Written by Kianna Best on Jul 23, 2024. Posted in General Interest

The DarkRoom development lab supports Trans, Queer and Non-Binary writers for screen

The DarkRoom development lab, presented by Trans+ on Screen is providing the opportunity for Trans+ and Queer Global Majority writers to develop their feature film genre projects. For up to 10 writers, the creatives will take part in a six day residency alongside a series of online masterclasses, networking opportunities,  and many more opportunities. I spoke with Helios Blanc, film and TV producer, distribution strategist, and founder of Trans+ on Screen about the development lab, the motivation behind bringing it to life, and what’s to come.

Open to individuals who identify as trans, queer, or gender non-conforming, the lab will assist 10 writers to develop a genre feature film script. Creating a unique and intimate space for, the DarkRoom development lab puts writers at the forefront, welcoming the most ambitious projects. The initiative came about after an application was made to the BFI’s Creative Fund Challenge. But whilst there were some unforeseen changes, all turned out for the better, with the team consisting of former employee for The Location Guide Helios Blanc, actor and writer Yasser Zadeh ,and executive producer and script editor Caragh Davison coming together.

“There's a lot of noise already, a lot of sales and acquisition teams from different production companies that are reaching out asking who the writers are,” stated Blanc. “So with this in mind,  what we did was make sure that the first master class covers things like how do you find an agent because for some of them, this is probably the first time that they are in this industry. Knowing we're going to put in this world, which can be wild, we just want to make sure we protect them.”

Beyond the accessibility and inclusion of the programme itself, Blanc remarks on the peripheral elements in place to champion that also, with members of all backgrounds involved and consulted with to ensure the truest form of representation. “It’s a march,” they comment, as the development lab brings the ethos of Trans+ On Screen with its membership required to make up 20%-30% of cast and crew on productions.

Blanc added: "On one end we have people who, let's say work freelance as writers or actors, pouring their love and support into what they do, and wanting to lead master classes, and then studios who are more like, well, I'm getting paid already by my company, so you save that money, give it to someone else, and then I'll come and do something with the lab. It's been great to see the type of solidarity that we're getting from different people across the industry."

Writers part of the programme will be paid up to GBP 5,000 for their time, alongside their six day residency in the UK countryside, and pitch showcase at BFI Flare. Producer Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor known for Blue Story, Boxing Day,  Zoe Terakes from Talk to Me, Omari Douglas of It’s A Sin, Moi Santos, manager for the equity, impact and belonging programme at Sundance Institute, and Tuck Dowrey, director of development at Pageboy Productions, join the jury for the development lab.

Images courtesy of The DarkRoom