Pathways speed dates blossom into new projects

10 December, 2015

Some 30 writers, producers and screen development executives attended the Australian Writers’ Guild Pathways networking event in Melbourne last week.The Pathways event, supported by Film Victoria, was designed to introduce producers to writers with screen projects.Each of the thirteen writers attending were members of AWG’s Pathways development initiative having had a project that had been shortlisted for one of the recent AWG competitions including the 2015 Monte Miller Awards, the AWG’s biennial INSITE Award and the What Happens Next? competition.Speed-dating style meetings were set up between the writers and producers with the aim of sparking creative partnerships. Each writer had six 10-minute meetings to pitch their projects, followed by further opportunities for more informal networking.The producers and development companies included: Instinct Entertainment, December Media, Mini Studios, Retroactive Films, FGR Film Productions, Optimism Film, Harvey Taft, Sunjive Studios, Princess Pictures, Matchbox Pictures, Mushroom Pictures and Carver Films.One of the attendees said: "It was really great to take a minute to understand who the producers are and the types of projects they are interested in. I've already had some productive discussions after the event and made contacts that are likely to lead to more in the future."Another commented: “As an emerging writer, it sometimes feels like it’s impossible to meet producers, or get them to read your work. This event was perfect to break the ice, and start building relationships with both producers and other writers. I have had several producers request to read more of my work already.”