In Partnership with Production Algarve and with the seal of approval of The Portugal Film Commission and Loulé Film Office, Spy Manor Productions will host a three-day workshop free of charge to ten pre-selected local screenwriters, that will later be pitched to international streaming services.
The selected few will be given the chance to take part of the creation of a groundbreaking television series based in the Algarve, working alongside top independent film production and distribution companies.
Among the renowned guest speakers joining the event is Pedro Lopes, author of Glória, NETFLIX’s first Portuguese original series directed by Tiago Guedes, which began production this year; the Algarvian screenwriter and director Vera Casaca, behind the films “On the phone with God” and “If Poirot was Here” as well as screenwriter and producer Luis Campos, founder of Squatter Factory.
Interview with the guest speakers
Vera Casaca
Algarvian screenwriter and director Vera Casaca is behind the films “On the phone with God” and “If Poirot was Here”
- Is there a particular genre or topic you are passionate about as a screenwriter in general or lately?
As a screenwriter I love comedy in all shapes and forms, from slapstick, to absurd to the darkest type of comedy. - What do you think makes this workshop initiative different and why would the local writers be interested in attending it?
So far there has never been an initiative of this kind with a long term vision in mind. This is totally new. - What is your favorite TV series and why?
Fargo, all 4 seasons. Extremely well written, engaging characters, and with a touch of dark comedy. - What is the best advice you could give to any screenwriter?
Resilience and determination. Nobody owes you anything, you have to work hard for a long time. Also, get used to being rejected, it’s part of the process, take it as lessons learnt.
Pedro Lopes
Pedro is the author of Glória, NETFLIX’s first Portuguese original series directed by Tiago Guedes, which began production this year.
- Is there a particular genre or topic you are passionate about as a screenwriter in general or lately?
I like all genres, but I will highlight Period Drama. - What do you think makes this workshop initiative different and why would the local writers be interested in attending it?
The workshop is not limited to an intense weekend of classes, but will continue for the following months, with the development of projects and tutoring that will allow you to properly develop your own voice as writers. - What is your favorite TV series and why?
There are so many series! Current I watch The Crown, The Handmaid’s Tale, Sucession. But I revisit series like Sopranos, Breaking Bad, West Wing and Seinfeld. - What is the best advice you could give to any screenwriter?
Write every day.
Luis Campos
Luis is a screenwriter and producer, founder of Squatter Factory.
- Is there a particular genre or topic you are passionate about as a screenwriter in general or lately?
I’ve been particularly intrigued by Southern Gothic lately and I got to realize some of those specific characteristics are somehow expressed in the films and scripts I’ve been trying to accomplish over the past years. - What do you think makes this workshop initiative different and why would the local writers be interested in attending it?
It’s aimed at local talent from the Algarve – or with a strong link to the Algarve – and I believe that focusing in the local talent through the promotion of a screenwriting initiative is the right starting point to develop filmmaking dynamics in the region. - What is your favorite TV series and why?
With the quarantine I finally had the chance to watch The Wire in its entirety and loved the show. It’s a masterclass in great writing, realism approach and never missing a beat in the prime entertainment goal of it. - What is the best advice you could give to any screenwriter?
Allow yourself to have a good time with every idea you put in the paper.
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