Northern Film & Media partners with Film4 and Skillset for mentoring programme
Film4 has teamed with Northern Film & Media and Skillset for Film4ward, which will give new filmmakers a chance to undertake a 12 week creative and commercial mentoring programme.
Writers and writer-directors based in the North East region are invited to apply for the four positions, with shortlisted writers to be supported via one-to-one script development sessions, industry workshops and remote mentoring via Skype to produce a commissionable package to present to FilmFour and the wider industry.
The programme will be led by Slumdog Millionaire producer Ivana MacKinnon; script editor Kate Leys, who was behindFour Weddings and a Funeral, Trainspotting and The Full Monty; and Film4 development executive Jo McClellan.
This follows last year’s pilot Film4ward initiative, which saw Film4 invest in developing four films from North East writers and writer/directors.
McClellan said: “Film4ward has given Film 4 a focussed and productive introduction to some of the most exciting new talent outside of London. The development process on Film4ward has been flexible and in tune with the needs of each filmmaker. Working with Northern Film & Media, we have been able to build strong relationships with emerging filmmakers ensuring we are exposed to a range of new voices.”
Roxy Bramley, creative manager at Northern Film & Media, added: “Film4ward has connected the North East’s most exciting new talent with Film4 and provided them with an invaluable structured development programme. The new funding from Skillset and continued support of Film4 will enable us to build on the success of the pilot and deliver a unique development opportunity for North East filmmakers.”
The deadline for applications is midday on Wednesday 28 March.