EIFF Launches Screenwriter In Residence Programme

scottish_screenThe Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced a new Screenwriter-in-Residence programme, developed with the Wellcome Trust and in partnership with the Beltane Public Engagement Network, which will make connections between the worlds of film and science. This residency will provide a Scottish based screenwriter with access to the Edinburgh universities where they can develop project ideas with science and humanities researchers.

 The EIFF Screenwriter-in-Residence programme will last for one year beginning September 2016 and will end with a dedicated event with the Screenwriter-in-Residence at the Festival in June 2017. Building on the EIFF Wellcome Trust Ideas Lab held during this year’s Festival and expanding on the Festival’s growing relationship with Beltane, this programme will help the selected screenwriter develop ideas through inspiring research and unparalleled access to Edinburgh universities’ researchers and fellows.

Holly Daniel, Head of Industry & Talent Development at EIFF, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Wellcome Trust and Beltane to offer this opportunity for a Scottish based screenwriter. There is some fantastic screenwriting talent in Scotland and we are excited to hear their experiences and how they will engage with the knowledge, information and inspiration that will be available to them over the next year.”  Meroë Candy, Film and Drama Development Manager from the Wellcome Trust, said: “This is such a great opportunity for a screenwriter to access the people, ideas and knowledge being generated by leading research in Scotland. This year might change the way they think about the world and I have no doubt will inspire some amazing stories.”

 The residency will provide a screenwriter with the chance to discuss what it means to be in a world of constant scientific development and the impact that science has on our lives. There is a bursary of £7,500 available, which will allow the screenwriter to take the time to engage with the researchers at key points throughout the year. EIFF will be reaching out to the Scottish industry and literary agents over the next few weeks for recommendations of screenwriting talent. They will work closely with the Wellcome Trust to select the successful writer.

John McArthur
Latest posts by (see all)

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.