Our thriving development network!

2023 has seen some lively, well attended events at BFI Riverfront and online, celebrating the recent work of network members, including screenwriters Joy Wilkinson and Helen Kingston, Script Factory Co-Director Justine Hart and upcoming this month, film producer Christine Hartland.  

Joy recently wrote three episodes of supernatural adventure, LOCKWOOD & CO. for Netflix, working with showrunner Joe Cornish.

While Helen worked in a writers’ room with showrunner Joe Barton and wrote episode 6 of THE BASTARD SON & THE DEVIL HIMSELF (also Netflix). 

 

Helen joined us for an inspiring Q&A online to discuss her career trajectory so far, experience in the room and writing her episode, and projects she has in the pipe. Joy came along for drinks in person and got chatting to a wide array of fellow members, an event that was buzzing with plenty of productive networking. 

This month we celebrated the relaunch of The Script Factory with member Justine Hart and chatted with her about the much-loved organisation’s past and future, helping launch the careers of many developers and writers, as well as her screenwriting work on feature SUMO GIRLS for Footprint Films. It was a buzzy evening with new network members and familiar friends, deep in discussion about the ever-changing development landscape, especially amid the writers’ strike. Members were both leaving and starting new development roles, and making useful connections with writers and other developers. 

There are so many interesting members to chat to, it will certainly take many events to explore and find out all the productive connections between us. So, I look forward to seeing many of you again for drinks in July. Producer Christine Hartland will be talking to us about MYSMASH.MEDIA, an online portal which aims to connect content creators with those seeking talent and material. The project recently won a gold award at Cannes NEXT, the tech innovation section of the Cannes Film Festival, so offers another great way to keep up the development networking!  See you soon.