Drama writer Rebecca Ingram with long time Screenworks member Andy Bambach.
Screenworks will bring leading film and TV drama executives to the NSW Northern Rivers for Meet the Decision Makers, a one day seminar on August 8.
Guest speakers will include head of drama at Foxtel, Penny Win, whose commissions include Wentworth and The Kettering Incident; managing director at Porchlight Pictures Anita Sheehan, whose credits include The Rover and The Hunter; executive vice president of Entertainment One, Jude Troy, who has projects in development with Foxtel, Netflix as well as local and international networks; and head of development and production at Screen NSW, Sophia Zachariou.
Last time Screenworks brought a panel of guest speakers to the region it was a career changing moment for local writer Rebecca Ingram, who had her drama project optioned by Goalpost Pictures.
“To have the opportunity to meet with screen industry executives has been extremely beneficial for my career,” said Ingram.
“Through introductions by Screenworks I have had one project optioned by Goalpost Pictures and I am working on a pitch document with Matchbox Pictures. It has accelerated my career as a writer and I’m excited by this next event Meet the Decision Makers.”
Through presentations, round table and panel discussions, each of the guest speakers will explain how they choose what they commission and produce, as well as provide advice on industry trends, how to get your projects in front of the decision makers and how to get your work noticed.
“There are very few opportunities even in the metropolitan centres where you get the chance to connect with these very busy executives, and it is all but unheard of in regional Australia,” said Screenworks general manager Ken Crouch.
“We’re particuarly looking forward to introducing a number of our members who have drama projects in development to these industry decision makers, with the expectation that more opportunities will evolve.”
Screenworks selected guest speakers because of their relevance to content currently being developed in the Northern Rivers region.
All four screen industry executives will also be judges on a panel at the Screenworks’ Books to Screen: Pitching Adaptations to Screen Executives session at the 2016 Byron Writers Festival, August 7.
Event details:
Cavanbah Centre Ewingsdale Road Byron Bay from 9:30 – 4:30pm Monday August 8.
For tickets and more information visit www.screenworks.com.au or call the office on 02 6687 1599.