Member Article

Home from Hollywood Success

Three North East scriptwriters have returned from a successful trip to Hollywood as part of a scheme aimed at linking North East talent to the engine house of the international film industry.

With one writer securing a management deal and another in talks about further script development, Northern Film & Media’s £40,000 LA Features scheme already looks to be paying real dividends.

The three scriptwriters who flew out to Hollywood were James DeMarco of Gateshead based FNA Films, Nigel Horne of Viking Film & TV and Martin Herron, the man behind School for Seduction and Irina Palm.

Victoria Johnson, Training and Development Manager at Northern Film & Media, said: “The preparation behind the week-long visit was important to the scheme’s success. You can’t just roll up in Hollywood and ask if someone wants to read a script you’ve just knocked up. That is why Northern Film & Media invested time and money in these talented scriptwriters and their work.

“I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot more about these writers in the near future.”

The LA visit took the writers to a leading annual Script Writing Expo, where the speakers included the creators of the West Wing and Heroes and the producers of Lost and Smallville.

Nigel Horne said: “Having been to LA and spoken with experienced writers, managers, agents and producers I know how the screenwriter fits into this mega movie and TV making factory.

“This process has culminated in me signing with a manager, someone who is enthusiastic about my writing and will endeavour to not only sell my scripts but create new writing opportunities for me in the States. All this has been possible through this outstanding Northern Film & Media scheme.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .