Channel 4's "Coming Up" comes to Belfast...

As most of you are no doubt already aware, Channel 4 and Touchpaper Television are running the "Coming Up" scheme again this year, where new writers and directors have the opportunity to make an original film with a guaranteed network broadcast. A brief rundown for those who don't know about the scheme:

• 7 films will be made
• scripts should be 30 mins
• applications are invited from writers, directors and writer/directors.
• the closing date for applications is Wednesday, 9th June.

There are more details here. One thing to be aware of. They say that you can apply even if you have no broadcast credits. They also say that the scheme is not entry level. Mmm... So, what does that mean? It would be interesting to know if anyone without credits has ever won. Anyone know?

By the way, if you want to have a look at past winners, go to the Channel 4 website and there is a whole Coming Up section with 3 series worth of produced scripts. Or you could just click on this handy little link right here. Oh, I am good to you.

Any road up, the comp was launched a couple of weeks ago. The main reason for this post is that those lovely people over at Northern Ireland Screen have invited the Coming Up lot over to Norn Iron to give a talk on the whole thing for all NI scribblers. Which is rather fab.

Details here, but you don't need to go all that way to the other part of the wicky wild wild web, cause I've reproduced it for you below. Read on, my lovelies.

"Northern Ireland Screen has teamed up with Channel 4 and Touchpaper TV to host a specialComing Up event in Belfast on Wednesday 19th May. Coming Up is the only talent scheme currently in the UK where emerging film-makers have the opportunity to make an authored drama with a guaranteed network broadcast.

Ben Stoll, Channel 4’s Coming Up commissioning editor, Elinor Day and Emma Burge, Touchpaper producers, will be in Belfast along with local writer Ronan Blaney, who wrote Boy one of the successful 2010 Coming Up films. Three of this year’s diverse 30 minute films will be screened, including Boy.

Applications are now open for Coming Up 2011, after the screening Ben will explain what Channel 4 is looking for. Emma and Elinor will discuss how the production works and Ronan will speak about his experience of the scheme. There will also be time to network following the event.

This is an excellent opportunity for writers and directors who are trying to break into the film and television industry.

The event is free of charge and Northern Ireland Screen strongly encourage all local writers, directors and emerging short and feature film makers to attend. Places are limited so please contact ursula@northernirelandscreen.co.uk as soon as possible to secure a place.

Date: Wednesday 19th May

Time: 6.00pm

Venue: Moviehouse Cinema, Dublin Road

Contact: ursula@northernirelandscreen.co.uk

See you there!!