New filmmaker in residence programme launched

Starlight will focus on underrepresented communities

by Jennie Kermode

It's time to get writing
It's time to get writing Photo: Melancholy Star

A new residential programme for budding scriptwriters from underrepresented communities has been launched by independent studio Melancholy Star. The Starlight Filmmaker Residency Programme will be based in Bruges in June and July of this year, and will be open to filmmakers from all around the world who are interested in working in fantasy, horror or related genres.

The aim of the programme is to empower people whose voices are less often heard in the industry, so priority consideration will be given to women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities and people from minority backgrounds. Scripts submitted with applications must feature a lead character from at least one of these groups.

The programme provides room and board and provision can be made if disabled filmmakers need to be accompanied by carers, but applicants will have to finance travel themselves. They will then be free to focus on project development for two weeks. They will receive feedback from a panel of industry professionals who will give them support and advice on how to take their work forward to the next stage. Melancholy Star company directors Elizabeth E Schuch and Konstantinos Koutsoliotas will be present throughout to offer advice on on writing, VFX, storyboarding or design.

Applications can be made on the Melancholy Star website.

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