StoryTown Conference
12 January 2024
A catalyst for West Midlands' creative content sector
Transition Stage Company, award-winning film and events production company, is set to host the StoryTown 'Ideas You Own' festival and conference, a groundbreaking three-day event designed to galvanise storytellers across film, TV, and VR, including creative writers such as authors and screenwriters. To energise our West Midlands' talent, the event encourages a proactive entrepreneurial approach and aims to turbo-charge the West Midlands' creative content sector.
Backing this initiative is Create Central, aligning with its vision to foster a thriving creative ecosystem in the West Midlands. The event will take place from January 25 to 27, with tickets starting at £5. The opening evening is at the Birmingham Hippodrome, with subsequent events at Millennium Point and Birmingham SteamHouse in central Birmingham.
Natalie Edward-Yesufu, the visionary founder of Transition Stage Company, underscores the fusion of business acumen, ideas and collaboration. ''In the competitive and ever-changing landscape of the screen industry, StoryTown champions creatives with a passion for forging enduring careers. Embracing an entrepreneurial spirit, we inspire filmmakers, writers, and creatives to choose themselves, fostering a culture of longevity in the dynamic world of storytelling. It's about seizing opportunities and creating one's path, not waiting for it''.
Other notable organisations supporting this venture alongside Create Central include Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham SteamHouse, BFI Network and MySmash.
Alison Warner, Vice-Chair of Create Central, said "Create Central is delighted to be partnering with Transition Stage Co to support StoryTown - an event dedicated to celebrating and advancing storytelling in the region, which aligns seamlessly with Create Central's commitment to fostering an environment that not only promotes creativity but also provides tangible avenues for creative talent to thrive.
One of our key missions is to increase opportunities to monetise content, charting pathways to markets that foster a business pipeline for sustained growth for the sector in the region. Part of our future-facing drive and focus is developing the right market conditions and creating opportunities to support our local creative talent to grow a career in the West Midlands."
In response to the uncertainties in the screen industry, StoryTown aims to equip creatives with the skills to establish and protect their businesses and ideas. The conference provides a comprehensive guide to safeguarding intellectual property across various creative domains, catering to screenwriters, authors, filmmakers, and podcasters.
The event boasts the presence of influential organisations including BBC, BFI, BBC Writers, Create Central, Aniboxx, and various production companies. Attendees will have opportunities to engage with publishers, pitch their ideas, and attend networking events in collaboration with BFI Network.
StoryTown 'Ideas You Own' transcends a typical conference, focusing on mobilising entrepreneurship and building careers in competitive industries. Renowned personalities such as Kit de Waal, award-winning author of My Name is Leon and Create Central member, will share insights on her journey of having her books adapted into a BBC hit. The conference also features a BFI Network producer and writer coffee networking event and panels with Rhianna Adams-Christie, Assistant Commissioner, BBC Drama & Comedy, with a previous position at podcast Amazon, providing insights into what the BBC is currently seeking and the commissioning process.
Prestigious screenwriting award galas, Enter.Stage.Write and Amplified, will celebrate the best of UK writing in the evenings. Notable industry figures will grace the events, offering attendees a chance to witness and be inspired by the best in the business.
StoryTown 'Ideas You Own' is an opportunity for everyone in the creative content sector to take control of their careers. As 2024 begins, the conference invites participants to seize the moment, take the bull by the horns, and embark on a transformative journey at StoryTown, 'Ideas You Own.'
For more information, contact Sarah@TransitionStageCompany.com.