16/05/2024 - A total of nine European scribes have been chosen for Europe’s first virtual-reality writers’ room

Words Across Europe has announced its inaugural selection. Nine talented writers from eight European nations have been chosen to take part in this initiative. This marks the beginning of a unique training programme that utilises virtual reality to foster creativity. Equipped with VR headsets, the selected participants are ready to begin their journey, the first session of which is scheduled to start on 20 May.

Throughout the coming nine weeks, participants will be organised into three distinct writers' rooms, each tasked with developing a unique project. Under the guidance of mentors, they will navigate the intricate process of collaborative scriptwriting and gain insights into the complexities of the international series market. Additionally, they will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the broader industry landscape, empowering them with the necessary knowledge and confidence to excel in television series writing. The programme will culminate in the participants having the opportunity to pitch their developed series and concepts to stakeholders.

Nathalie Lichtenthaeler, founder of Words Across Europe and CEO of Ireland’s Wide Eye Films, mentioned: “We received an impressive array of applications, and are thrilled about the exceptional quality, diversity and range of writers chosen for the inaugural Words Across Europe sessions. This totally immersive experience uniquely replicates a real-world writers’ room, enabling our scribes to collaborate in order to bring their stories to life. We believe in the potential of European stories told from a European perspective and are happy to be bringing these talented writers together.” Lichtenthaeler will also curate and produce the sessions.

Some renowned industry experts confirmed to participate in the programme include Christiane Ruff, who serves as managing director of ITV Studios Germany; René Jamm, producer for Warner Bros International TV Production; Maria Cervera, head of Content at Cattleya Producciones; Laura Andrews, commercial director of UK Drama at ITV Studios; Brian Tannenbaum, who holds the position of head of Originals at Roku Media; Robert Franke, vice-president Drama at ZDF Studios; Steve Matthews, content executive at Banijay; Morad Koufane, head of International Scripted Series at France Télévisions; Andre Bormanis, writer and producer for Star Trek, Cosmos and The Orville; Alexandra Finlay, vice-president Scripted Co-productions International at A+E; Malin Nevander, head of Development at SVT Drama; Frank Tönsmann, commissioning editor at WDR; David Pope, co-founder of STOWE STORY LABS; Eilish Kent, story consultant and lecturer at the National Film School, IADT; Joachim Friedman, writer and professor of Serial Storytelling at ifs internationale filmschule köln; story consultant Rachel O’Flanaghan; and Jonathan Young, executive producer at May One.

Words Across Europe is co-funded by the European Union and Dublin-based production company Wide Eye Films, which provides participants with access to top industry experts from companies such as Warner Bros International and ITV Studios, without them having to leave their homes.

The selected writers for Words Across Europe 2024 are as follows:

Lee-Loi Cheng (Ireland)
Denise Deegan (Ireland)
Michele Furfari (Italy)
Christina Georgiou (Cyprus)
Gaëlle Mourre (France)
Anastasia Pashkevich (Finland)
Tomasz Perczyński (Poland)
Aisha Prigann (Spain)
Gabija Siurbyte (Lithuania) – winner of the Words Across Europe Virtual Collaboration Award at the Vilnius International Film Festival