cornwall.  The first draft screenplay or ten page treatment you submit to the lab can be for your first, second or third professionally produced feature film (not including micro-budget features). You must have demonstrable professional experience - i.e. you have had a short film selected for and screened in at least two different film festivals; and/or appropriate broadcast or theatre credits as a writer.

You will need to submit a first (or later) draft feature length drama screenplay to work on over a 6 month period, as well as a statement outlining why you'd like to take part. The screenplay must be a project that could be filmed in either Cornwall or Brittany (or indeed both).

While your project doesn't need to be set in Cornwall or Brittany, we are interested in projects that have something interesting to say about Cornwall's culture. We're also looking for a great story, clear screenwriting skills, a strong visual sensibility, and the desire to connect with an international audience.

What will we do?

The CROSS CHANNEL FILM LAB aims to provide a unique and intensive development environment for screenwriters to hone their work, exploring and sharing different approaches to screenwriting from the UK and France.

Two writers from Cornwall and two writers from Brittany will be selected to develop their feature film ideas over a 6 month period. Writers will attend a 5 day development workshop in Cornwall. This will be followed by virtual script editing support from 2 experienced story consultants (1 from each territory) each bringing their particular regional perspective to the development process. The process will continue at a 7 day workshop in Brittany, linking with Le Groupe Ouest's wider circle of international tutors and French-speaking screenwriters.

At the end of the process, the projects will be showcased in front of public and industry audiences at the Cornwall and Dinard Film Festivals, offering key networking and development opportunities for the writers. This will offer a unique insight into the film development process (both creative and financial), generate national interest in Cornwall and Brittany's media industry, allow us to share the findings of the pilot project, and hopefully pave the way for a larger CROSS CHANNEL FILM LAB for 2011 - 2013.

The Cross Channel Film Lab will be conducted entirely in English, but we encourage you to try out your French...

Writers must be available on the following dates:

24 - 28 May 2010: Cornwall workshop                 

20 - 26 September 2010: Brittany workshop                   

1 day between 7-10 October 2010: Dinard Festival of British Film showcase

5 - 7 November 2010: Cornwall Film Festival: showcase                       

A virtual story conference will take place each month between June and August. We anticipate that you will work through a revised outline, new draft, and revised draft over the course of the 6 months. You will also work up a pitch document in advance of the Dinard Festival. Please note, you will need to be available part-time to work on your screenplay between May and September.

What does it cost me?

Time and effort. If our application is successful, our funding will cover all workshop and editing fees, the writers' travel costs outside Cornwall, and accommodation and food during the workshops. We're not providing luxurious hotels, this is more about living in and engaging with the local culture. Accommodation may include staying in host houses. We will travel by boat.

There may also be an opportunity to stay in Brittany in a host house from 27 September to 7 October to write. If so, this will be entirely voluntary and writers would need to cover the cost of their own food and daily expenses during this period.

Subject to a successful Interreg application, funding for the CROSS CHANNEL FILM LAB pilot is being generously provided by Cornwall Council and South West Screen.

How do I apply?

We can't open for applications until we know if we have received funding from Interreg to run the CROSS CHANNEL FILM LAB. We hope to find out at the end of March. If you are interested in applying, please register your interest NOW with Pippa at info@pippabest.com and we will send you more information as soon as we have it. Please don't send us any screenplays or treatments yet.

Sadly, if we don't get the Interreg funding, this project won't happen - but it's looking good, so fingers crossed...

We look forward to hearing from you.

Ross Williams, Cornwall Arts Centre Trust

Pippa Best, www.pippabest.com

LeGroupeOuest, www.legroupeouest.com