Oscar nominations and other news
It's Oscar weekend, and Writers Academy graduate Tom Bidwell has been nominated for his short film Wish 143, made through the Writersroom's scheme Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Drama Shorts.
Tom's inspiring story as a writer is told in this Guardian article:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/feb/24/oscar-nomination-tom-bidwell-short-film
And, if you haven't seen it when it was posted here before, here's his film:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flJLHiIFhdE
Tom teamed up with Casualty director Ian Barnes to make his film, and in addition, former EastEnders director, Tom Hooper is up for awards for hot favourite best film The King's Speech. All in all a good week for Continuing Drama.
" A huge percentage of our continuing drama graduates have gone on to play major roles as directors, writers, producers, script editors and commissioning editors, across not only the British television industry but the American one as well.", says John Yorke, Controller, Drama Production and New Talent.
We even made a film about it...
In addition this week Continuing Drama has announed the appointment of an External Writers Ombudsman to look after the interests of writers working for the department. Tony Garnett, the hugely experienced and respected independent television producer has agreed to take on the role.
The purpose of an ombudsman will be to offer writers the opportunity to benefit from Garnett's wealth of expertise as a script editor, screen writer, director and producer when they feel they need third party guidance beyond the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ or Writers Guild.
The new role is set to support Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Continuing Drama's on-going drive to attract and develop the highest quality talent and place writers right at the heart of the drama production process. The new role has been set up with the blessing of the Writers Guild who work to protect the interests of all writers working in the industry.
And finally, Writers Academy applications will be open this year from 11th April. For details of the online application process keep you eye on this site.