One of my favourite parts of our BFI Film Academy Story Development Week isn’t just seeing young writers grow their ideas into fully fledged scripts (though that’s always inspiring). It’s the energy in the room, and online when our industry masterclasses kick off.
We’re so lucky to have such a stellar line-up of speakers this year. These aren’t just people who talk about the screen industry; they’re living and breathing it. They’re on set, in writers’ rooms, pitching ideas, developing shows, and shaping the kinds of stories we’re all bingeing on Netflix or catching at film festivals.
Learning from the People Who Are Doing It
Take Peter Young, for example. Now developing his first feature with Village Films (supported by Northern Ireland Screen), his short films (Pub House, Safe Inside) have picked up awards and buzz for their gritty, authentic storytelling. He’ll share how he broke into screenwriting and what keeps him pushing through the inevitable rejections to tell the stories that matter to him.
Then there’s Shannon Welby, part of BBC’s Comedy Collective 2025 and a writer on Blue Lights and The Gone. She knows what it takes to move from having an idea to actually seeing it commissioned — and she’s brilliant at demystifying that process for emerging creatives.
For anyone struggling with how to sell their idea, Anna Hinds is your person. As a Development Producer at Fabel Productions (and with Channel 4 and BBC Radio 4 credits to her name), she’s on the front lines of pitching and developing fresh talent. Her session on preparing your pitch will be a game-changer for writers who freeze at the thought of a 60-second elevator pitch.
Spotlight on Producers, Directors and Actors
We’ve also pulled together an incredible panel of producers: Ailish McElmeel (Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope), Mo O’Connell (Horseshoe), and Dearbhla Regan (An Cailín Cúin). Together they’ll share insights into producing award-winning projects and what they look for in new collaborators.
Directing can feel like a closed door to young creatives, but hearing from Zam Salim (a BAFTA Breakthrough talent), James Doherty, and Kate Haley will open that door wide. These are people who’ve taken shorts and indie projects to the next level — they understand the hurdles, but also the huge rewards of directing for screen.
And for actor-writers keen to develop their craft across both stage and screen, our final session with Jade Jordan (The Virtues, Blackshore) and Michael Johnston (Game of Thrones, Vikings) is packed with practical advice on navigating two very competitive worlds.
Why These Conversations Matter
These sessions are about more than just “how-to” tips (though there are plenty of those). They’re real, honest conversations about the state of the industry — where it’s thriving, where it’s changing, and where there are opportunities for new voices to come through.
For participants of Story Development Week, these masterclasses are a chance to ask questions, make connections, and gain a sense of what it really means to build a career in film and television. They are opportunities for aspiring storytellers to broaden their horizons and find their feet — for a recent success story sees past alum Carley Magee receiving a bursary from the Abbey Theatre this week.
And for those who can’t join us in person, we’re opening these sessions up online at lunchtime, completely free.
So whether you’re developing your first script or still wondering how to get your foot in the door, this is your chance to hear from people who were once in your shoes. I can’t wait to see the conversations, and the careers that come out of these sessions.
Check out the full schedule and sign up for the free online sessions.