'Writers' factory' to nurture new talent

Prior to being famous, JK Rowling received SAC funding

A new scheme to encourage a new generation of screenwriters has been launched in Scotland.

The Writers' Factory is a joint project by the Scottish Arts Council (SAC), Scottish Screen and Scottish Enterprise to provide basic training and instruction on how to have ideas commissioned.

Former culture minister Allan Wilson agreed to support a study into the feasibility of training for screenwriters after speaking to SAC chairman, James Boyle.

The package includes basic training for writers, as well as "training-the-trainer" courses, which have been designed by the Film Council and will be delivered in Scotland through Scottish Screen.

Supporting and nourishing Scottish writers is the bread-and-butter of the SCA's literature department

James Boyle, SCA

The initiative sees the coming together of all the agencies keen to develop writing, film and the creative industries in Scotland.

Mr Boyle welcomed the initiative and said: "Supporting and nourishing Scottish writers is the bread-and-butter of the SCA's literature department, but we felt there was much, much more that could be done.

"We wanted to see more television, radio and film coming from our home-grown talent.

"We knew we couldn't do it alone and we were very glad to have the expertise and guidance of both Scottish Screen and Scottish Enterprise on board to make that ambition a reality."

Experts say there is currently little dedicated professional development available in Scotland for screenwriters.

Scottish Screen is also behind the scheme

In 1997, the SCA funded a struggling young Edinburgh single mother and aspiring writer, Joanne Rowling.

The then unknown author of the successful Harry Potter books was awarded an £8,000 grant to help her write the second book in the series.

The SCA said the twin aims of the screenwriting initiative were to support Scottish writers in training courses in the UK or internationally, as well and work towards achieving a post-graduate level course in screenwriting in Scotland.

A co-ordinator will shortly be appointed to help administer a series of bursaries to writers and to work with the partner agencies to develop the training.

The post will be jointly funded by the SCA, Scottish Screen and Scottish Enterprise.