[Press Release by AWG]
From 25-27 February, the Australian Writers’ Guild (AWG) will bring Sex and the City down under when its creator Darren Star heads a stellar line up of guest speakers at the 2009 National Screenwriters Conference. Star is one of the world’s biggest names in television responsible for creating the legendary SATC, Melrose Place and Beverly Hills 90210.
The 2009 National Screenwriters Conference is a must for every writer working in film, television and new media and will feature panel discussions, case studies, networking opportunities, mentorships and an exclusive Masterclass with Star. At a turbulent time for Australian screenwriters the theme of the Conference – Picture This: From Idea to Audience – acknowledges the writers’ place at the heart of the industry, and is about developing strong ideas, getting those ideas into production and out to the right audience.
Other special guest speakers include some of Australia’s best and most provocative filmmakers: Ten Canoe’s Rolf de Heer; The Black Balloon writer/director Elissa Down; Andrew Bovell (Lantana) who has just completed work on Mel Gibson’s latest blockbuster Edge of Darkness; and Oscar nominated Jan Sardi (Shine) whose new feature Mao’s Last Dancer will premiere in 2009.
With increasing demand for cross-platform content the Conference will also have a special focus on interactive media. Special guests from Hoodlum, one of the world’s leading interactive studios, will host a workshop on how to integrate a winning cross-media strategy into your project.
“I am absolutely thrilled with the line up of the international and Australian talent which the Guild has secured for the 2009 National Screenwriters Conference”, says AWG President Tim Pye. “With big changes looming for the Australian screen industries, as a result of Screen Australia’s new funding and development guidelines, the timing of the 2009 Conference is perfect. This promises to be the best Screenwriters Conference in the AWG’s history.”
For more information on the 2009 National Screenwriters Conference go to www.awg.com.au/nsc/