A return to drinks in person!

2022 has seen a welcome, gradual return to development drinks in person, at our current venue of BFI Riverfront. A small group of us got together in January, feeling weird to be talking to others indoors without masks on the whole time. 

Things then picked up steam in February with featured guest, writer Jon Gilbert. Network member Jon was in to chat about his work on TV thriller, THE TEACHER, which was screening on Channel 5 that month. It was interesting to hear about his role in the development process and writing episode 3 of the well-received four-part series, starring Sheridan Smith. There was a good turn out and a sense of normality almost back, as the masks were gone.

Covid remains a risk, but I personally took the gamble in February, and co-incidentally or not, weathered a bout of Covid in March. Even so, we were back in full force at the end of March and delighted to be joined by featured guest Nicky Bentham, producer of hit British feature film THE DUKE, starring Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren. THE DUKE was out last month and took the number one spot at the box office on its opening weekend.

It was great to hear from Nicky about her producing experience and her ongoing projects in development, and lovely to see a vibrant, strong turn-out of members. There was a buzzy mix of new and familiar faces as we shared a fun night of catching up and networking.

We’ve had some excellent development drinks online during late 2020 and 2021 and may still return to the occasional event online in order to welcome members and guests from further afield. It’s also been great to have more of a formal Q&A with the featured guest. 

But nothing can beat being able to get together with friends and colleagues again in person, so long may that continue. 

With the right venue, we can hope to combine formal Q&As and drinks in real life too. This is something we’ve done on occasion to good effect. So, I look forward to seeing the network evolve further in 2022, and if you have ideas for an appropriate, free venue, to house us for Q&As and networking drinks, please do get in touch: indevelopment@hotmail.co.uk