Channel 4 launches Coming Up 2013
28 May 2012
Posted in
TV
Applications are now open for Coming Up 2013, the scheme for emerging screenwriters and directors run by Channel 4 and Touchpaper Television
Now in its 11th year, Coming Up is currently the only talent scheme in the UK where emerging filmmakers have the opportunity to make an authored drama with a guaranteed half-hour network broadcast.
They are looking for: 'Bold, original and surprising ideas with strong voices – unafraid of ambition, wit, urgency and fearless entertainment.' Films will need to be shot in four days on a limited budget
Who can apply?
- Writers who have not had an original single,
series or serial broadcast on UK television. Writers who have
contributed episodes or series and serials (eg a long-running
soap) are eligible to apply.
- Directors without a primetime TV drama credit.
- Writer/Directors: They will accept submissions
from writer/directors who meet the criteria for writers and directors
as per above, but excellence in both disciplines must be shown to
be considered in this category.
- Submissions from multi-cultural and regionally-based filmmakers are encouraged.
Full details and application forms are on the Coming Up web pages
The closing date for applications is 2 July 2012.
TV Drama Writers' Festival 2012
24 May 2012
Posted in
TV
Booking is now open for this year's BBC TV Drama Writers' Festival
When: Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th July 2012
Where: Leeds College of Music, Leeds
The TV Drama Writers' Festival is the festival for professional television writers. Providing a unique opportunity to mix with BBC drama commissioners and producers, and writers who are at the top of their field, the festival is a mix of masterclasses, conversation and debate - led by writers for writers. It is an opportunity to be inspired, challenged, and to have your say. The theme of this year's festival is 'Ambition'.
The 2012 festival will be chaired by Peter Bowker - with Stephen Butchard, Danny Brocklehurst, Toby Whithouse, Emma Frost, Ashley Pharoah and Jack Thorne helping to put the sessions and masterclasses together.
The closing date for bookings is 20 June 2012.
Full details are on the BBC Writersroom website.
Arnold Wesker at 80
24 May 2012
Posted in
Theatre
A birthday tribute from David Edgar, President of the Writers' Guild
(Photo of Arnold Wesker by Leon Kreel)
Today is the 80th birthday of one of the greatest playwrights of the last 60 years. For me, it's also the birthday of a friend, with whom I have broken bread, addressed conferences, traversed Eastern Europe and, on occasions, done all three. Along with all my colleagues at the Writers' Guild, I offer heartiest congratulations to Arnold Wesker.
Properly, this event has been marked by a Weskerfest. Along with a celebration of his work at the King's Head, revivals of three of his most enduring plays (The Kitchen at the National Theatre, Chicken Soup With Barley at the Royal Court and Roots at Theatre Clwyd) have reminded audiences how central Arnold's work was to the golden era of playwriting at the Royal Court in the late 1950s, and has remained to the British theatre which flowed from it. Arnold and his colleagues put the character of contemporary British society at the centre of the British stage, where it has remained ever since.
Arnold is keen to point out that his career has not been without difficulties. Two of the three plays about socialist idealism which form the Wesker trilogy (Chicken Soup With Barley and Roots) were premiered not at the Royal Court but in Coventry; his first hit, The Kitchen, started life at a Sunday performance without decor; his battle with the RSC over the acting company's refusal to present his play The Journalists in 1972 led to a bitter conflict from which his career as a London dramatist never fully recovered. His response to Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, then called The Merchant and later retitled Shylock, closed early on Broadway following the death of its star Zero Mostel.
However, looked at from a wider perspective, Wesker has never gone away. The best-known, early plays (including his play about his period of national service, Chips With Everything) are frequently revived. Although unproduced in London, important plays like The Merchant and The Wedding Feast received major productions at the Birmingham Rep, where Wesker premiered his series of monologues Annie Wobbler. His play about a medieval anchoress, Caritas, was premiered at the National; an effective adaptation of Longditude went on at Greenwich. He has had an impressive international career, has written two fine memoirs, and has been a source of experience and wisdom to me and other writers who followed him.
The truth is that few playwrights manage to occupy the eye of the zeitgeist throughout their careers. The British theatre has not used Arnold's talent as well as it might, but his position at its heart is assured.
Sadly, what should have been a time of full-throated celebration for Arnold and his wife Dusty has been touched by tragedy: the sudden death of their daughter Tanya. His colleagues and friends in the Guild must send condolences as well as congratulations to him today.
Literary managers' forum 2012
11 May 2012
Posted in
Podcasts
A recording from the Writers' Guild's annual meeting of literary managers from across the country.
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Also available as a podcast on iTunes, or via the Writers' Guild app for iPhone and iPad.
See also John Morrison's report from the event
Children's shows to leave BBC One
16 May 2012
Posted in
TV
A statement from the Writers' Guild
The Guild has been aware for some while that the BBC will moving their children's programmes from BBC One and BBC Two to CBBC and CBeebies. No date has yet been set for the move.
The BBC has stated that spending on children's programmes won't be affected. The Guild has also received an undertaking that no changes will be made until fully agreed with the BBC Writers' Forum, which consists of the WGGB, PMA (a.k.a. agents) and the BBC.
As ever, the Guild will protect its members.
New guidelines for comics, cartoon strips and illustrated stories
09 May 2012
Posted in
Books and Poetry
Guild launches Guidelines for writers and those working with writers in the comics, cartoon strip and illustrated story industries
Written in consultation with writers working across the comics industry these new guidelines provide an overview of the rates and conditions writers should expect. Be you an industry veteran, or looking to sell your first work don’t sign a contract without reading this document first.
Download the guidelines (pdf)
More Articles...
- John Ford Ireland - Film Symposium
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- Age rage
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