Hear top film & TV talent discuss how to create a compelling screen character.
We’re thrilled to announce the Scratch Me public programme: an online conversation series running throughout October alongside our new filmmaking lab. Creatives based in the North are invited to join us in conversation with a wealth of top film & TV talent as they discuss their work, explore what it takes to create a can’t-look-away screen character, and answer your questions.
The Scratch Me line-up features stand-up star Sophie Willan (Alma’s Not Normal); writer, performer and genre guru Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, The League of Gentleman); the costume, art direction and production design team behind I May Destroy You; casting director Heather Basten (The End of the F***ing World); and one of the UK’s most exciting emerging directors, Francis Lee (God’s Own Country, Ammonite).
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.
If you want to take part in the full Scratch Me filmmaking lab, Writer and Director applications are open until Tuesday, 29 September.
From real life to reel life
Sophie Willan explores how autobiography can lead to authentic, original – and funny – character development. She’ll chart the origins of her personas, how they’ve moved across disciplines and platforms, and the challenges of character longevity.
Mark Gatiss takes us on a deep dive into the weird and wonderful worlds of genre film and television. He'll talk about the iconic characters he's created across sci-fi, horror, comedy and crime, and how he balances his roles as a writer and performer.
A case study in world-building and character development in I May Destroy You, featuring Paul Cross (Production Designer), Adam Makin (Art Director), Kaush Bharti (Art Director) and Lynsey Moore (Costume Designer).
Heather Basten demystifies casting. She’ll talk about the importance of casting to the production process, what the perfect performer can bring to your project and how to get the strongest cast within your budget.
Francis Lee discusses how to work with actors in bringing a character to life. He’ll talk about finding the right balance between the director’s vision, the actor’s instincts and the writer’s intentions when telling a collaborative story.
