QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What happens at a New Writing Forum?
Who attends?
So where does the material come from?
At what stage can I submit a script?
What type of feedback can I expect?
What does a WRITER gain from submitting their work?
What's does an ACTOR gain from attending the forum?
What's does a DIRECTOR gain from attending the forum?
I am an ACTOR - how do I submit my CV?
So what happens if I am not performing, directing or my script is not being used?
How do I attend a forum?
Where do the forums take place and when?
How do I submit a script?
What is the time scale for the script submission process?

See also
List of Scripts Featured at Rocliffe Forum
Next Events 2005

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What happens at a New Writing Forum?
10 minute extracts of three scripts are selected. Casting occurs on the night and the pieces are rehearsed for 40 minutes with a director and the writer. The material is performed by trained, experienced actors to an audience of writers, directors, producers, development executives and actors. The industry co-chair leads the feedback on each script and then questions are opened to the audience. The evening rounds off with a Q&A with the co-chair.

Who attends?
The Forum's door is open to anyone in the entertainment industry: writers, actors, directors, producers, development executives etc.

So where does the material come from?
Any writer is invited to submit via the application process (details below). Rocliffe advertises in trade publications and is affiliated to many national and international scriptwriting organisations. Writers of any level of experience are welcome - the forum concentrates on 'new writing' not new writers.

At what stage can I submit a script?
Any. As long as the script is a completed at first draft, you are welcome to submit.

What type of feedback can I expect?
Feedback covers all areas of development as well as advice on getting your script produced. Is the story being told in the right medium, is the idea marketable enough for a feature / suitable to TV drama etc. Writers may want to test out certain characters, experimental storytelling techniques or get advice on how to develop the direction of their plot or story. It is important that a writer has a clear idea of what they want to ask the audience and achieve from having their work performed.

What does a WRITER gain from submitting their work?
o Their script read and directed by professionals
o Constructive feedback from an experienced industry co-chair and audience.
o The script synopsis and writer's contact details are listed on the Rocliffe website.

What's does an ACTOR gain from attending the forum?
o Possibility of being cast
o Further audition and sight reading practice
o Work and network with professionals
o Work with entirely new material
o Resume is kept on file for casting recommendations
o Participation in script development
o Exposure

What's does a DIRECTOR gain from attending the forum?
o Work in a challenging environment - to a tight deadline, with a cast you've never met and a script you've had 40 minutes to rehearse
o Participate in script development
o Work and network with professionals
o Work with entirely new material
o Exposure

I am an ACTOR - how do I submit my CV?
Our events are precast by Laura Dickens CDG (Credits include Casualty, Holby, Doctors. Send us your spotlight reference and Laura will consider you if there is an appropriate role.

So what happens if I am not performing, directing or my script is not being used?
Synopses of each of the scripts are available to give the audience the chance to participate fully in the feedback sessions.

How do I attend a forum?
Log onto the BAFTA Website for tickets. There is an admission fee for ALL attendees of £5 payable paid in advance.
It is important to remember that numbers are limited and attendance is by strictly by reservation only.

Where do the forums take place and when?
The forums take place at Regional Festivals and at BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly. Booking must be made via the BAFTA website - www.bafta.org

How do I submit a script?
Keep an eye on our website and the BAFTA website for Submission Dates and look at the Script Application page for exact details.

The New Writing Forum has specific call dates usually in March and October.
Scripts must be in a standard script format (in word or final draft) and will only be accepted in hard copy with a completed application form. Your work must be available to be sent electronically if selected for the second round. We accept scripts in all mediums - film, short film, television, sitcoms, radio, theatre or comedy sketches.

What is the time scale for the script submission process?
Whilst we endeavour to contact all writers we ask you to include a Stamped address Postcard to confirm receipt of materials to scripts@rocliffe.com

Scripts in the second round will be read by a second reader and notified of their success within 3 weeks. Please appreciate there are a limited number of spaces and a large number of applications. There is the possibility that you will be placed on a waiting list to be scheduled.

Please email scripts@rocliffe.comif you have any further questions.