Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/260953
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2014 THIS WEEK 40 THE Valletta 2018 Foundation launched the second edition of Storyworks: A script develop- ment programme for screen- writers, producers, directors and editors last Thursday. The programme is organised by the Valletta 2018 Foundation in collaboration with St James Cavalier Centre for Creativ- ity the Malta Film Commission and the Creative Europe Desk Malta, between Tuesday 18 and Monday 24 March. Valletta 2018 Foundation Chairman Jason Micallef said Storyworks is the result of syn- ergy and coordination between government entities working towards one aim. He described the programme as another tool by means of which this field of specialised writing can be given a much necessary drive. Jason Micallef noted that for several decades, Malta has had a film servicing industry that grew stronger by means of in- centives. Storyworks focuses on this industry while seeking to instil screenwriting skills into a generation of artists. The Valletta 2018 Foundation believes to the full in synergies and collaboration and regularly engages public cultural entities in discussion. This is generat- ing an effective climate of col- laboration which is resulting in a number of initiatives includ- ing the Technical Theatre Skills meeting, held on Wednesday and which was very well attend- ed. The meeting took place in collaboration between Valletta 2018 Foundation, the MCCA and St James Cavalier. Storyworks is another practi- cal example of similar collabo- ration. Malta Film Commission rep- resentative Dr Joseph Chetcuti, said this project, together with a number of others, is helping develop local talent. He high- lighted that art starts with in- spiration which however needs a lot of work and dedication for ideas to become great works. This programme and other similar ones are therefore ben- eficial and a great opportunity for artists. The press conference was also addressed by two individuals who participated in last year's edition of Storyworks. Marie Briguglio explained the pro- gramme gave her the oppor- tunity to work on a script and collaborate in workshops with other participants for the work to be developed to its maxi- mum potential. While express- ing her satisfaction that the programme is being continued, she spoke of the need for initia- tives of the sort to be supported by mechanisms and legal struc- tures that help writers develop and sell their work. Kenneth Scicluna said Sto- ryworks helped him learn how to better apply screen-writing rules since the programme of- fers practical training on the route to be taken for an effec- tive storyline to be developed. Storyworks helps one better understand the distinction be- tween literary work and screen writing. The press conference was also addressed by Jean Pierre Ma- gro. Storyworks will be led by Martin Daniel and Mary Kate O'Flanagan from the Univer- sity of Southern California and whose careers' have led them to work with industry profes- sionals worldwide. Their work is based on developing feature films and television drama, in small groups, over the span of several months. In fact, follow up sessions with the partici- pants of Storyworks will take place on an individual basis in September. The deadline for applications is Monday 24 February, 2014 at 5pm and successful applicants will be informed by Monday 3 March 2014. This course is designed to de- velop skills in narrative for the screen and is aimed at expe- rienced and emerging screen- writers, producers, directors and editors. Professionals will be receiving training through project development which will ideally be ready to go into pro- duction in 2016 or 2017. Eight writers and eight crea- tive collaborators will be select- ed for the programme and writ- ers must apply with a project to be developed. Candidates may apply indi- vidually or as teams. Producers, directors and editors who apply as individuals will be teamed with a writer for the purposes of training. All writers' applications will be considered on the merit of the idea and the skills in evi- dence. The programme fee is €200 for writers who participate with their proposed scripts and €100 for producers who collaborate on a writer's script. Applications are to be down- loaded from: www.valletta2018. org and sent to imagine@val- letta2018.org. Enquiries may be made to: info@valletta2018.org or on tel- ephone number 21242018. V18 launches second edition of Story Works From left: Jean Pierre Magro, Jason Micallef and Joseph Chetcuti