We’re excited to announce our first batch of Scratch Me Industry Programme sessions. These sessions are open to anyone and are a fantastic opportunity to hear about the development of original, exciting, can't look away characters. In these sessions we’ll be diving into character psychology and discussing the development of awfully brilliant characters.

Every event in the Scratch Me public programme is free to attend. Details on each of the conversations and booking links can be found below.

We'll be kicking off the industry programme at the Tyneside Cinema on Tuesday 28 June with an in-conversation event with BAFTA nominated, critically acclaimed writer and actor Rose Matafeo. Rose will join us via live stream to talk about the inspiration behind her sitcom smash Starstruck and how exploring autobiography can lead to authentic, original - and funny - character development. After the Q+A join us for a free drink at our Film + TV industry mixer at Castros. More on that and how to sign up below.

Film Hub North, North East Screen and Fulwell 73 have joined forces to invite the Film and TV community of the North East out for a much deserved pint at Castro's, Newcastle! Filmmakers in attendance will have the opportunity to chat with the Film Hub North and North East Screen teams about the support available through our talent development schemes and upcoming regional production. With a free drink on arrival it's also a great opportunity to meet the growing community of local film and tv industry folk, share stories and meet future collaborators.

Kira-Anne Pelican, PhD is a writer, educator, and story consultant, specialising in helping writers develop more compelling novels, TV series and films through insights from evidence-based psychology. She is the author of The Science of Writing Characters. Kira-Anne will explore how to develop complex, compelling and memorable characters and how to craft emotionally-truthful, character-driven stories that keep your audiences engaged.

From Vilanelle to the citizens of Royston Vasey Jeremy Dyson has written for some of the most iconic TV characters to hit our screens. But why do we love despicable characters? And how do you walk that balance between likable and unlikeable? We'll be chatting to Jeremy about how he approaches writing character, how you create empathy and dimension in characters we hate to love. Our host for the evening is Billie Collins, a writer from the Wirral and co-creator and host of Even Baddies Wear Helmets podcast.