The Screen Industries Growth Network (SIGN) and Screen Yorkshire have opened applications for a second year to FLEX, their ground-breaking development hub for creatives from across the UK, with a specific focus on talent from Yorkshire and the Humber. FLEX challenges the status quo of on-screen narratives and aims to explore storytelling ahead of the curve, fit for audiences in 2022 and beyond. FLEX will provide an opportunity to generate ideas and develop stories in an inspiring and agile, platform neutral, space.
FLEX provides a space for the best of the UK’s emerging creative talent to form agile storytelling partnerships. Applications are open to writers, directors and producers to create strongly authored narratives that will continue to build Yorkshire and the Humber as a place of dynamic, authentic and fluid storytelling. Applications close at midday on Thursday 9 June. Please apply via the Screen Yorkshire website.
FLEX will run over eight months from July 2022 and offer a carefully curated development opportunity for each creative team including ideation workshops, story testing sessions, writers’ rooms, script development support, access to key industry figures and pitching opportunities. Creative teams will also be offered bursaries to support the development process.
Applications from those who may not have followed a traditional route into the screen industries or faced additional barriers accessing support and opportunities are particularly encouraged.
Mohammed Ahmed, writer, who took part in FLEX 2021, said: “I’m a writer from Yorkshire living in London. It seemed so difficult to connect with filmmakers who had comparable experiences and regional interests. FLEX has given me a fantastic collection of people that I can reach out to and work with who understand where my work is coming from. I think that’s pretty invaluable. FLEX really has helped my career along. I would advise any writers, directors or producers to get involved.”
Dr Jude Brereton, Skills and Training Lead at SIGN, said: “SIGN is delighted to be funding a second round of FLEX. The screen industries are changing at an astonishing rate with the development of new technologies and streaming models. Programmes like FLEX play a vital role in supporting writers, directors and producers to stay ahead of the curve and create diverse stories for new audiences.”
FLEX is delivered by Screen Yorkshire with funding from SIGN. Find out more information and apply.