Edinburgh International Film Festival has announced a new screenwriter-in-residence programme. The year-long scheme will last for a year from September and end with a dedicated event with the screenwriter-in-residence at the festival in June 2017.
The 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 residence has been eveloped with the Wellcome Trust and in partnership with the Beltane Public Engagement Network, which will make connections between the worlds of film and science.
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 speaking 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.
