EXCLUSIVE: New writers chosen for Save Our Scripts workshop; producers to follow.
Eight new screenwriters and six writer-directors have been selected for The Bureau’s SOS development programme.
During the seven-month programme writers will develop a feature screenplay and producers will fast-track development.
Projects include Calloused Hands writer-director Jesse Quinones’ love-story between an English woman and a young Cuban man who meet on holiday but struggle adapting to London life, and Selina Lim’s adaptation of London-based short Painkiller.
Al Mackay takes a group of beautiful and potentially dangerous individuals volunteering at an organic farm in Southern France with fatal consequences and art-director Keith Slote is working on a high concept period romantic-comedy set in Renaissance Italy.
Each writer will be assigned a mentor. Speakers during the first module include writer Christopher Hampton, script editor Paul Welsh and Metrodome MD Jezz Vernon.
From the second module, writers will be paired with producers to continue the development process. The producer selections will take place in August.
Since 2000, The Bureau has worked with writers and directors including Asif Kapadia, Andrew Haigh, Andrea Arnold, Lynne Ramsay and Rupert Wyatt.
Kapadia said: “With The Warrior, Bertrand and The Bureau were willing to take a risk on a very complex Hindi language project, with no stars, with an Indian cast, more importantly he supported me all the way with the film.
“The Warrior went on to be nominated for three BAFTAs, winning Best British Film, Best Debut Film and was nominated for Best Film Not in the English Language. It was the beginning of a long collaborative relationship which continues still today.
“It’s great to hear that 14 emerging filmmakers now have the opportunity of joining the Bureau’s family through the SOS workshop.”
SELECTED PARTICIPANTS & PROJECTS
- Selina Lim, Painkiller
- Adam Dewar, The Safety
- Joasia Goldyn, Institute X
- Orhan Boztas, Twinelle
- Matthew Knott, Troll
- Al Mackay, The Farm
- Edzard Van Der Wyck, To Ashes
- Ed Hime, Last Christmas
- Jesse Quinones, Carlito Y Jane
- Tony Kelly, Scapegoat
- Maurice Caldera, Lives of the Artists
- Aleem Khan, After Life
- Carolina Giammetta, Pizza Face
- Keith Slote, Renaissance Woman
Valentina Brazzini of The Bureau added: “This year’s slate shows a very promising selection of projects and talents. Each writer has a very unique and idiosyncratic point of view and a strong voice that will distinguish them in the general panorama of the UK industry.”
SOS is supported by Creative Skillset, London Film School, Three Mills Studios, and the Genova Liguria Film Commission.
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