Euroscript

Euroscript is an independent, UK-based script development organisation offering analysis of screenplays and other consultancy services to screenwriters, film producers and film directors.

History and Funding

The London Screenwriters' Workshop (later known as the Screenwriters’ Workshop) created Euroscript in 1995 with the stated aim of "improving the quality of scripts going into production in Europe." [ [http://www.euroscript.co.uk/about.html About] ] It received its initial funding from the European Union’s Media II programme, but is now financially independent.

Aims and Methods

Influential figures such as cinematographer Brian Tufano [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/shopping/main.jhtml?xml=/shopping/2001/07/12/vided8.xml] have pointed out that many British and European scripts go into production too early, partly because European producers lack the funds to pay writers for adequate script development – leading to sub-standard films [http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sex_lives_of_the_potato_men/] .Euroscript’s brief is to rectify these problems, developing writers’ careers and creative skills over a sustained period and facilitating the creation of high-quality, marketable screenplays.One of its stated aims is to create a screenwriting community offering writers support and guiding them through all the stages of script development. Its script editors give writers one-to-one help in an extended development programme which nurses projects from initial idea to final draft.Producers and production companies use Euroscript as an ancillary script department, outsourcing development tasks to its team of editors.

Screen Story Competition

Euroscript's Screen Story Competition launched in 1994 with backing from the Media II programme of the European Union. Two past winners of the competition have gone into production with their films in 2008. Philippa Goslett's film Little Ashes (about a possible love-affair between Salvador Dali and Federico Garcia Lorca) is set to be directed by Paul Morrison. [Paul Sellars] is another previous winner who has also completed the development programme.

Short Film Competition

Euroscript will soon launch a short film competition.

Marketing Scripts

Euroscript sometimes helps writers who have been through its consultancy programme but lack an agent in marketing their scripts to the film industry. It takes no fee for supporting writers’ applications, but asks for a script-editing credit should the film be made.

The Euroscript Team

Euroscript comprises a diverse team of industry professionals including producers, working screenwriters, script consultants, film-makers and intellectual property lawyers. Among these are Andrew Clifford, Paul Bassett Davies, Paul Gallagher, Fenella Greenfield, Charles Harris, Ian Long, Anne Woods and Kevan Tidy.

References

External links

* [http://www.euroscript.co.uk Euroscript's Official website]
* [http://www.nfi.no/english/norwegianfilms/show_utskrift.html?id=275 Natalie M. King]