Edinburgh launches Scottish screenwriters lab

The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) (June 17-28) is partnering with biomedical charity the Wellcome Trust and Beltane Public Engagement Network to launch a two-day lab aimed at fostering film ideas through connecting screenwriters with science.

The Wellcome Trust Ideas Lab will give Scottish writers the opportunity to connect with biomedical research through meetings with scientists and a visit to a science laboratory as well as meetings with the Wellcome Trust to explore potential development funding.

The initiative is the latest move into film from UK charitable foundation the Wellcome Trust, which invested in Agyness Deyn feature Electricity and also hands out an annual screenwriting fellowship in collaboration with BFI and Film4.

Mark Adams, the new EIFF artistic director, said: “This new partnership offers a wonderful opportunity for screenwriters and we look forward to seeing the results. It will be a fantastic environment to explore new thoughts and concepts as well as discussing story ideas.”