Broadchurch writer supporting 'next generation'

The writer behind TV drama Broadchurch has said he hopes his involvement in a film festival will encourage new filmmakers in his native Dorset.

Chris Chibnall set the award-winning ITV series around West Bay on Dorset's Jurassic Coast.

The screenwriter, producer and author is set to curate the From Page to Screen festival held in Bridport next month.

He said: 'We shot Broadchurch right here... so I really want young people to feel like they are the next generation of filmmakers.'

Chibnal has also adapted Agatha Christie's book Seven Dials into a series for Netflix, which aired in January.

"I didn't grow up knowing anybody in the television industry, the film industry, the book industry. It was a completely other place for me." Chris said.

"To curate this festival in the year after I've done my first adaptation, just felt really exciting."

The annual five-day From Page to Screen festival celebrates adaptations from books to the screen.

In his role as curator, Chibnal has organised Meet the Makers sessions featuring leading film industry figures with experience of high-profile productions.

They include BAFTA-winner James Strong, director of Broadchurch and Mr Bates vs the Post Office, composer David Arnold, known for his work on Bond film Casino Royale, as well as The Crown and Calendar Girls producer Suzanne Mackie.

Location manager Eddy Pearce has worked on films shot in Dorset such as Ammonite and Persuasion.

Festival organiser, Ines Cavill, said: "I'd love to think that one of the outcomes from the festival is that it will inspire and engage the next generation of creatives.

"We're in quite a rural part of Dorset here - you wouldn't necessarily think 'this industry is for me growing up here', but actually there is something very creative about this town and area."

George Earwicker, a 26-year-old film director living in Dorset, has just produced his first feature film shot partly in the county.

He said: 'You don't have those kind of funding institutions or funding resources as readily at your disposal and you know there is the thing of you're not technically in the heart of the film industry.'

He added when making films in rural locations. the key is to not give up and to create local connections.

From Page to Screen, organised by Bridport Arts Centre, runs from 22-26 April.