The annual International Screenwriters' Festival has announced early details of its third edition, which will take place in Cheltenham on July 1-3.

Speakers will include Guillermo Del Toro (The Orphanage, Pan's Labyrinth), who was a speaker at the first event in 2006.

Other guests include Peter Morgan (Frost/ Nixon, The Queen, Last King Of Scotland) and Deborah Moggach (Pride & Prejudice).

The event comes at a critical time for the business with Hollywood's writers currently on strike.

Last year, it highlighted the Screenwriters Manifesto which called for a change of thinking about the role, status and rewards for writers.

What is crucial is that the festival can bring together the whole business, says festival founder and head David Pearson.

'The event brings together the industry so that writers and producers get a chance to talk.

'Having people from all parts of the business has been a big feature for us.'

That networking also underpins some of the most popular parts of the programme. This year will see the return of the popular and highly competitiveFever Pitch project pitching sessions.

The festival - which is supported by Screen International - is currently signing up sponsors. Among those already pledging support is Sky.

To find out more about the event and to see podcasts of sessions click here.

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