20 June 2014
Have you written the next must-have box-set? Should your words be heard at world renowned theatres? Is your feature script one rung away from the silver screen? If so, then a new Welsh language script writing initiative, being launched today (Friday 20 June 2014) at the Dinefwr Literature Festival might be for you.
Y Labordy, funded by Creative Skillset Cymru’s Skills for the Digital Economy Programme, S4C, Arts Council of Wales and Ffilm Cymru Wales, is a tailored initiative for Welsh writers of TV, theatre and film, and will be delivered by Literature Wales. It is a unique opportunity for four experienced and aspiring writers to develop their ideas alongside some of the most respected script writers and producers in the industry.
The selected four will bring with them talent and experience; and with bespoke and specialist training and development, they will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills to enable them to pitch to an array of international industry commissioners; and hopefully succeed on a high-end international platform.
Gwawr Thomas, Director of Creative Skillset Cymru said: “The most important factor in the continued growth of the Creative Industries in Wales is the development of our creative talent. We are working with key players of the Creative Industries in Wales to deliver this ground-breaking writers initiative.
“The scheme will help individuals to develop their skills so they can be the best in their field, and provide the sector with the trained, industry-ready talent needed to help Welsh businesses grow in an internationally competitive market.”
Gwawr Martha Lloyd, S4C Drama Content Commissioner said: "We are very fortunate in Wales to have a wealth of imaginative and ambitious writers. Our hope with this scheme is to work with these individuals to elevate their work to an even higher standard of excellence.
"This is an ambitious initiative which allows us to offer bespoke opportunities for Welsh language authors to co-operate with mentors and gain from the experiences of talented individuals who have produced original and cutting edge content for TV, film and theatre on the international stage. We're proud to invest in the future of the creative industries is Wales and in the future of Welsh content on S4C."
Successful applicants will participate in an 11 month fully-funded tailored scheme; involving residential courses at the renowned Tŷ Newydd Writers’ Centre, regular bespoke one-to-one mentoring, networking opportunities, business skills development and project specific guidance.
Y Labordy is part of Creative Skillset Cymru's £4.5m Skills for the Digital Economy programme (SfDE), which aims to develop and deliver flexible, industry-led training to meet the needs of Creative Media employers and freelancers working or living in West Wales, the Valleys, and North West Wales.
SfDE is backed with £2.7m from the European Social Fund (ESF) through the Welsh Government, with the rest of the funds provided by Welsh broadcaster S4C, the trade association for independent producers in film and television in Wales, Teledwyr Annibynnol Cymru (TAC) and Creative Skillset Cymru.
To be selected for a place on Y Labordy, applicants must have at least one professional screen or theatre credit and will have to submit an expression of interest, two original story ideas to be developed into a script for TV, Film or Theatre as well as a sample script of their own work. For more information and to apply visit tynewydd@literaturewales.org or call 01766522811.
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