INTERNATIONAL SCREENWRITERS' FESTIVAL/READY TO REGISTER

Yet another date for the 2008 diary: Cheltenham, near Bath, from July 1st to 3rd 2008.

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Already some of last year's happy participants have worried that the 2008 Fest will never be able to match last year’s bout, because it was such a cracker. But such worries are likely to prove unfounded and then some.

The Screenwriters’ Festival is devoted to the art, craft, education, and business of writing for the screen, exploring writing for feature films, television and new media; the Festival programme includes all genres, including comedy.

If you have ever wondered what the format for such a melange is, think keynote speeches, screenings, debates, case studies, seminars and workshops.

Last year this vibrant concoction attracted more than 600 devotees from – interesting 14 countries, not just Britain – including writers, producers, developers, financiers, executives and students.

But forget about merely matching last year.

This year could well surpass it with newly confirmed speakers including Jane Tranter, Controller of BBC Fiction, meaning the BBC Drama group including BBC Films; Oscar winner Julian Fellowes, who snagged an Oscar for Gosford Park and looks set to gather econumiums for Young Victoria (MAIN PHOTO AND ABOVE); Laura Mackie, Director Of Drama ITV

this celebrated trio join several other names already announced: Guillermo Del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy II); Lucy Prebble (Secret Diary Of A Call Girl)’; Deborah Moggach (Pride and Prejudice); and Peter Kosminsky (The Government Inspector, ‘Britz).

To sign up for emailed news on the Festival as it builds its programme, have a look at www.screenwritersfestival.com

Tickets go on sale next month.

Filed January 29, 2008.