Words Across Europe extends its call for entries
- Europe's pioneering training initiative for series writers, which harnesses the power of VR, encourages creatives to submit their applications before 29 April
Words Across Europe is a novel endeavour dedicated to unleashing the creative prowess inherent in European TV scriptwriting and series development. The core objective of this initiative is to elevate the quality and quantity of series produced within the European Union. Selected through a meticulous process, nine talented individuals will receive exclusive invitations to engage in collaborative virtual writers' rooms, facilitated by cutting-edge VR/AR technologies. Here, they will collectively conceive original series concepts destined to be presented to leading industry stakeholders.
The programme is spearheaded by Wide Eye Films, a production company headquartered in Dublin, in conjunction with financial support from the European Union. Notably, participants will have unprecedented access to well-known industry experts from companies such as Warner Bros International and ITV Studios. Remarkably, this access is granted without necessitating participants to depart from the comfort of their own homes.
The chosen candidates will receive VR headsets and €1,000 upon acceptance into the programme. They will be expertly guided through the intricacies of the writers' room dynamics and the multifaceted international series market. Moreover, the programme offers an in-depth exploration of the expansive industry terrain, equipping participants with the requisite knowledge and assurance to adeptly navigate the landscape of television series writing. Ultimately, this journey culminates in the exciting prospect for writers to present their meticulously crafted series concepts to key stakeholders.
Nathalie Lichtenthaeler, founder of Words Across Europe and CEO of Wide Eye Films, underlines: “This totally immersive experience uniquely replicates a real-world writers’ room to enable creatives to brainstorm, share ideas, and learn from each other and a range of experts. There’s been strong interest from writers across the continent, but the deadline for the last few places is fast approaching.”
Robert Franke, vice-president Drama, ZDF Studios, and one of the experts involved, adds: “Introducing virtual reality into our writers’ rooms is a groundbreaking step for creative collaboration across Europe. By transcending physical boundaries, we’re opening up a world of possibilities for our writers to connect and create. I’m thrilled to see the innovative ways this technology will enhance our storytelling process.”
Some other renowned industry experts confirmed to participate in the programme include Maria Cervera, from Cattleya Producciones and ITV Studios; René Jamm, from Warner Bros International TV Production; Christiane Ruff, who serves as managing director of ITV Studios Germany; Laura Andrews, commercial director of UK Drama at ITV Studios; Brian Tannenbaum, who holds the position of head of Originals at Roku; Steve Matthews, content executive at Banijay; Morad Koufane, head of International Scripted Series at France Télévisions; Alexandra Finlay, vice-president Scripted Co-productions International at A+E; story consultant and trainer in screenwriting Eilish Kent; and Joachim Friedmann, writer and professor at IFS.
The deadline for applications is set for Monday 29 April, at 12 noon CET. Interviews will be conducted on 7 and 8 May. Notification of acceptance will be sent to successful applicants by Monday 13 May. The programme spans a period of nine weeks, commencing on 20 May. Currently, there are eight available spots remaining, and interested individuals can submit their applications online here.
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