Industry Day for Writers
BFI NETWORK in partnership with Chichester International Film Festival
We're excited to be joining forces with Chichester International Film Festival for their 34th edition, to contribute to their inaugural industry day. The day will feature free sessions for emerging screenwriters, providing opportunities to build connections, practical tools for honing your craft, and honest insights into the industry from career screenwriters. Whether you're just starting to explore your first feature idea, or you're ready to apply for funding, there's something here for you, and plenty of chances throughout the day to connect with fellow writers and filmmakers from the region.
Tickets
Additional Information
Schedule
10:00 – 11:00: Roundtable with BFI NETWORK Talent Executives
Have you heard of the BFI Early Development Fund? Are you aware of it, but unsure of what makes a good application? Join this roundtable with our BFI NETWORK Talent Executives to ask your questions about what it looks like to receive Early Development Funding and learn more about BFI NETWORK offerings for filmmakers in the South East.
*Please Note:*This is a separate session and requires separate registration. As spaces are more limited, please ensure you are definitely able to attend, or cancel your ticket if you can no longer attend, so that we can allocate your ticket to someone else.
11:00 – 11:30: Arrivals and registration
Pick up your pass for the main Industry Day, and arrive early to have the chance to chat to other participants over tea or coffee.
11:30 – 12:45: Session 1: Short Film Screening + Filmmaker Q&A
Join this screening of BFI NETWORK-funded short films, made by filmmakers from the region who were also successful in securing BFI Early Development Funding to develop their feature length script treatments. This session will give you access to insights about filmmaking and what the experience of developing your story with BFI NETWORK support is like, as well as the opportunity to ask questions about the funding process.
12:45 – 13:30: Break
Please note that no lunch is provided. The Cloisters Kitchen & Garden café, next door to the venue, provides food, and there are many other shops within a couple of minutes' walk of Vicars’ Hall.
13:30 – 15:00: Session 2: Making Your Story Work with Jessica Jones
This interactive workshop with script editor Jessica Jones will provide practical knowledge about how to craft and pitch a feature length project. The session will cover how to develop and structure your story idea to make it distinct and stand out in the industry, including what to put in a logline, how to write a compelling synopsis, and how to make the most of limited funding application wordcounts.
15:00 – 15:15: Break
Teas and coffees will be provided.
15:15 – 16:30: Session 3: In Conversation + Q&A (Filmmaker TBD)
This session will be an extended Q&A with an established film writer, who will share their journey into film, discuss their projects so far, and offer advice on what it takes to become a successful film writer. There will be a chance for audience questions as well, providing insights and guidance that demystify paths into the industry.
16:30 – 18:30: Networking drinks (optional)
Venue: Fernleigh, 40 North St, Chichester PO19 1LX
Join us at Fernleigh for free networking drinks and mingle with other emerging filmmakers in the area! This supportive and collaborative environment will be an essential opportunity to form meaningful and lasting connections for future projects and funding applications.
This event is made possible by National Lottery funding.
Code of conduct
Whether on or offline, we want our events to be fun, inclusive spaces for filmmakers. We expect people attending and working at them to maintain this code of conduct so that they stay that way. Harassment and bullying have no place at BFI NETWORK South East events.
Examples of inappropriate behaviours that contravene our code of conduct include offensive comments, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of events, aggressive behaviour, inappropriate physical contact and unwelcome sexual attention.
If someone behaves inappropriately towards you or you witness something inappropriate, please report it to a member of BFI NETWORK South East staff or email us at bfinetwork@independentcinemaoffice.org.uk. Your complaint will be treated with discretion. We are happy to help and can help report inappropriate behaviour to the authorities where necessary or address the problem ourselves where more appropriate. We reserve the right to refuse in-person entry and/or online access to anyone who does not comply with our code of conduct.
If you would like to speak to an independent organisation about an issue, the Film and TV Charity have a free and confidential 24-hour helpline available on 0800 054 00 00.