Registration is now open for Screen Fringe: the free bespoke service provided by Screen Scotland in partnership with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, to connect creative executives, talent agents and producers from the film and TV sector with writing, directing and performing talent at the internationally renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
With a focus on helping unearth talent and stories that can transition from stage to film or TV, Screen Fringe provides delegates with access to industry networking, social events, 1-2-1 programme navigation, show curation, talent introductions, ticketing support and general advice.
The Screen Fringe Producer Michael O’Neill and Coordinator Camila Arriaga will be available before and during August to help delegates make the most of Fringe opportunities, with the objective of maximising stage-to-screen potential.
Screen Fringe takes inspiration from the journeys of writer/performers who have honed their craft at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and then moved into successful TV and film work - from Fringe icon Phoebe Waller-Bridge, to Scotland’s own Richard Gadd, whose acclaimed fringe show Baby Reindeer premiered on Netflix earlier this year and has transfixed audiences around the globe.
This year’s programme will include talks from talent and commissioners for fringe participants, including panellists from BBC Drama Commissioning and Film4. Alongside these sessions will be industry-exclusive gatherings, delivered in partnership with the Edinburgh International Film Festival and BAFTA Scotland.
The central industry event will be a spotlight on acclaimed fringe-to-screen writer/performers Jack Rooke (BAFTA-winner for Big Boys) and Sabrina Ali (BBC Writers Popcorn Award for New Writing winner for Dugsi Dayz), moderated by Tony nominated and Olivier-winning theatre producer Francesca Moody MBE (Fleabag and Baby Reindeer).
Award-winning theatre producer Francesca Moody MBE said: “The Edinburgh Festival Fringe has long provided a unique opportunity for theatre makers and comics to expand their work beyond the realms of live performance. With so many Film and TV producers from around the world gathered in Edinburgh, excited to discover the next Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Richard Gadd, Jack Rooke or Rose Matafeo, success at the fringe takes on a multiplier effect like nowhere else.
“The achievements in screen of the many artists who have come out of Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a reminder that some of the best work starts its life in theatres, tents, makeshift cave-cum-stages on the cobbled streets of Old Town, Princess Street or the leafy meadows. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is (for one month) the land of possibility, a pathway for artists work to be developed for screen. It gives them an incredible degree of leverage, and a foundation on which iconic careers can be made.”
Isabel Davis, Executive Director at Screen Scotland said: “Since we created Screen Fringe with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society five years ago, it’s been gratifying to see it become part of the Edinburgh landscape. It’s now relied upon by increasing numbers of film and TV professionals from Scotland, London and the US. Michael O’Neill’s stewardship of the programme has taken it to the next level, thanks to his talent-friendly events and meet-ups, his astute recommendations and keen eye for the next big thing.”
For additional information on the Screen Fringe Programme and to register as a delegate, please sign up for accreditation by visiting the Fringe Arts Industry webpage.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is an unparalleled showcase of new talent in theatre, comedy and multi-art performance, and a global meeting place for creatives. Every year it attracts 1,400 industry professionals and new voices are discovered, with the potential for crossover into film and TV well documented.
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer at Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society said: "I'm delighted that Screen Fringe is returning to the Fringe this August. Screen Fringe enables raw talent to be spotted, new opportunities to be created, and vital creative partnerships and relationships made.
"For many artists, it allows them to explore the option of adapting their work for film and TV. This partnership between the Fringe Society and Screen Scotland aims to support those artists who are ready to take that step.”
Screen Fringe Producer, Michael O’Neill said: “The Fringe has an unmatched track record for showcasing talent and IP that goes on to define shifts in popular culture. With thousands of shows on in Edinburgh across August, getting a head start on making the most of your visit is invaluable. If your priority is seeing the best new talent and ideas the festivals have to offer, our priority with Screen Fringe is to make that experience seamless.”
Image credits
Header image: credit Pako Mera