Explore the comedy scene in the US today through the eyes and experience of leading US Showrunner Ali Leroy from US Fall success ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ (based on the early life of comedian Chris Rock).  Visiting selected cities, Ali will compare experiences with key European comedy professionals.

This three day event will focus on meeting the network executives, creators and producers of the wide range of entertainment programming produced in the UK–these professionals are strong force in this genre both for the domestic market and internationally. You will explore the UK strategies and alliances that have built up audience targets and increased the identification of networks through the branding and scheduling of this cost-effective alternative programming.

The Showrunner of a successful US drama series will discuss the working practices and creative dynamics in developing and sustaining the vision and storylines of long running US drama series. 

This Exchange is designed to understand the defining characteristics of the range of US cable networks, and review their strengths in the competition for audiences with the broadcast networks whose line-up has now been revised to include “The CW”. The Exchange will assist participants to build a foundation of contacts with whom to co-operate when promoting mutual interests in the future.

A wave of success and enthusiasm has greeted the growth of this scripted drama format outside its original Latin American borders. Networks are tapping in to the opportunities offered by a revival of mass audience interest in shows which have proved to be more glamorously addictive than current, popular domestic soaps - the backbone of most schedules. The two-day Telenovela Event will examine current successes through the contributions of their producers and networks.  It will also address the key writing, production and marketing issues in the adaptation of existing formats, the creation of new stories using the established model and the remarkable ease with which such shows are being transferred from territory to territory.  

The Showrunner programme is designed to explore the unique role of the writer/producer as ‘Showrunner’ and their combined creative and management responsibilities. Following the development and production of one episode of a US drama series during the course of the week, the participant will see the interaction between the Showrunner and his/her team on all elements of the production of the show and handling the network interests. The focus of this week is the potential application of elements of the US model to participants’ domestic drama productions.

The Showrunner programme is designed to explore the unique role of the writer/producer as ‘Showrunner’ and their combined creative and management responsibilities. The week allows the participant to follow the development and production of one episode of a US comedy show and observe the interaction between the Showrunner and his/her team  with all elements of the production of the show and handling the network interests. The focus of this week is the potential application of the US model to participants’ domestic comedy productions.

Following the success of the first Heads of Drama Convention in 2005, hosted by NRK in Oslo, the 2006 Convention will reconvene to rally drama professionals from across Europe around the key issues facing scripted fiction departments today. The increase in the possibilities for co-operation on drama projects this past year has been significant. With guest speakers of the same calibre as 2005’s contributors, which included the producers of Lost and Medium and executives from the BBC, SBS, Sony and Fremantle, the event will provide a thought provoking forum.  The host country will provide a special territory focus as a foundation to the event.

This three-day event provides an opportunity to gain insight into the best creative and business practices for the production of drama by UK television channels and leading production companies.  Meet controllers, commissioners and producers who are responsible for what enables the UK to continue to be innovative in this arena and to make such a significant impact on international production.

Renowned American comedy analyst and scriptwriter, John Vorhaus, will return to Europe for another round of workshops and private consultations. Delegates will explore the use of comic tools, creating comic characters and comic story structure suitable for everyone from the entry-level comedy writer in television and film to the experienced comedy veteran.

Laurie Hutzler helps content creators get to the heart of the story. Creator of “The Emotional Toolbox™" Laurie examines the emotional content of a television or film project and analyses how the production succeeds or fails in connecting with its audiences.  Starting with an experiential exercise, the session progress, in stages, to help writers, producers and executives clarify the emotional bond between characters, story and the audience.