Paul Abbott to Headline National Screenwriters Conference 2013

27 September, 2012

Shameless creator Paul Abbott has been announced to head up the biennial National Screenwriters Conference, 20-22 February 2013

One of Britain's most critically acclaimed and commercially successful TV writers will head to our shores for the biennial National Screenwriters Conference at Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, from 20-22 February 2013. Paul Abbott created the multi award-winning semi-autobiographical Shameless, which is now in its tenth series in the UK as well as a second series of the US remake starring William H Macy.

"As a screenwriter, this is the one event I look forward to more than any other. Hearing the best in the business talk about their craft is always incredibly inspiring, and there are none better than Paul Abbott", says Australian Writers' Guild President Jan Sardi.

Save the Date: 20-22 February, 2013

Where: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

Discounted Earlybird Registrations Open: 25 October, 2012

Abbott started his career writing for Coronation Street before co-creating Children's Ward, which ran for a decade, and went on to pen the BAFTA-winning third series of Cracker, plus serials Reckless, Touching Evil and Clocking Off. His 2003 political thriller State of Play was made into a Hollywood film starring Russell Crowe in 2008, while last year saw Abbott working on BBC1 drama Exile starring John Simm and Jim Broadbent, and the first UK drama series commissioned for Sky Atlantic, Hit & Miss, starring Chloë Sevigny. Abbott is a BAFTA, Emmy and Peabody Award winner.

Next year's conference is themed 'What Happens Next? The Screenwriters' Journey', referring to both the compelling nature of screen storytelling and the future of the industry. Panels will include Interactive Storytelling, a case study of The Sapphires, The Secret of Comedy, What's Love Got to Do With It?, and Once Upon a Crime, with many more sessions and guests to be announced in the coming weeks. Abbott will feature heavily including hosting a masterclass, an informal 'In Conversation' meeting and a session on the writers' room model of working.

The National Screenwriters Conference is a must-attend three-day event for established and aspiring screenwriters across television, film, gaming and new media. It allows unrivalled access to over 30 leading local and international screenwriters and industry professionals in a retreat-like setting. Masterclasses, micro-mentorships and panel discussions offer opportunities to develop ongoing creative partnerships.

Earlybird Registrations open on 25 October 2012 and this event does sell out so we recommend you register early. Masterclasses with international guests and micro-mentorship places are limited on a first come, first served basis.

Stay up-to-date with announcements by joining our Facebook event and Twitter feed, and at www.awg.com.au/nsc.

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