Investigating Character

Join us in Media City UK for a host of FREE workshops and events that will expore how we bring character to life.

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PERCEPTIVE FUTURES IN RADIO

Join BBC R&D as they explore the possibilities of perceptive broadcasting. At this session, you’ll hear from a panel of fantastic guests including ADRIAN HON (CEO, Six to Start and Technology writer for the Telegraph), JULIUS AMEDUME (film director, writer and producer) and SARAH GLENISTER (author of Perceptive Media’s Breaking Out).

Session runs: 11.15am - 12.45pm BOOK TICKETS HERE

IN THE FLESH… PUTTING FLESH ON THE BONES

A few of the team behind In The Flesh talk about the character-building process.

DAVY JONES (make-up designer),SIMON JUDD (BBC Drama North Development Producer) and lead actor LUKE NEWBERRY WILL discuss creating compelling, believable characters and bringing them to life on screen. 

Session runs: 1.30pm - 2.30pm BOOK TICKETS HERE

JOURNEY TO KHAN

Join us in conversation with ADIL RAY, the creator and star of BBC1 sitcom, Citizen Khan. We will explore the creative journey which saw Mr Khan take shape through Adil’s comic creations on his own radio show, to the BBC 2 sketch show Bellamy’s People, to the stage performance of Citizen Khan at the Salford Sitcom Showcase which led to a subsequent BBC commission just a few days later.

Session runs: 2.00pm - 3.00pm BOOK TICKETS HERE

IN CONVERSATION: DAVID NOBBS

Come and meet a legendary comic maestro DAVID NOBBS creator of Reggie Perrin in The Fall and Rise of Reggie Perrin and writer for some of the comedy greats – Kenneth Williams, The Two Ronnies, Les Dawson and Frankie Howerd to name but a few. David will be sharing tips and insights on how to construct a memorable comedy character using examples from his illustrious career.

 SOLD OUT

IN CONVERSATION: MAXINE PEAKE

From warm-hearted Veronica in ‘Shameless’ to tough barrister Martha Costello in Silk, MAXINE PEAKE is one of the most versatile actors of her generation. Now a successful writer, join Maxine as she discusses the intricacies of creating and portraying authentic characters with SUE ROBERTS (Radio Drama Editor). 

SOLD OUT

IN CONVERSATION: DARLEEN FYLES

Now in its sixth series for BBC Radio 4, The Pursuits of Darleen Fyles is an award-winning, comic and touching drama series about the aspirations and challenges of a young married couple with learning disabilities. DONNA LAVIN, who plays Darleen, writer ESTHER WILSON and Producer/Director PAULINE HARRIS talk about the creation of the sparky and unique character Darleen Fyles.

Session runs: 12.00pm - 1.00pm BOOK TICKETS HERE

THE CRIMSON FIELD: WRITING VS PERFORMING CHARATER

The Crimson Field is a brand new compelling & emotional First World War drama series due to broadcast in April on BBC One. This gripping drama presents one of the Great War’s untold stories. In a tented field hospital on the coast of France, a team of doctors, nurses and women volunteers work together to heal the bodies and souls of men wounded in the trenches.

Join creator and writer SARAH PHELPS (Oliver Twist, Great Expectations) and actress KERRY FOX (Shallow Grave, An Angel At My Table) as they discuss character creation & development from the perspective of the writer and perfomer. This is a great opportunity to see exclusive preview clips and pose your own questions to the panel.

 Session runs: 12.30pm-13.30pm BOOK TICKETS HERE

HOW TO CREATE A CHARACTER THAT FEELS LIKE A REAL PERSON

Join SARAH FRANKCOM (Artistic Director, Royal Exchange Theatre) as she demonstrates how she works with writers and actors to create complex, three-dimensional characters on stage. This practical workshop will encourage participants to create a character and practise new techniques. The session will conclude with the chance to ask Sarah about her many projects.

SOLD OUT

WRITING YOUNG CHARACTERS

What makes children fall in love with great characters and watch them every week? Learn top tips on writing young characters and put your questions to an incredible panel of children’s TV writers including ELLY BREWER (TheDumping Ground), BEN WARD (MI High), PAUL ROSE (4 O’Clock Club) and NATHAN COCKERILL (House of Anubis).

Session runs: 3.30pm - 4.30pm BOOK TICKETS HERE

TOP TIPS ON CREATING CHARACTER

Join HENRY R SWINDELL (Development Producer for BBC Writersroom) as he shares invaluable tips on screenwriting and character development, using film and TV clips to demonstrate the building blocks of great storytelling. This broad talk is suitable for beginners and experienced writers, and is designed to get people excited about writing as well as covering the fundamentals of character.

Session runs: 10.00am - 11.00am BOOK TICKETS HERE

SATURDAY REVIEW: A QUESTION OF CHARACTER

Have the last 25 years witnessed a golden age in the creation of fictional characters, or does the current crop pale into insignificance in comparison with the giants of days gone by? How would Harry Potter square up against Jane Eyre? Tony Soprano against Moriarty? TOM SUTCLIFFE hosts a live debate in front of a studio audience in Salford with panelist including M.J.HYLAND,PROFESSOR PHILIP DAVIS, DAVID NOBBS and A.L. KENNEDY Session runs: 7.15pm - 8.15pm BOOK TICKETS HERE