Mailbox

A round-up of the latest news, gossip and other information from members. Health warning: Anything in this article should not be relied upon as gospel. 

Got something to share? Send it to mailbox@bscw.co.uk

MARKET INFORMATION
From: BSCW Admin

A reminder for members that the latest Market Information is now on the website.


ADVICE WANTED
From: Simon Prodger

I wonder if you can help me. I'm currently researching an idea for a comedy related project that will involve using freelance writers. I'd be looking at hiring top quality comedy writers with experience of working across all forms of media, including print, radio, stand up, TV and the Internet. What I was hoping was that you could give me some pointers on freelance rates for talented and established freelance comedy writers. I appreciate that this may be a piece of string question and that there are a great many variables involved, but any information that you could provide would be gratefully received.

Thank you for your time.

Simon

Simon Prodger
t - 020 8341 9348
m - 0777 594 2684
e - simonprodger@hotmail.com



NEW WEBSITE
From:Paul Houghton

Below is some info on a new website for writers and readers, a Year of the Artist project. We welcome submissions from those in the region as well as from far afield. Perhaps you could mention it to any students who may find it useful - and do sign our guest book!

All best wishes,
Paul Houghton, writer-in-residence: www.thefictionfactory.org

A colourful new website for readers & writers, www.thefictionfactory.org is hosted by 'virtual' Writer-in-Residence, fiction writer Paul Houghton. In the factory you'll find writers surgeries and workshops, a-novel-in-progress with margin notes, profiles of devastatingly good authors (often overlooked), exhibition space (awaiting your submissions), a wicked story and an assortment of reviews and articles. Over the next six months the site will build into a comprehensive creative writing course as well as a source of intriguing reading with expanding reading lists being added all the time.

The aim of the site is to inspire, inform, provoke and amuse readers and writers to more imaginative and confident adventures in their reading and writing. The main focus of the site is contemporary fiction though many other areas will be delved into - music and movies, for instance.

This project is funded by the Year of the Artist, Northern Arts and the four participating library authorities: Durham, Gateshead, North Tyneside and Sunderland where a number of 'live' workshops will also take place. Both live and on-line, beginners as well as the experienced will be catered for. There will be fun, confidence-building exercises for first-timers and stimulating challenges for more seasoned participants.

www.thefictionfactory.org



GOLDEN ROSE OF MONTREUX
Information provided by John Gough, Conference Director

Tuesday 1st May is Writers and Devisors day!

This year's Writers and Devisors day has developed from the Paper Formats session at the Golden Rose Festival 2000. This successful event was later taken to the UK as a roadshow.

The day is dedicated to the creative process. For the first time there is a special deal to enable more ideas people and everyone in the industry interested in the crucial opening phase of the production process to attend this significant event

10.00-10.30
Opening session. MAIN CONFERENCE HALL

Introduction to the day.
Welcome by Georges Luks
The rationale. The timetable. The events.

10.30-11.00
Coffee Break. MAIN LUNCH AREA

11.00-12.00 MAIN CONFERENCE HALL

Conference - The Entertainment Commissioners.
Their job description. Their role within their companies. Their styles
and approaches. Future trends etc.

Moderator: Chris Fuller

1. Huw Chiswell S4C Wales   
2 David Lyle Pearson Television Los Angeles
3 Gavin James Two Way TV
4 Anna Brakenhielm Strix TV
5 Jim Brown Granada Media

12.10- 12.40 MAIN CONFERENCE HALL
Pitching to the US Networks
               
Harris Kattleman. Ex President of 20C Fox Television.
Chief Operating Officer Goodson Television Los Angeles        

1.00-2.00 LUNCH

2.00-2.15. MAIN CONFERENCE HALL
Introduction to the afternoon session.
Hosts John Gough and Chris Fuller

2.30-3.00
Masterclass 1.    MAIN CONFERENCE HALL   
Format Clinic.

Dr Fintan Coyle 'Weakest Link' BBC1 (gameshow formats)
Arabelle Pouliot. Head of Sales Distraction Formats (scripted formats)

Robin Hilton. Simkins Partnership(protection issues)

An opportunity to put your queries and problems to the major consultants. Opportunities will be given to put questions in writing and in advance. The questions can be left in the paper format area of the media lounge.

3.00-3.30
Masterclass 2 A SIDE ROOM
Devising and Writing for the Internet

Robert Bevan and Tim Wright
The graphics and writer partnership of www.onlinecaroline.com The BAFTA winning XPT on line drama.

Materclass 3. A SIDE ROOM
Writing Comedy
Introduction by the Cologne Comedy School
Ken Rock President. British Society of Comedy Writers.

3.30-4.00 A SIDE ROOM
Masterclass 4
From Script To Screen
Terry Hughes. Director Third Rock From The Sun

4.00-4.20
Coffee Break LUNCH AREA

4.20-5.15 MAIN CONFERENCE HALL
   
Devisors Forum:
Paper Formats - An interactive session. Audience and panel.   
Chris Fuller, Georges Luks, John Gough, David Lyle, Gaetano Stucci.

                               
Developments during the past year since last year's launch.   

- The key issues facing devisors. (Expectations, recognition,selling,protection etc)
- The formation of a devisors & writers working group
- FRAPA/Golden Rose and the protection of paper formats (The setting up of a Golden Rose/FRAPA registration service)

MAIN CONFERENCE HALL

5.15->
Summary Session and cocktails
Chris Fuller, John Gough and Georges Luks

For more information, see the website on: www.rosedor.com