Eva Svenstedt Ward and Antonia Pyk from Swedish powerhouse Yellow Bird, the company behind Wallander and Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy will be joining us for this year's event, alongside Mike Hodges and novelist David Peace, whose Red Riding Quartet lies squarely in the shadow of Hodges’ Get Carter, screenwriter Tony Grisoni on turning Peace’s four complex novels into three films for Channel 4, novelist Denise Mina on how she has consistently created great crime stories, the BBC’s John Yorke on the commissioner’s perspective, and a sneak-peek at ITV’s up-coming crime dramaVera, with novelist Ann Cleeves and screenwriter Paul Rutman. 

Through a sharp focus on creating crime fiction, the event will explore how the creative choices available to the writer – character, setting, structure, tone – can be enhanced by a better understanding of genre. In addition, we will be looking at the intricate relationship between the crime novel and its adaptation for screens large and small and ask what filmmakers can learn from the work and working methods of crime novelists. 

The event is aimed at all those engaged in creating fiction for the screen, be they screenwriters, producers, or directors. Novelists, and fans of crime fiction in general, will also find the programme of relevance to their interests. 

Featuring case studies, panel discussions, screenings, and networking with leading industry insiders, the aim throughout is simple: to help emerging and established talent gain a better understanding of the art, craft, and business of creating engaging stories for the screen. 

The Programme

Get Carter at 40: Writer and director Mike Hodges joins us for a unique insight into the creation of this seminal British gangster film. (Followed by screening of Get Carter.) 

A Perfect Crime: Novelists Denise Mina discusses how she approaches creating her unique brand of crime fiction. 

The Bloody North: Mike Hodges and David Peace explore the importance of place within the genre and discuss the problems of mixing fact and fiction. 

Setting the Tone: Screenwriter Tony Grisoni outlines his approach to adapting the Red Riding quartet into three films for Channel 4, and examines the importance of tone within the world of crime fiction. 

Commissioning Criminals: The BBC’s John Yorke looks at crime on television and offers his own take on the genre.  

Scandinavia Rising: Script editor Eva Ward and writer Antonia Pyk discuss their work for Swedish production company Yellow Bird (makers of Wallander and the Millennium films) and give us a unique insight into the company’s next large scale venture: the production of six feature films based on the Annika Bengtzon series of books by Liza Marklund. 

Hidden Depths: Ahead of the network premiere of Vera, ITV’s new North East-based crime drama, we’re joined by creator and novelist Ann Cleeves and screenwriter Paul Rutman to find out how they brought the books to the screen. 

The Larsson Legacy: Eva Ward of Yellow Bird explains the complex process of bringing Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy to the screen. (Followed by screening of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.) 

Visit www.thestoryengine.com for more information. 

The Story Engine is produced by New Writing North and Ian Fenton and supported by Northern FIlm and Media.

Ticket sales end on Monday 7th of March. No refunds will be given after that date.