Fiona Birkbeck

Screenwriting
I won the ten thousand pound development prize in the Northern Film and Media/Gateshead romantic comedy feature film screenwriting competition.   Previously I was one of two winners for the North East of the UK Film Council's script initiative to find new feature film writer voices around the UK.  I am currently one of eight writers from the UK on Arista Development's fast track programme for screenwriters, Adept 3.  The fully funded programme which is coming to an end shortly has included mentoring, intensive script development and attendance at festivals including Cannes and Rotterdam, etc. 

Film making
I have just directed one of the UK Film Council/Northern Film and Media digital short films, Rebound, with Ruth Jones (from Little Britain, Nighty Night and Saxondale) as the lead.  Joe Caffrey also stars.  The film mixes live action and animation.   Before moving into screenwriting I was originally a producer/director in documentaries. I directed a documentary about the Metropolitan Police and CCTV for Carlton Television and a number of super 16mm shorts for the BBC.   I also produced a BBC 10 x 10 drama and a documentary about the Native Americans in South Dakota for Channel Four.

Ideas
I work as a freelance development producer originating ideas and proposals in numerous genres/mediums from television series(entertainment, documentaries, drama, etc.) to internet projects.   As well as working with television production companies I have worked with other businesses including marketing companies and have done brainstorming for new product names, etc.  I also write web content.

Fiction
I have interest in a novel from one of the Random House companies. 

Studio 7
Brick Works
Hannington Street
Ouseburn
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE6 1JT

tel: 07782 476654

fiona.birkbeck@btopenworld.com