PHOTO: 2025 GALWAY FILM FLEADH DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

Manchester Film Festival and Stowe Story Labs Development Workshop

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

This inaugural program offers an exceptional opportunity for selected participants to learn new skills and generate ideas for presenting the film and team when forming new relationships and collaborations.

Apply by February 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM GMT.

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Overview

Manchester Film Festival is excited to partner with Stowe Story Labs to offer an inaugural Development Workshop for Emerging Screenwriters. The workshop will take place on Saturday, March 28 as part of the Manchester Film Festival. The program:

  • Is designed for emerging screenwriters or teams of two (writer/director or writer/producer team) intending to bring a first or second feature film project to market;

  • helps filmmakers strategize how to talk about a developing project within the industry and elements of story development as a project moves through the process;

  • is run by Stowe’s Co-Founder David Pope, a script consultant and screenwriter working internationally;

  • features presentation materials, a table-top exercise during lunch, an in-conversation interview with Joe Jeffreys (Acquisitions Manager, Hanway Films), and a final group discussion at the end of the program.

How To Apply

The program will be enrolled through a competitive application process. If selected to participate, the cost of the workshop will be £50, and participants will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs. There is a non-refundable application fee of £10, which is processed via Submittable. Please check the Stowe Story Labs Participant Agreement and Guidelines before applying.

apply

DEADLINE: February 16 at 11:59 PM GMT

About

Stowe Story Labs is a Vermont-based US nonprofit dedicated to helping top emerging filmmakers and screenwriters develop craft and story. To learn more about Stowe Story Labs, please visit stowestorylabs.org.