The aim of the network is to invite communities of writers and creative people in to a buzzy and stimulating space to provide training and inspiration; to prevent writers' block and isolation; to promote local work; to collaborate on writing projects; to get more work published and more commissions off the ground in the North East. The first of these spaces will be on Albert Road in Middlesbrough and the resource will provide:
A quiet place to work, in an environment designed to provoke the artist in everyone who steps through the door.
Writing and idea workshops; debating, brainstorming and storylining sessions; reading groups; and actor workshopping sessions, where amateur acting groups will be on hand to test scripts samples.
Cross-over labs, for collaboration between different artists and mediums - to get our poets working with our theatre writers and our screenwriters working with our song writers.
Access to composers and musicians for stimulation and collaboration.
Access to a number of key industry books and magazines.
Showcases, performance events, open mic nights and book launches - great evenings of entertainment where our screenwriters, poets, playwrights; song writers, novelists, actors and film makers will perform material they've been working on in the space.
Stimulating content to push creatives out of their comfort zone; regular film and performance challenges; pitching sessions; word games; debates, character interviews; guidance and advice...
This creative community will keep writers enthused, determined and better informed. Training, support and inspiration will be at the heart of the community, with industry speakers (successful screenwriters, directors and developers) visiting to offer learning and advice, and specialist speakers attending debates to offer fresh insights on the topical issues that people are writing about. Team work and partnerships will be encouraged within the space.
If the resource proves popular, filming and editing equipment may also become available - facilities people need to create showreels and get their work to the people who can launch their careers. And agents and producers will be invited in to the space for showcasing and pitching events.
Post comments below, or send your thoughts to laura_degnan323@hotmail.co.uk. If you're an actor who would be interested in attending workshops to work alongside writers as they develop their ideas, I'd love to hear from you too.
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