Every great film starts on the page

Free workshop for ages 16 – 30 years.

Before a single frame is shot, someone has to write it. Join award-winning writer and director Jack Hartley for a hands-on workshop on how a short film actually comes together, from that first spark of an idea to a finished script you could put in front of a camera.

Part of our Make Your Cut project, this session is your way in. You’ll learn how to shape a story and write scenes that work on screen, all from someone who does it for a living right here in the North of England.

Whether you’ve written before or you’re starting from a completely blank page, you’ll leave with the tools and the confidence to tell your own story.

About Jack Hartley
Jack Hartley is a writer and director working in the North of England, and co-founder of Zomdic Films. His films have collected awards internationally, from Best Cinematography at the Manchester Film Festival to Best Short at the BAFTA Qualifying Raindance, and his comedy mockumentary The Baths, is currently in development with House Productions

Alongside his own films, Jack has produced music videos for the likes of Liam Gallagher, Yard Act, The Proclaimers, Tom Grennan, Blossoms and Jamie Webster, 

Most recently, Jack was selected for the Channel 4 Writing for TV Awards 2025, a year-long writing opportunity with Warp Films, in partnership with New Writing North. Warp is the acclaimed northern studio behind films like This Is England, Four Lions and Dead Man’s Shoes, and it’s the company that inspired Jack to become a filmmaker in the first place.

He’s exactly the kind of working writer we want passing knowledge straight to the next generation of Lancashire filmmakers.

Who’s it for?
Anyone with a story they want to tell. The workshop is open to anyone aged 16-30, and no previous experience is needed. Under-18s should have a parent or guardian sign them up.

The details
When: Saturday 31 October 2026 (10 am – 4 pm) 
Where: The Grand, 18 York Street, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 2DL 
Cost: Free
Age: 16 – 30 
Food: Not provided, but we will have a break