Shetland Arts is proud to present Not as good as the book: adapting novels for the screen, a practical workshop with Shetland screenwriters Gaby Chiappe and Richard Davidson, on Tuesday 21 May, 7-9pm, in Mareel’s Green Room.

Gaby Chiappe and Richard Davidson are visiting Shetland to lead the workshop and to research the upcoming crime series, Shetland. It is a 6 part series which they are in the process of adapting from two of Ann Cleeves’s Shetland novels, Raven Black and Blue Lightning.

Gaby Chiappe has been a screenwriter for fifteen years. Her recent work includes episodes of Survivors, Lark Rise to Candleford and The Paradise for BBC 1, and Vera for ITV. She has also adapted Lissa Evans novel Their Finest Hour and a Half for Wildgaze Films, Number 9 films and BBC films. She is currently adapting Ann Cleeves’ Raven Black for the forthcoming series of Shetland.

An award-winning playwright, Richard Davidson’s screenwriting career began with Eastenders. He was a lead writer on the show for six years, contributing more than 60 episodes. Recently, he’s become a key writer on Silent Witness – writing for the last 3 seasons – and is currently working on Vera for ITV, and an adaptation of Ann Cleeves’ Blue Lightning for Shetland. Richard is also adapting Midge Gillies’ Barbed Wire University for BBC Drama.

As its title suggests, the subject of the workshop will be adaptation of existing texts, including novels and short stories for the screen.

The workshop will be a practical one in the sense that participants will be encouraged to do some structuring and writing themselves. It will also include the analysis of and discussion about some existing screen writing and of the finished on screen product.

Shetland Arts Literature Development Officer, Donald Anderson said: “This is a great opportunity for anybody who is interested in developing their writing for screen to take part in what promises to be a fascinating and helpful workshop, led by two vastly experienced screen writers.”

Places on the workshop cost £5 and can be booked via Shetland Box Office in Mareel & Islesburgh, over the phone on 01595 745 555, or online here. Places are limited, so prompt booking is highly recommended.

Source: Shetland Arts