CROSS CHANNEL FILM LAB update

If we get the funding, there will be very little time between our formal call for applications and the deadline for applications, 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. We hope to hear whether we have the funding in mid/late May 2010.
Who is the lab for?
The CROSS CHANNEL FILM LAB is aimed at experienced screenwriters. We will be looking for two screenwriters based in Cornwall.  The 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 during the lab, 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). 
We're looking for a great story, clear screenwriting skills, a strong visual sensibility, and the desire to connect with an international audience. 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. In future labs, we intend to foster creative links between screenwriters and visual effects (VFX) teams to explore the possibilities of lower cost VFX Consequently, we are particularly interested in projects with a clear vision and the potential to employ minimal VFX to create a striking and distinct film. 
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. 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 for a workshop in Cornwall (dates TBC) and on the following dates:
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
Virtual story conferences will take place between the Cornwall and Brittany workshops. We anticipate that you will work through a revised outline, new draft, and revised draft over the course of the labs. 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 by 19 May. If you are interested in applying, please email 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, so fingers crossed...
We look forward to hearing from you.