A chance to learn from experts in screen writing for the international film market is being offered in the Lake District.
A writers’ workshop is to be staged at William Wordsworth’s home near Ambleside to coincide with a new film festival in the town.
The Wordsworth family are inviting 10 screenwriters to a writers’ workshop in the poet’s famous family house at Rydal Mount, on the theme of “literary beauty”.
The workshop will run alongside the first Inward Eye film festival being staged nearby at Zeffirellis cinema.
It is being organised by film producer Charlotte Wontner who is the great great great great grand-daughter of William Wordsworth.
Writers will receive treatment and story feedback and pitching advice – as well as lunches and walks in the beautiful countryside around the house.
Charlotte Wontner of Hopscotch films has worked with the award-winning actor Brian Cox who is to be patron of the film festival.
Dorothy Smith, MD of Zeffirellis, said: “With a nod towards the local artistry of Wordsworth’s works, Inward Eye’s carefully selected films will cover themes of Imagination (the all elusive Inward Eye), Love and War, Youth and Fear, and Time and Landscape. Other thematic areas of focus are farming, LGBTQ+, and BAME story lines. With a focus on local cinematic heritage mixed with inclusivity and literary beauty, Inward Eye’s vision is one we are very excited about hosting.”
Rydal Mount curator Emily Heath said: “We are very pleased to host this exciting new venture. It’s particularly special for us, bringing together the Wordsworth connection, and the new film festival in Ambleside.”
Said Charlotte: “This is an experience designed to help writers develop their ideas in a unique natural environment. Under the guidance of an experienced script editor and industry mentor, writers will have their script ideas developed with a plan for the international film market.”
The workshop will be hosted over three consecutive mornings from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th November. Included in the price are screenings and Q&A tickets, refreshments and lunches, and accommodation near Rydal Mount. Full details HERE.
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
(Daffodils, William Wordsworth, 1807)
