An independent film studio co-founded by a producer who commissioned hit NI drama Blue Lights is launching a writer in residence scheme for Northern Irish writers.
The co-founders of Conker Pictures, Kim Varvell and Tommy Bulfin, say they are excited to nurture the next generation of talent.
Conker Pictures was founded last year, and has recently opened an office in Belfast, from which Mrs Varvell will be based. The selected writer must either be from or have lived and worked in Northern Ireland, and must have one script produced for TV, radio, film or theatre.
It is targeted at emerging writers, with the ideal candidate having no more than one credit in broadcast or film. The successful applicant will be given an inside look at how the TV and film industry works in the UK and Ireland.
They will have access to writers’ rooms, development meetings and mentoring workshops.
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The scheme will culminate in an in-house script, which will be pitched to broadcasters to try and get it out on TV.
Applicants can apply before the Friday, October 18 deadline by emailing Conker Pictures with a bio and writing sample. The successful candidate will be paid to write their script.
Mrs Varvell and Mr Bulfin said: “We’re delighted to be launching this writer in residence scheme out of our new Northern Irish base for Conker Pictures.
“Northern Ireland has such a long history of talented creatives from screenwriters, authors, playwrights and poets. We’re really thrilled to be nurturing the next generation of screenwriting talent from the region and can’t wait to get started.”
The pair have extensive experience in film and TV. Mrs Varvell’s production and development credits include Apple TV’s Hijack and the ITV drama Des. Mr Bulfin worked on hit BBC shows including Line of Duty, Blue Lights and the adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novel Normal People.