Background

Initialize Films began in 2003 primarily as a consultancy for national and transnational film funds. The experience of finding common weaknesses in film scripts, weaknesses which are often caused and perpetuated by the application of simplified dogma and formulae, led us to set up screenwriting training programmes in 2005. Their main aim was simple: offer screenwriting support, but put the writer first. That meant small groups, coaching rather than "teaching", and film analysis with relevance to each writer's script. Above all, it meant looking beyond the formulas and trying to find development strategies which would suit each writer and their project.

Creating a good product is never enough in the film business so we helped place some of these scripts with producers. The results have been impressive. Several screenwriters, who had no previous screenwriting experience at all, have realised development agreements with experienced film producers (i.e. producer who have produced a number of feature films). We were told that getting an uncredited screenwriter a development deal would be impossible, but by giving a high level of personal feedback and by helping in the market, the "impossible" has been achieved.

We now use this approach of personalised coaching and market support in all our development programmes, which have since been extended to coach filmmakers and producers. These programmes are backed by companies and organisations such as The UK Film Council through Skillset, The Hospital private member's club, BBC Film Network, Olswang solicitors and Shorts International. The impressive results continue: in October 2007, Geoffrey Smith, whose project was developed in our Interdoc training programme for documentary producers, premiered his film at the London Film Festival to considerable acclaim.

We are currently adding to our roster of outstanding consultants which includes Rebecca O'Brien (The Wind That Shakes the Barley), Pippa Cross (Shooting Dogs), Juliette Towhidi (Writer - Calender Girls), Sarah Golding (script editor - The Constant Gardener) and Rachel Wexler (Philip and His Seven Wives; Garbage Warrior).

Initialize provides a unique opportunity of coaching and feedback from experts on the development of individual projects. We believe it's the only way for screenwriters, directors and producers to get ahead.