Monte Carlo TV Festival launches Writers Room

The upcoming Monte Carlo TV Festival will have a dedicated session for existing and would-be TV writers for the first time, with international executives sharing their scripted TV expertise.

The session will be part of the wider ConTech Academy conference and networking strand that runs alongside Monte Carlo TV confab, which will be running its 56th edition.

The Writers Room is a ConTech highlight and will allow Academy delegates to learn more about the growing opportunities for writers and creators in the expanding content ecosystem and how innovation and the shift towards digital is helping reach new audiences.

TBI editorial director Stewart Clarke will chair the session, with The Bold and the Beautiful head writer and exec producer Bradley Bell and Studio Bagel chief Lorenzo Benedetti speaking. Thomas Lennon, the writer, director, prodcuer and star of Reno 911 and The Odd Couple, will also take part.

The ConTech Academy runs from 14-16 June and there will also be a Producers’ Forum hosted by the Producers Guild of America, and an International Producers Panel, looking at international coproduction, cofinancing, development, and pitching.

Laurent Puons, CEO of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival said: “The ConTech Academy targets a wide range of delegates who have a common interest in today’s content business – from professionals to young creatives to fans.

“The diverse line-up of speakers, who are all leaders in their field, delivers an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the opportunities and challenges facing the creative community around the world. We’re delighted to host such an eclectic and hands-on event as part of this year’s Monte-Carlo Television Festival.”

in a separate interview, Puons gave TBI the low down on this year’s festival and his longer term goals for the event, which this year runs from June 12-16.